Peppermint essential oil has been around for a very long time and has some amazing benefits. This ultimate guide to peppermint essential oil will teach you a little about this amazing and very versatile oil and will give you 10 practical peppermint essential oil uses.
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Peppermint oil is one of the oldest European herbs that was used for therapeutic purposes and there's even been historical data that dates it back to folk medicine in ancient Egypt, China and Japan. Peppermint was even used in Greece to offset the smell of bodily decomposition!
“Peppermint oil stimulates the mind, increasing the ability to focus. When inhaled, it restores the sense of taste by stimulating the trigeminal nerve. Oddly, inhaling peppermint oil can also curb the appetite. Peppermint is like a rush of fresh energy into the system. It allows us to relax instead of letting anxiety build up in our body or mind. Peppermint oil is specific for people who move between highs and lows. Peppermint is renowned for action on the digestive system and for use in bowel disorders.” (Peppermint)
Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits
tonic, cytophylactic, anti-infective, antiseptic, decongestant, antibiotic, antifungal, antidepressant, anti-toxic, aphrodisiac, astringent, calmative, nervine, anti-inflammatory to the nerves and the prostate
“Peppermint is like a rush of fresh energy into the system. It allows us to relax instead of letting anxiety build up in our body or mind. Peppermint oil is specific for people who move between highs and lows, sadness and happiness, until the ever-widening mood swings settle into lethargy, intolerance, and frustration. Just as peppermint strengthens the digestion and aids the absorption of nutrients on a physical level, it enhances our ability to ‘digest' new ideas and impressions.” (Peppermint)
“Dr. Dembar of the University of Cincinnati discovered in a research study that inhaling peppermint oil increased the mental accuracy of the students tested by up to 28%. Peppermint oil can also be used for headaches and nerve regeneration.
Peppermint is renowned for action on the digestive system and for use in bowel disorders. It is one of the best essential oils for nausea, vomiting, morning sickness (small amounts only), mouth or gum infections, fainting, and motion sickness.
Peppermint oil is strongly anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Peppermint oil increases circulation. All varieties of peppermint essential oil are useful for muscle pain, inflamed joints, and arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties make peppermint essential oil supportive of prostate function.” (Peppermint)
Specific safety for peppermint
Peppermint essential oil can be very beneficial if used correctly. Some medications may adversely interact with peppermint oil. Consult a physician with concerns about drug interactions.
Peppermint can be sensitive on the skin if used without dilution. When using peppermint essential oil, be sure to dilute (with coconut oil or other carrier oil).
Need more safety tips? I've got a list of Essential Oil Safety tips. Be sure to read this before using essential oils so that you can use them safely and effectively!
Use Essential Oils Safely
Master the art of using essential oils for all of your health benefits by learning the basics of aromatherapy. Learn how to use essential oils safely and effectively in this 10-Part Video Masterclass for FREE!
Top 10 Peppermint Essential Oil Uses
My goal is to educate you on how to use your essential oils (so they don't just gather dust on a shelf). If you want to find out more scientific information about peppermint essential oil, reference Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils and/or Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand.
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- Muscle Discomfort: Peppermint oil can help relax muscles. Dilute 2-4 drops peppermint oil with some carrier oil and apply it topically to the area(s) of concern. It's great for soothing an aching back, sore muscles, and tension headaches.
- Headache Reliever: Apply peppermint oil to your forehead and temples for headache relief (dilute if needed) and/or mix 2 drops of lavender oil with 2 drops of peppermint oil and apply it to the back of the neck, crown of the head and both temples. Peppermint oil can also help clear your nasal passages if you're suffering from a sinus headache.
- Digestive Soother: Diffuse it, apply it topically to your abdomen or take 1-2 drops internally (in a veggie capsule filled with carrier oil). Peppermint oil helps to relax the muscles in the intestines and reduce bloating, gas and nausea. It may also help with irritable bowel syndrome and even heartburn!
- Oral Health: Add 1 drop to toothpaste or mouthwash. Peppermint oil is anti-microbial and will freshen breath and may kill the bacteria that lead to cavities and gum issues.
- Bug Spray: Mix 1 tbsp witch hazel, 1 tsp aloe gel, 5 drops lemongrass oil, 4 drops peppermint oil, 3 drops lavender oil, and 1 drop thyme oil in a 2 oz spray bottle. Add 1 oz carrier oil and shake vigorously. Spray onto arms and legs as needed for a natural bug barrier. (Zielinski 2)
- Cut Cravings: Diffuse peppermint oil before mealtimes to help you feel full faster.
