7 powerful ways to use Peppermint Essential Oil

7 powerful ways to use Peppermint Essential Oil

 





7 powerful ways to use Peppermint Essential Oil

The peppermint plant (Mentha Piperita) has a long history of cultivation and human consumption.  For centuries, it has been used as a medicinal herb as well as a flavorful culinary addition.  Today, it can be found in candies, teas, soaps, and even stomach medicines.  The oil from the leaves is also extracted to create a therapeutic essential oil that has powerful benefits.  It’s one of the most popular oils that grace the medicine cabinets of essential oil gurus. Here are seven powerful ways to use peppermint.  It’s bound to become one of your favorite and most-used oils!

1. Diffuse to stimulate and Calm the Mind

We all know what it’s like to not be able to focus.  Whether you are struggling with an assignment at work, studying for a test, or not being able to focus on an important project, peppermint has your back.  According to research by the Wheeling Jesuit University, the aroma of peppermint can impact cognitive functions and assist with concept formation, attention span, memory, and reasoning.  Peppermint oil is also known to calm the mind and take the edge off of anxiety.  There are many ways to enjoy these mind-boosting benefits of peppermint essential oil.  The easiest way is to simply diffuse the oil in a diffuser.  Peppermint has a very strong aroma output and only a few drops are needed.  You can also apply a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball and place near your work space. 

2. Apply topically for Pain Relief

If you suffer from an achy back, joints, or bad headaches, peppermint oil can help soothe the pain.  Create a massage oil by combining 10mL of a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil and two drops of peppermint.  Rub on the affected areas as needed.  For headaches, apply this mixture to the temples, the jawline and the back of the neck.

3. Drink up for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Abdominal pain, frequent bathroom visits, nausea and bloating.  Sound familiar? These symptoms almost always point to irritable bowel syndrome, a condition that affects up to one in five people.  The New York Times says that peppermint “is thought to have the ability to relieve some gastrointestinal problems by blocking the flow of calcium into muscle cells in the intestines, which in turn reduces muscle contractions.”[1]  To experience relief from IBS, add one drop of peppermint oil into a glass of warm water or warm tea. (always consult with your doctor before internal use)

4. Breathe deep for Respiratory Relief

Bronchitis, the common cold, and respiratory infections can all cause uncomfortable breathing problems.  This is due to inflammation of the bronchial and nasal passages, causing an unpleasant restriction of air.  Another symptom, coughing, is also caused due to this inflammation and can keep you up at night.  To get quick relief, put a few drops in a diffuser or vaporizer.  You can also boil a pan of water and add ten drops of the oil when it starts to steam.  Breathe in the steam to open up inflamed airways and nasal passages.  You can also create a topical chest rub by combining 10mL of carrier oil and two drops of peppermint oil.  Rub on the chest to soothe those night time coughs.

5. Use orally to prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath stinks.  Peppermint oil helps.  There are several ways to use peppermint oil to combat bad breath.  First, after brushing, you can apply a drop of peppermint oil to your toothbrush to brush your tongue.  You can also mix a couple drops with a pinch of salt in a small glass of water to create a refreshing mouth rinse.  Next, you can create your own mouth spray by using 5mL of purified water in a spray bottle mixed with 1-3 drops of peppermint oil.  Use the solution within a week. 

6. Spray to keep the Mosquitoes away

Yes!  You can use some essential oils to combat bugs such as pesky mosquitoes.  Peppermint oil is a great choice to keep them at bay and your family safe from illnesses.  To create a anti-bug spray, mix 30mL of a carrier oil such as grape seed oil and a few drops of peppermint oil.  Spray on skin that will be exposed to the outdoors.  You can also mix a few drops of peppermint to 30mL of your favorite carrier oil based lotion. 

7. Apply topically to soothe Sunburn

Sunburns are incredibly painful and itchy.  Peppermint helps to cool the skin and soothe the irritation to prevent excessive itching.  You can simply mix a cool cup of water with two drops of peppermint oil and use a cotton ball to dab the affected area.  To create a wonderful cooling spray, you will need peppermint oil, lavender oil, and aloe vera juice.  In a 30mL spray bottle, fill with aloe vera juice and add two drops of peppermint oil and two drops of lavender oil.  Keep the mixture chilled in the refrigerator for ultimate pain and itch relief. 

Fast Facts

Earthroma’s peppermint oil has a sharp, penetrating scent based on its high menthol content. The minty sweetness of the vapor makes it one of the most popular essential oils.  It is Kosher certified, 100% pure, and is always kept chilled for the best quality.

 

Botanical Name: Mentha Piperita
Country of Origin: India
Plant Part used: Herb
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Great Blends

Peppermint oil can complement many other oils such as basil, black pepper, cinnamon, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, lemon eucalyptus, marjoram, pine, rosemary, spearmint, and tea tree. 

Precautions

People who are pregnant or suffering from asthma should consult their doctor before use.  Do not use on or around children who are 30 months or younger in age.  Consult a pediatrician before using oil on children under the age of six if they are experiencing breathing problems or wheezing.  Do not apply this oil directly to the skin; always use a carrier oil or dilute in water. 

[1] https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/remedies-peppermint-oil-for-irritable-bowel/?_r=0

Purchase Today!

 
Want more recipes?  Sign up for our newsletter below for weekly articles and recipes.  Visit our Essential Oil Diffuser recipe & Topical recipe page for 100's of recipes! 

More Posts

Spin to win Spinner icon