20 Ways to Use Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils on the market used commercially and medicinally. It is an incredibly versatile oil and can be used aromatically, topically and through ingestion to benefit the mind and body. It can be helpful to soothe muscle aches, head tension, nausea and upset stomach, low energy, seasonal allergies and many more!
Peppermint essential oil is produced through steam distillation of the leaves of the Mentha x piperita plant. Peppermint is a hybrid species of spearmint (Mentha spicata) and water mint (Mentha aquatica). Some say that Mentha is derived from the Latin word mente, meaning “thought” Others say the name of the genus is derived from Greek mythology in which a nymph pursued by Pluto, was changed into the herb. (1) Mints have been cultivated since ancient times in China and Japan. Historically, mint has been used to aid relief in a variety of symptoms including nausea, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, toothaches and ingestion.
There are several strains of peppermint as well as several species of mint such as spearmint, pennyroyal, water mint and pineapple mint, each differing in the chemical components and therapeutic actions. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is the most widely used.
Aroma
The aroma of peppermint essential oil is highly penetrating and fresh, clean and cooling. It has a pale yellow, clear or slightly green color after distillation.
Principal Constituents
It’s core components include menthol (20-55%) and menthone (8-31%). Other components found include: methyl acetate, menthofuran, limonene, pulegone, cineol and others. (2).
Uses
Research has shown that peppermint essential oil has many health benefits. Peppermint oil may help support the musculoskeletal and digestive systems. It is also known for its benefits supporting energy, mental focus, respiratory colds and hair growth. Its therapeutic actions include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipruritic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cephalic, expectorant, nervine, stomachic and stimulant.
Provides Pain Relief and Reduces Inflammation
Due to this menthol constituent, Peppermint essential oil has a cooling somatosensory sensation when applied to the skin. The Latin word for inflammation is inflammare which means “to set on fire”. Menthol brings a cooling sensation by stimulating thermoreceptors in the skin cells which help the body recognize temperature changes. The skin doesn’t actually change temperature. Instead, menthol causes a signal to be sent to the brain which interprets it as cold, relieving the uncomfortable heat of inflammation.
Relieves Headaches
Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular and effective essential oils for relieving head tension. A randomized, double-blind, controlled study of 164 headache attacks showed that applying 10% diluted peppermint essential oil to the forehead and temples can significantly reduce headache intensity in tension-type headaches. (3) Read more here about using essential oils to help soothe headaches.
Supports Respiratory System
When inhaled, peppermint essential oil is highly penetrating and provides a soothing relief for spring allergies as well as aids with congestion. (4)
May improve cognitive function and boost energy
Whether struggling to wake up in the morning or battling the afternoon slump, peppermint is a great essential oil to inhale to boost energy. One study with college athletes had them smell different aromas on a treadmill and those who smelled peppermint oil reported less fatigue, less frustration, and felt they performed better. (5) Another study had athletes drink 1 bottles of water with a drop of peppermint essential oil in them for 10 days and all performance parameters went up. Researchers of this study claim the results were likely explained due to the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, increase in ventilation and brain oxygen concentration and decrease in blood lactate level related to peppermint oil. (6)
May support nausea and digestion
One of the most well-known benefits of peppermint essential oil is its ability to soothe nausea and upset stomach. Multiple studies have shown peppermint essential oil’s effectiveness for providing nausea relief for hospitalized patients. (7) It may also support digestion by relieving colonic spasms, bloating, and gas. A 2007 placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial found 75% of patients experienced a 50 percent reduction in Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms with ingestion of two peppermint oil capsules twice a day (8).
Promotes healthy hair growth
Peppermint essential helps to stimulates hair follicles to promote healthy hair growth. It may also aid in dandruff relief.
Helps us feel cooler on a hot day
Did you know that diffusing peppermint on a hot day can actually make a room “feel cooler”? Menthol tricks our brains and mouths into the cool sensation because menthol activates the same receptors on nerve endings that are involved in sensing cold. The scent and sensation of peppermint can make us feel cooler, even if the temperature in a room hasn’t changed a degree.
