What do picture when you think of peppermint? Candy canes and other Christmastime candies and desserts probably make the list. Well, just like the extract, peppermint essential oil is known for it’s smell that resembles those holiday treats. It has a refreshing and invigorating scent that is beloved by many.
Along with it’s scent, peppermint essential oil is also known for it’s therapeutic uses. Let’s explore why peppermint essential oil is so great…
If you are new to essential oils, I highly recommend peppermint essential oil as one of your first essential oil purchases. And if you’re REALLY new, I recommend you read: What are essential oils and How to Use Essential Oils Safely.
Peppermint Essential Oil Profile
Traditionally known to be soothing and good for the digestive system, it was used in many treatments of stomach issues. Peppermint essential oil is known for it’s fresh and minty aroma and has many culinary and pharmaceutical uses.
Other properties of peppermint essential oil:
- A mild antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic
- Can improve appetite and digestion as well as relieve gas and upset stomach
- Can stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus
- Can reduce fever
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory
- Can expel parasites from the intestines
- Can have a sedative or stimulant effect depending on how it is used and the individual
- Is considered an aphrodisiac
In general, peppermint essential oil is known as an “invigorating” oil, and can promote alertness.
Tips for Using Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil should be handled with care. Here are some safety instructions to keep in mind when using peppermint essential oil…
Safety Guidelines for Using Peppermint Essential Oil:
- Avoid use by anyone with epilepsy
- Avoid use during pregnancy
- May cause skin irritations in some people
- Avoid use in conjunction with homeopathics
- Avoid using with children under 6 (source)
Of course, you should always follow safety guidelines when handling and using essential oils.
Read: How to Use Essential Oils Safely
Some general tips for using peppermint essential oil:
- Always dilute in a carrier oil when applying to the skin (unless instructed otherwise by a certified aromatherapist). I recommend this resource for learning how to properly dilute oils.
- Use 5 drops of peppermint essential oil in an essential oil diffuser (I own this one) to promote a feeling of energy and alertness.
- Dilute and carry in a roll-on applicator so that you can reap the benefits of aromatherapy when away from home.
- Peppermint essential oil can have a strong stimulant effect so it should not be used before bedtime.
More ideas below…
Note: You should never apply peppermint essential oil NEAT (undiluted on the skin), it can cause irritation and sensitization (source). Please contact a qualified aromatherapist for further information regarding this.
Top 5 Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil
Of course, there are thousands of recipes and specific uses for peppermint essential oil. But, this is a general overview of what peppermint essential oil can be used for. Hopefully this will give you a good idea of the full range of possibilities with this wonderful oil!
The top 5 uses for peppermint essential oil are:
1. Digestion and Upset Stomach
Peppermint essential oil is known to help improve digestion and aid in relieving various stomach issues. It has carminative properties which means that it can relieve flatulence and abdominal upset caused by excess gas. It can also promotes the flow of bile from the gall bladder into the intestines.
- Massage diluted oil into the abdomen to relieve gas or upset stomach.
- Diffuse or inhale to relieve nausea
Here is a great recipe for an intestinal ailments essential oil blend.
2. Energy and Alertness
Peppermint essential oil is one of the most well known oils for providing mental clarity, alertness, and energy. It has an invigorating scent and effect.
- Carry an essential oil inhaler with you to provide yourself with energy and alertness whenever you need it throughout the day.
- Diffuse peppermint essential oil near your desk to improve your clarity and concentration.
- Apply diluted to the back of the neck or to the wrists to improve your energy and stamina
- Inhale before and after a workout to boost your energy and prevent fatigue
Try making this citrus cologne to give you an energizing lift as you get ready every morning.
3. Pain and Sore Muscles
Peppermint oil’s analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties make it an excellent pain reliever for certain areas of the body.
- Carry diluted peppermint oil in a roll-on bottle to provide cooling, localized pain relief.
- Try this DIY Muscle Rub using peppermint essential oil.
4. Headaches
Because it contains a significant amount of menthol, peppermint essential oil is known for it’s ability to relieve tension headaches. Menthol has the ability to relieve tense and painful muscles aches.
- Carry a roll-on applicator of peppermint oil in your purse or car to relieve tension headaches on the go.
- Diffuse peppermint oil in your living room or office to prevent tension headaches throughout the day.
- Try making this headache balm using essential oils.
- Try this essential oil headache blend.
5. Colds / Congestion
Peppermint oil has expectorant properties. It can make coughs more productive by helping to move mucous out of the respiratory tract. It can also alleviate a fever. This makes it a popular essential oil to use during colds and flu.
- Diffuse peppermint oil when you have the cold or flu to help you feel better.
- Apply diluted peppermint oil to the chest for more productive coughs.
- Apply diluted oil to the wrists or ankles to help relieve a fever.
- Try this DIY vapor rub recipe using peppermint essential oil.
~ Where to Buy Essential Oils ~
I currently recommend Mountain Rose Herbs or Plant Therapy.
Vanessa integrates EMDR, sandtray, and attachment-focused approaches in her work and is completing credentials toward Registered Play Therapist and EMDRIA certification. With a background as a certified birth doula and a passion for making healing accessible, she writes and teaches on the intersection of trauma, neurodevelopment, and story-based therapy.
So many uses for peppermint oil! I have mainly used it for sore muscles and common cold. I will try it for headaches next time. Thanks for sharing!