In case you didn’t know, peppermint essential oil is a well-known natural remedy used for hair loss treatment around the world.
Of course, peppermint essential oil comes with many other benefits to our health, but in this article we will focus on the positive effects of this oil on hair growth.
The Main Causes of Hair Loss
Unfortunately, hair loss is an issue that is witnessed personally by a huge number of men and women.
This problem usually occurs after the age of 35, but it is not unusual to experience hair loss when you are younger. Once people realize that their natural hair is experiencing some problems, their self-esteem and self-confidence drops radically.
The hair represents who we are to some extent, so it is no surprise why people are trying everything they can do protect it.
Hair loss in men is often related to the aging process and having genetic predispositions to baldness.
On the other hand, hair loss in women is often linked to a series of other health issues. In both cases, it is crucial to determine what exactly causes the problem, so you can find appropriate remedy.
In the recent period, there is a growing number of people who are interested in herbal and/or natural remedies to prevent or stop hair loss or support hair growth.
If you perform some research, you will see that there are several techniques that have proven to be effective. These techniques included the use of onion juice, castor essential oil, rosemary and garlic.
Peppermint Essential Oil – A Basic Guide
Peppermint, also known as Mentha Piperita, is an old plant that originates from the Middle East and Europe. Today, this plant can be found in different parts of our planet.
According to the experts, peppermint can be classified as a plant that is somewhere between spearmint and water mint.
This specific plant has been used to preserve the occurrence of flatulence and as a relief when this issue actually occurs. In addition, people have used it as a gastric booster.
Peppermint essential oil is obtained from the parts of the plant that rise above the soil in the period before flowering.
If we compare it to the rest of the essential oils distilled with the help of steam, we will soon learn that peppermint oil is highly concentrated and very intense.
Menthol is the active and main ingredient of this oil and most of the healing and medicinal properties of peppermint come from this ingredient. Menthol provides soothing, refreshing and cooling effects.
Peppermint essential oil is frequently used in drinks and foods as a way to add flavor and people can find it in commercial beauty products and soaps too.
There are some indications that this oil is able to soothe IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) signs and symptoms and the symptoms of indigestion.
Some studies have also shown that peppermint oil provides antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects and supports anti-tumor, anti-allergic and antioxidant processes in the body too.
There are many witnesses who have confirmed that peppermint essential oil is very helpful in cases of headaches and migraines, warts, allergies, inflammation and pain.
In case you want to learn more about this amazing oil, read some eBooks that can be found online for free.
Conventional Hair Loss Treatments
There are basically two main commercial products used for hair loss treatment.
The first one is Finasteride, also found as Propecia and Proscar which is taken orally and the second is Minoxidil, also called Rogaine which is used externally. Minoxidil was designed for treatment of high blood pressure.
Many people are convinced that it supports hair growth by boosting blood circulation in the area where so-called follicular skin papilla cells are located. They manage hair production and growth cycles.
It is worth mentioning that minoxidil and finasteride have many side effects like breathing problems, boosted heart rate, sudden weight gain, dermatitis, edema, scaling and itching.
The main goal of the scientific research focused on peppermint oil was to check its real impact on supporting and triggering hair growth and possible side effects.
What did the research about peppermint oil for hair growth find?
Less than two years ago, the popular journal called Toxicological Research revealed a scientific research performed by Korean scientists. The research observed the impact of peppermint essential oil on hair growth in lab mice.
These lab rats were separated in four different groups. Each group received different external application that came in the form of 3 percent peppermint oil, 3 percent minoxidil, jojoba oil and saline.
Each of these products was used externally on areas of mice skin that was shaved on a daily basis, six days per week for one month.
While the one-month study lasted, scientists were assessing hair growth and some other indicators helpful for the study.
In the end, the group of rats that used peppermint oil has experienced significant hair growth. In addition, the rats also had improved skin thickness, increased number of follicles and depth too.
The scientific study has shown that starting from the eight day, peppermint essential oil triggered much faster hair growth compared to jojoba oil and saline.
When the third week started, the difference between the effects of jojoba oil and saline compared to peppermint oil was huge and the results were even better compared to minoxidil too.
Finally, when the fourth week started, peppermint essential oil resulted in much better hair growth compared to minoxidil (93% compared to 55% improvement).
Scientists have concluded that the number, size and depth of follicles was also noticeably boosted in skin where peppermint oil was used externally.
The scientists agreed that these results show that external application of this oil has the ability to encourage hair growth in lab mice, so it is quite logical to allow its use as an alternative technique for preventing hair loss in men and women.
Hair Loss Home Treatments Based on Peppermint Oil
In order to feel the positive effects of peppermint oil when it comes to hair growth, feel free to try some of these natural treatments:
Hair Growth with Peppermint Essential Oil Massage
If you want to support the growth of new hair, mix two drops of peppermint essential oil and one tablespoon of base oil like coconut or jojoba oil.
Massage this mixture on the scalp for a couple of minutes and leave it like that for half an hour. Before you use this mixture, you should try it on a smaller area just to be sure that your skin won’t get irritated. In any case, keep the oil away from your eyes.
Pour Some Peppermint Oil in Your Favorite Shampoo
If you want to help your hair every day, pour some peppermint oil in your favorite shampoo. You can also use it in your conditioner too.
Experts suggest adding up to six drops per one ounce of shampoo/conditioner. Rub the shampoo and wait for 3-4 minutes before washing it.
Some Other Examples of Completely Natural Hair Loss Remedies:
- Many people rely on rosemary when they want to use natural hair loss treatment and support hair growth.
- Onions are used as a remedy to boost hair growth too.
- Castor essential oil has proven to be very beneficial when it comes to hair growth in both men and women.
- A recent study has shown that garlic actively supports hair regrowth,
- Saw palmetto is an exotic plant that looks similar to mini palm tree and it can also help people with hair loss problems.
Via Healthy & Natural World | Web MD | NCBI