Safety: Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita) is contraindicated in use with infants and small children. Do not apply or near the face of small children due to risk of respiratory spasm. The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy does not recommend use of peppermint essential oil for children ages 3 years old and under. It is also contraindicated in those who have cardiac fibrillation, or a G6PD deficiency and should not be ingested if you have cholestasis or gastroesophageal reflux disease. (9). Peppermint oil is considered to be safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women when used in moderation. Peppermint should not be applied undiluted to open wounds or sensitive skin.
Blends well with: rosemary, lavender, marjoram, lemon, eucalyptus, clary sage, juniper berry and laurel as well as other mints.
20 Ways To Use Peppermint Essential Oil:
Soothe skin after a day in the sun by adding a few drops to aloe vera. See these recipes.
Diffuse for aromatherapy benefits through inhalation. (Great for promoting focus and boosting energy)
Use in massage blends, e.g. 2 drops of peppermint oil and lavender oil in 1 tablespoon base oil to induce relaxation and ease muscle tension.
Add 20 drops to 4oz bottle of distilled water and spray to deter ants.
Use in a gardener’s hand scrub.
Roll on or inhale to soothe motion sickness.
Apply a diluted drop behind ears before working out to boost energy and open airways.
Diffuse with citrus to help wake up in morning or during afternoon sluggishness.
Add a few drops to a cotton ball and store in cabinet to deter mice.
Diffuse with lemon and lavender to provide relief from seasonal allergies.
Add 1-2 drops to shower bottom when wanting to clear congestion.
Make a cooling foot bath by adding a few drops to carrier oil and epsom salts and soaking in a refreshing foot bath.
Massage with carrier oil on abdomen for digestive support.
Replace an afternoon cup of coffee by breathing in some peppermint.
Hot day? Add a few drops to 3 cups of cold water, then soak and strain a washcloth. Apply cold compress to neck.
Use in a roll-on and apply to temples or neck to soothe head tension.
Breathe in using an aromatherapy inhaler for mental clarity and focus.
Add a drop to shampoo to promote healthy hair growth.
Use in a stimulating sugar scrub.
Refreshing Peppermint Lime Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sugar
- 4 tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 10 drops Lime essential oil
- 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
Instructions
- Combine essential oils with coconut oil.
- Add in sugar and stir to combine.
- Store in glass jar or container.
- To use: Use a small amount of scrub and rub in circular motion over skin when in need of some extra exfoliation.
Notes
Contraindications for exfoliating:
- Do not exfoliate on open wounds, thin or broken skin, or when a chronic inflammatory skin condition is present.
- Avoid exfoliants on sunburned skin or immediately after waxing or shaving. Wait 24 to 48 hours after shaving or waxing to use body scrub.
- Avoid exfoliants on varicose veins and moles., as use of exfoliants in these circumstances may increase irritation or complicate the condition.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
References:
Mojay, Gabriel. (1997). Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Rochester: Healing Arts Press.
Tisserand, Robert (2014) Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier
Göbel H, Fresenius J, Heinze A, Dworschak M, Soyka D. Effektivität von Oleum menthae piperitae und von Paracetamol in der Therapie des Kopfschmerzes vom Spannungstyp [Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type]. Nervenarzt. 1996 Aug;67(8):672-81.
Herro E, Jacob SE. Mentha piperita (peppermint). Dermatitis. 2010 Nov-Dec;21(6):327-9. PMID: 21144345.
Moss, M, Hewitt, S., Moss, L., Wesnes,K. (2008). Modulation of Cognitive Performance and Mood by Aromas of Peppermint and Ylang-Ylang, International Journal of Neuroscience, 118:1, 59-77.
Meamarbashi A, Rajabi A. The effects of peppermint on exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Mar 21;10(1):15. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-15.
Briggs P, Hawrylack H, Mooney R. Inhaled peppermint oil for postop nausea in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Nursing. 2016 Jul;46(7).
Cappello G, Spezzaferro M, Grossi L, Manzoli L, Marzio L. Peppermint oil (Mintoil) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Dig Liver Dis. 2007 Jun;39(6):530-6.
Tisserand, Robert (2014) Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier