Peppermint is a very versatile oil and definitely one to keep on hand at all times. It’s cooling and energizing properties can be used to support digestion, breathing and mental alertness. From your health to the kitchen, the garden and beyond, let’s look at some of the ways you can benefit from peppermint.
Peppermint essential oil at a glance
Scientific name: Menta piperita
Parts used: Whole plant
Main properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cooling, invigorating, expectorant, vasoconstrictor
Emotional gifts: joy and buoyancy - rediscover the joy of being alive and that life can be happy; clarity - become clear on the direction you want to take in life or for a specific issue
Blends well with: citrus oils
Method(s) of use: aromatically (A), topically (T) and internally (I)*
Safety: dilution is recommended due to possible skin sensitivity
Cool Fact: The peppermint plant is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint and was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
*always read the label of your essential oil to make sure it’s safe for internal use. To find out more about the importance of purity in essential oils, read my article here. I have an entire article on how to use essential oils aromatically, topically and internally -- read it here.
How to use peppermint essential oil
Alertness & Energy
Peppermint is a fabulous pick-me up when you’re feeling tired or unmotivated. Simply inhale a drop from cupped hands (avoid contact with eyes) and within seconds you’ll feel like a second wind of energy came on. I love adding a drop of peppermint to a cotton ball and stuffing that into the vent of my car when driving long distances of at night.
Feeling overheated
With its menthol constituents, peppermint can give a fabulous cooling sensation on a hot day, after a strenuous workout or when you’re otherwise feeling a little too hot for comfort. You can apply a drop of peppermint mixed with carrier oil along the back of your neck and spine, on the bottoms of your feet. Or add a few drops of peppermint to a small spray bottle filled with water and spritz yourself (avoid contact with eyes of course).
Soothing stiffness or tension
Peppermint helps to relieve and soothe tired muscles after a workout and can be a quick and effective solution when head tension is bothering you. Rub a drop of peppermint along the back of neck, along the temple areas, along the hairline on your forehead or to any sore muscle areas. Be careful not to get too close to your eyes and dilute with a carrier oil.
Breathing
To support the respiratory system, add a drop of peppermint into your palm, rub your palms together and then cup your hands over your nose and mouth (avoid eyes). Breathe deeply to clear airways from congestion.
Digestion
Ease digestive upset by rubbing peppermint in a clockwise motion around your abdomen (dilute with carrier oil first). Alternatively, you can add a drop to a glass of water and slowly sip it. Peppermint also works great for cravings or to help curb excessive appetite. You can inhale a drop from your hands or take it in a small amount of water, swishing it around your mouth first. Bonus: your breath will by minty fresh too!
Cooking
Forget that peppermint extract from the baking aisle! Pure peppermint essential oil will create a flavour explosion for your baking and cooking - and you only need a tiny amount, often just 1-2 drops or less. Try dipping a toothpick into the orifice of the oil bottle and then swirling that toothpick around in your hot chocolate, a cup of hot water or a glass of lemonade.
Click here for a link to one of my favourite desserts, black bean peppermint brownies — high in protein and so delicious!
Bugs
Peppermint is a natural pest deterrent. It can be effective against ants, rodents, and various insects, especially if combined with tree-based oils like cedarwood, tea tree and/or eucalyptus.
Note: If you do get peppermint in or near your eye, do not use water to wash it off. Water repels oil and will not help. Instead, add a few drops of carrier oil or even kitchen oil like olive or avocado oil, and gently wipe the peppermint oil away from your eye area.
Blends you’ll love
While peppermint is fantastic on its own, you can combine it with other essential oils for targeted custom blends. Here are a few to get you started.
Allergy trio
This is probably the most famous blend, using three common essential oils to provide effective and soothing relief for seasonal issues.
1 drop peppermint
1 drop lavender
1 drop lemon
Inhale from cupped hands, rub diluted over your chest area and also take in water by swishing the mixture in your mouth for a few seconds then swallowing.
Afternoon pick-me-up
1 drop peppermint
2 drops wild orange
Inhale from cupped hands, or double the amounts and add to your diffuser. You can also make your own roller blend using 5-6 drops peppermint and 10 drops wild orange essential oil. Add to a 5 ml roller bottle and top with carrier oil. Apply to back of neck, behind ears, along forehead, inside of wrists and inhale. To supercharge the above blend, add 1-2 drops of frankincense if inhaling, or 5-6 drops if making a roller blend.
Head tension
This roller blend can provide soothing relief for occasional head tension.
5 drops lavender
5 drops peppermint
7 drops frankincense
Combine into a 5 ml roller bottle and top with carrier oil. Apply to affected areas such as temples, forehead, back of head or neck. Re-apply every 30 minutes as needed.
Clarity
This diffuser blend is great if you're trying to clear confusion (foggy brain) or want to get crystal clear on how you can change your life for the better -- and then have the focus and energy to take action.
5 drops lemon (focus/clarity, joyful, fresh start)
2 drops peppermint (clarity, optimism, energy)
1 drop rosemary (mental clarity, open and able to make changes)
If you would like more information on peppermint (or any other essential oil) and how you can use it in your life, please Contact Me! Specific health or life concerns? I can help. Send me an email or fill out my Contact Form.
All my best,
Daniela
Live/Dried Blood Analysis - Homeopathy - Essential Oils Specialist
Nutrition & Lifestyle
Helping you live a life you LOVE!