Peppermint essential oil is often top most in the minds of coffee houses, bakeries, and bath and body product makers too! Peppermint is the flavour and scent of the season. With candy canes, peppermint bark and hot chocolate, many of us are excited about peppermint during the colder months.
Peppermint essential oil can be a wonderful addition to your selfcare routine, but there are concerns with this oil that you should be aware of.
We’ll dive into the benefits and cautions of peppermint essential oil, with expert advice and safe use tips that can help you enjoy this essential oil safely.
1. Headaches
You’re probably aware that one of the main uses of peppermint essential oil today is to ease headaches. Peppermint essential oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be a cooling essential oil and helps with circulation. When applied topically, especially on the temples or forehead, diluted peppermint oil may help relax muscles and ease tension, providing headache relief.
2. Focus
Peppermint essential oil’s ability to clear the head makes it a great oil for focus. On those days when you need to get things done at the office, look to peppermint oil to help focus and help you accomplish tasks. Peppermint essential oil has been linked to improved cognitive function and overall mental sharpness. Just one or two drops onto aromatic jewelry will help you to concentrate while keeping your scent personal to you.
Check out our essential oil roller blend for focus!
3. Muscle and Joint Pain Relief
Peppermint essential oil is a bit of a chameleon when you work with it for muscle and joint pain. In low dilution peppermint is a cooling oil, however, when used in a slightly higher dilution peppermint becomes a warming oil. With its analgesic properties and anti-inflammatory nature, peppermint can be beneficial when applied topically to sore muscles.
4. Digestive Relief
Peppermint oil also boasts digestive benefits. It has been used for centuries to aid in digestion and soothe gastrointestinal discomfort. It may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. Its carminative properties can relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, easing spasms and promoting smoother digestion. You can create a personal inhaler by adding 2-3 drops of peppermint oil onto a cotton pad. Inhale three times stopping for 30 seconds between inhalations then leave it be. You can also create a soothing belly rub by adding 5 drops of peppermint oil 1 ounce of olive oil. Mix well and apply to the belly as needed. Remember that less is more with essential oils. They are very effective in small doses.
5. Hand Soap
Peppermint essential oil has antibacterial properties so feel free to add it to your liquid hand soap. I love blending a small amount of lemon essential oil with it. This combination creates a scent that can be reminiscent of a lemon pie. Keep the dilution rate low as peppermint can be a skin irritant if too much is used.
6. Skin Care
Peppermint essential oil can be beneficial in small doses for itchy skin. It can be cooling on the skin when the weather is warmer and may provide relief to bug bites.
7. Cough and Cold Season
Peppermint oil can open up the airways and help with addressing respiratory issues like congestion, coughs, and sinusitis. Inhaling the oil or using it in a steam inhalation may help clear the sinuses and ease breathing. Combine peppermint essential oil with a low dilution of rosemary oil to help with congestion.
8. Room Spray
If you are one of the people who love a good room spray, adding peppermint oil to your collection is a great idea. Check your suppliers for a peppermint hydrosol. You can use this as a room spray without diluting it. If you are using peppermint essential oil, mix 60 ml of water with 20 drops of peppermint oil in a glass bottle with mister. You will love the refreshing burst that it will give to a room. Place a bottle in your bathroom for an air refresher when needed.
9. Closet Deodorizer
Peppermint makes a great deodorizer for your closet, and may deter pests like ants and moths. Place a couple of drops onto a cotton ball and store that on your closet shelf or hang it in an organza bag. You can also use a terra cotta essential oil diffuser. Your scent will last longer on these.
This works for clothing drawers too!
10. Peppermint Energy Boost
Peppermint essential oil may be used for an energy boost. You will need to experiment with your own reaction. Peppermint has been found to be energizing for some people but relaxing for others. I find that peppermint essential oil doesn’t make me sleepy. I use it during the day and appreciate the sudden burst of freshness that seems to last a bit longer than scents.
11. Diffuser blend
Peppermint is a great essential oil to add to your diffuser. It can be beneficial before you entertain guests, and is perfect for diffusing in both your boy and girl teenaged rooms. Diffusing peppermint essential oil is beneficial during those months when opening up your windows is not ideal.
12. Tired Feet
Pamper your tired feet this season with a cooling peppermint foot massage. Add 2 drops of peppermint essential oil to 1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil. Apply this to your feet after a long day. Allow yourself a moment to massage this in. You may want to add soft music in the background and turn down the lights to increase your feelings of winding down for the day. Don’t forget to put socks on after this application to help prevent yourself from slipping after application. You also want to prevent the coconut oil from getting onto the floor. While it may damage the floor, it also creates a slippery environment for you and for others.
Using Peppermint Essential Oil Safely
Peppermint is a great oil to have in your collection. It is cooling, refreshing, uplifting and can help with aches, digestion, and freshen up your closets. This oil also comes with cautions so we must be sure to use it safely.
First, do not use peppermint essential oil in the bath. Peppermint can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Just a small amount of peppermint is going to be noticeable on delicate areas, and yes, in a bad way.
Do not use peppermint essential oil on your face. While I do use it in lip balm effectively, other facial applications are not appropriate. You may be sensitive peppermint oil and that may cause breathing difficulty.
Do not use peppermint oil with kids under 6. It can act as a neurotoxin in young people.
Don’t drink your oils. Especially with herbs and citrus essential oils, I hear about people putting them in water and drinking them. There is no nutritional value in an essential oil. If you are interested in drinking peppermint for digestive relief you’re much better off drinking peppermint tea. I have a green peppermint tea that I love. It gives me the peppermint that I am looking for in a green tea, which is filled with antioxidant goodness. Win!
Adding peppermint essential oil into your self care can offer a number of benefits, but always remember to prioritize safety and mindfulness in its use. You’ll have a refreshing and uplifting experience throughout the colder months and beyond!
