There are tons of Benefits of Rubbing Peppermint Oil on Your Belly! Don’t worry; we’ll explain what these are and how to do it right.
Peppermint is actually a hybrid herb—a cross between watermint and spearmint—and the oil extracted from its leaves has remarkable properties. Let’s see all these Benefits of Rubbing Peppermint Oil on Your Belly!
The Why and the How
In the ancient science of Ayurveda, the navel is considered the beginning of life. It serves as the initial connection between the mother and the fetus and acts as a linking channel to the various veins extending to the different parts of our body. Therefore, it is essential to care for both the navel and the belly as a whole.
How do you do that? The easiest way, of course, is to massage diluted essential oils on your belly. Here’s where peppermint oil stands out because of its amazing properties.
You can use the oil to massage your belly and even use a heat pack for extra comfort. Your skin will absorb it slowly, and you’ll notice the changes in a few weeks. Just make sure you dilute peppermint oil with some carrier oil such as coconut, almond or castor oil, or even jojoba, as it is pretty strong just by itself. A 1:4 ratio would work well.
Benefits of Rubbing Peppermint Oil On Your Belly
1. Improves Immune Function
Since the belly, especially the navel, is one of the most important centers for veins and arteries, peppermint oil rubbed onto the area can do a lot. It can boost immunity while also improving blood circulation in the area. For better results, you could try blends of neem oil or tea tree oil with peppermint.
2. Helps With Digestion and Other GI Issues
One of the main chemical compounds in peppermint is menthol, which has a cooling effect on your belly. Peppermint oil can relieve the painful symptoms if you are suffering from digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, GI tract issues, and even IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
3. Helps With Menstrual Cramp Pain Relief
That time of the month is quite a pain, but peppermint oil can help! Massaging dilute peppermint oil on your belly and lower abdomen improves blood flow. Plus, the menthol’s topical cooling effect and analgesic properties also play a huge role in reducing pain.
Note: Do not mix peppermint oil with castor if you’re pregnant. Castor oil can cause contractions and induce labor!
4. Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Insomnia
Sometimes, all you need at the end of a long day is to light some fragrant candles and unwind. However, if you suffer from issues like insomnia, anxiety, and stress, sleep can be a hard-to-get luxury. In that case, you should rub peppermint oil on your belly before bed.
As the belly button is connected to that nerve in the brain that controls relaxation and calmness, rubbing peppermint oil can help calm the mind and alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting restful sleep. Plus, who wouldn’t like a relaxing massage?
5. Fixes Skin Related Issues
While it could sound far-fetched, rubbing peppermint oil onto your belly can also help your skin health! The oil’s antimicrobial properties could get rid of harmful microbes on the skin. When applied correctly, these properties of peppermint oil may help address minor skin concerns. In fact, women can also use it on their breasts to help cracked skin heal.
Precautions and Side Effects When Using Peppermint Oil
- If you have any other medical conditions, are pregnant, or are nursing, it is best to avoid peppermint oil.
- Besides diluting peppermint oil with a carrier oil, you must always patch-test it on a small area of your skin before using it topically. As an added benefit, warm up the oil slightly before rubbing it.
- If you experience itching, redness, or widespread rashes, stop using the oil immediately and visit a doctor. Though rare, peppermint oil has been known to cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).