- Clear Sinuses: Diffuse or dilute and apply to chest and under the nose to help with congestion, cough, colds, bronchitis, asthma, or sinusitis.
- Energy Booster: Diffuse it, inhale directly from the bottle or apply it to your temples, wrists and back of your neck for a quick energy boost.
- After Sun Spray: Add 1-2 Tbsp Aloe Vera gel, 10 drops peppermint essential oil, 10 drops lavender essential oil and ½ cup witch hazel to an empty 4 oz glass spray bottle. Fill remainder of the bottle with water, shake, and apply to burned skin as needed. (Tiffany)
- Hair Growth: Add a drop to your shampoo! Peppermint oil has stimulating properties that penetrate through the scalp surface and stimulates the follicles of hair. Also helps with lice and dandruff control.
Peppermint Diffuser Blends
3 drops peppermint
3 drops lavender
2 drops eucalyptus
3 drops peppermint
2 drops rosemary
2 drops frankincense
2 drops peppermint
2 drops orange
2 drops frankincense
2 drops lime
3 drops peppermint
3 drops lemon
2 drops tea tree
3 drops peppermint
2 drops lemon
3 drops orange
3 drops peppermint
2 drops tea tree
1 drop lemon
2 drops peppermint
4 drops bergamot
3 drops grapefruit
4 drops peppermint
2 drops cinnamon
2 drops orange
4 drops peppermint
2 drops eucalyptus
2 drops orange
2 drops lavender
Peppermint Oil for Headaches
Apply 1-2 drops to your forehead and temples and/or mix 2 drops of lavender oil with 2 drops of peppermint oil and apply it to the back of the neck, the crown of the head, and both temples.
Peppermint Oil for Digestion
Mix with some coconut oil and apply it to your stomach. You can also put 1-2 drops in a veggie capsule, fill the rest of the capsule with coconut oil, close the capsule and take it for internal use.
Peppermint Oil for Sunburn
Add 1-2 Tbsp Aloe Vera gel, 10 drops peppermint essential oil, 10 drops lavender essential oil and 1/2 cup witch hazel to an empty 4 oz glass spray bottle. Fill remainder of the bottle with water, shake, and apply to burned skin as needed. (Tiffany)
Peppermint Oil Kids Safety
Yes.
Topical use on children: Do not apply on or near the face of infants and children. Be sure to dilute to a 5% ratio (or less) when using topically. You can dilute it by adding a few drops to a 10 ml roller bottle or you can put a drop in your hand and add a tsp (or so) of carrier oil and mix before applying to children.
Diffusing around children: Peppermint essential oil is safe to diffuse around infants and children.
Always use caution, especially the first time you are diffusing it. If your child has trouble breathing or any other signs of allergies or side effects immediately following the use of it, cease use immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
Internal use for children: Infants and children should not use essential oils internally unless under the direction of a certified aromatherapist and a medical doctor.
Peppermint Oil for Babies
Diffuse some peppermint oil by their bed for congestion. Dilute well and rub on their stomach for digestion issues.
Fever
I want to preface by saying that fevers are good. That means your baby is trying to fight off something and fevers help kill the nasty bugs that your baby got infected with. However, I know there are times that you need to reduce the fever, so here's the recipe I use:
Cool Baby Roller: Add 2 drops peppermint oil and 2 drops patchouli oil to a 10 ml roller bottle. Fill to top with coconut oil. Apply on bottoms of feet and up the spine as needed to reduce fever.
Where can I buy peppermint oil?
Be sure to get a pure, high-quality essential oil from a company that you trust. My 2 favorite brands of essential oils are Butterfly Express & Plant Therapy. You can read more about my favorite essential oil brands in my post titled Where to Buy Essential Oils: 4 Best Essential Oil Brands.
Conclusion
Peppermint essential oil has so many uses and benefits that it's a great must-have oil for your arsenal. Want a quick reference sheet about peppermint oil uses? Just enter your info below and I'll send it straight to your inbox!
Sources:
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita). Retrieved from https://butterflyexpressions.org/information/Singles/PeppermintP
Peppermint Piperita Essential Oil. Retrieved from https://butterflyexpress.shop/products/peppermint-piperita-essential-oil/
Tiffany. (2019, March). DIY After Sun Spray. Retrieved from https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/after-sun-spray/
Zielinski, Eric. (2020, December). 13 Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits: Nausea, Bug Repellent, Energy & More! Retrieved from https://naturallivingfamily.com/peppermint-essential-oil-benefits/
Zielinski, Sabrina. (2020, December). Gardener's Essential Oil Bug Spray. Retrieved from https://naturallivingfamily.com/essential-oil-bug-spray/
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