Did you know that peppermint, a popular hybrid of watermint and spearmint, is the most common species among the 25 Mentha species? According to Wikipedia, in the U.S., peppermint is primarily grown in Oregon and Washington, where its leaves are processed to extract essential oil. This versatile oil is a staple in chewing gum, toothpaste, candy canes, and tea.
Today, let’s dive deeper into the wonderful world of peppermint oil, particularly focusing on its benefits as an essential oil. If you look at Doterra’s Home Essential Kit, peppermint oil is listed among the top 10 essential oils due to its numerous uses and benefits, together with Lavender Oil, Lemon Oil, Deep Blue, Doterra Breathe, Frankincense Oil and many others. So, let’s explore the top 16 ways you can use peppermint oil!
Top 16 Ways You Can Use Peppermint Oil
1. Breathing Support
Peppermint oil is excellent for respiratory conditions. It can help clear sinuses, reduce congestion, and soothe a sore throat. Lab studies indicate that compounds in peppermint oil possess antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, suggesting it may help combat infections that cause respiratory symptoms.
How to Use:
- Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser along with eucalyptus oil to help reduce allergy symptoms and clear airways.
- Gargle: Mix two drops of peppermint oil in water to gargle for sore throat relief.
- Topical Application: Dilute one drop with dime size coconut oil and apply under your nose or on your chest to ease breathing.
2. Freshen Your Breath
Peppermint oil is great for fresh breath.
How to Use:
- Mouth Rinse: Mix a drop of peppermint oil with a drop of lemon oil in water for a refreshing rinse.
- DIY Breath Spray: Combine a couple of drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Homemade Mints: Blend peppermint oil with coconut oil to make your own breath mints.
3. Cool Down
After a long day, peppermint oil can soothe overworked feet and actually cool down the whole body if it’s over heated due to overexertion or low grade fever.
How to Use:
- Cold Compress: Add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil to a cold compress and apply to tired feet, and along the spine as needed.
4. Natural Bug Repellent
Peppermint oil effectively repels pests such as mosquitoes, ants, and mice.
How to Use:
- Topical Application: Dilute one to two drops in a carrier oil and apply to exposed skin.
- Home Cleaner: Add peppermint oil to your floor cleaner or countertop cleaner to repel bugs indoors.
5. Energy Boost
Peppermint oil naturally boosts energy and alertness, making it a great alternative to energy drinks. Check out this study on the Effect of peppermint on exercise performance if you want to learn more.
How to Use:
- Inhalation: Inhale deeply directly from the bottle or diffuse throughout the day.
- Internal Use: Add one drop to a glass of water for an energy boost.
6. Relieve Stress
Peppermint oil’s relaxing properties help alleviate stress and mental fatigue.
How to Use:
- Inhalation: Inhale or diffuse peppermint oil to boost clarity and relaxation.
- Topical Application: Apply diluted with lavender oil to your neck and forehead to relieve tension.
7. Soothe Muscles and Joints
Peppermint has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can ease muscle and joint pain, soreness and cramping.
How to Use:
- Massage: Combine with coconut oil and rub onto sore muscles.
- Bath: Mix a few drops with Epsom salts and add to a warm bath for relief.
8. Ease Digestive Issues
Peppermint oil is effective for treating IBS and digestive discomfort.
How to Use:
- Internal Use: Take in capsule form or add a drop to water before meals.
- Topical Application: Apply diluted oil to the abdomen.
9. Control Appetite
Ease cravings and control appetite with peppermint oil.
How to Use:
- Diffuse: Diffuse peppermint oil before meals to reduce cravings.
- Topical Application: Apply diluted oil to your chest.
10. Relieve Headaches
Peppermint oil can reduce headaches, pain, and tension. Studies show that it might be as useful as common pain relief medication.
How to Use:
- Topical Application: Apply diluted oil to temples, forehead, or neck.
- Inhalation: Inhale directly from the bottle for quick relief.
- Apply one drop to each side of a Q-Tip, fold it in half and place it in the nostrils for a few minutes, taking deep breaths.
11. Reduce Itching
Soothe itchiness from bug bites to poison ivy and allergic reactions with peppermint oil.
How to Use:
- Topical Application: Apply diluted oil to the affected area.
- Bath: Add to a warm bath to relieve widespread itching, and mix in sea salt before adding it to the water.
12. Reduce Nausea
Peppermint oil helps ease nausea and vomiting.
How to Use:
- Inhalation: Inhale directly from the bottle, rub one drop between your hands and cup them around the nose and mouth or add one drop to some water.
- Topical Application: Rub diluted oil behind the ears.
13. Promote Hair Growth
Combat dandruff and stimulate hair growth with peppermint oil.
How to Use:
- Shampoo Additive: Add a few drops to your shampoo.
- Scalp Massage: Massage into your scalp to stimulate growth.
14. Improve Exercise Performance
Peppermint oil can enhance physical performance.
How to Use:
- Internal Use: Add 2-3 drops to your water bottle.
- Topical Application: Apply one drop of dilution to the temples and neck before exercise.
15. Boost Skin Health
Peppermint oil treats acne and soothes irritated skin.
How to Use:
- Spot Treatment: Mix with jojoba or coconut oil and apply to affected areas.
- General Skincare: Add to your skincare routine to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
16. Sunburn Relief
Peppermint oil hydrates and relieves sunburn pain.
How to Use:
- Topical Application: Apply one drop of coconut oil or aloe vera to sunburned areas.
Peppermint oil is truly a versatile essential oil with a wide range of benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your respiratory health, boost your energy, or soothe sore muscles or irritated skin, peppermint oil is a natural solution worth considering and a must-have in your home.
Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits
How Peppermint Essential Oil is Harvested & Distilled
How to get Peppermint Oil
To purchase a pure bottle of peppermint, visit my peppermint oil product page. You will be confident knowing the oils you purchase from dōTERRA are potent and pure, subsequently bringing you maximum health benefits. Find out more on our main Essential Oils page. Check out our Essential Oils FAQ page for some basic info about essential oil usage. Purchase your own here.
If you would like to learn how to use essential oils in my Complimentary, no strings attached, 1-hour Wellness Consultation, then schedule a free consultation here:
Love and Light,
Liraz
Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master & Reflexologist. She owns Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.
***Disclaimer***
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.
