There are a lot of health benefits to using peppermint essential oil.
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The Latin name for peppermint essential oil is Mentha piperita. Peppermint is one of the most popular, used, and studied essential oils. There have been thousands of studies on this essential oil. Peppermint has so many uses and health benefits that I can’t think of any good reason why you shouldn’t have it in your medicine cabinet.
Truth be told I use peppermint essential oil the most out of all the essential oils. Peppermint is one of the cheaper essential oils and I typically buy 4 oz of it from NOW because I use it so much.
Peppermint essential oil has been used by many different cultures all around the globe for its medicinal properties. Peppermint oil is an antiviral, antibacterial, and analgesic essential oil. Please see this article on essential oil cleaning recipes which I use peppermint in all the time.
Think about it peppermint is found in a lot of products we use every day. This includes ice cream, tea, chewing gum, toothpaste, cigarettes, shampoo, soap, etc.
Peppermint Essential Oil Warnings
Do not use peppermint essential oil if you are pregnant, have epilepsy, and are under 6 years old. Peppermint essential oil can cause skin irritation so make sure do a skin patch test before applying topically. Also, avoid contact with mucus membranes.
13 Health Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
There are many uses for peppermint essential oil. I really believe it’s one of the most useful essential oils. I hope to teach you how to use peppermint essential oil in this article.
Peppermint essential oil mixes well with rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, marjoram, cypress, juniper berry, lavender, tea tree, and grapefruit.
Natural Pain Killer
Out of all the essential oils, peppermint is the number one oil for helping reduce pain. It has a cooling and refreshing effect on the body and mind. The pain that peppermint essential oil has been used to treat has been sore backs, tension headaches, or sore muscles.
There have been several studies which show peppermint oil is effective in treating pain. This study shows that peppermint essential oil helped reduce pain that was associated with fibromyalgia. Along with using peppermint essential oil for muscle pain, you can also use it for joint pain, too.
A lot of different brands of essential oils make rub-ons and any of the blends that are used for pain always contain peppermint.
Topically. Peppermint essential oil is used commonly with carrier oils as a roll on. You should never apply peppermint essential oil without a carrier oil. Your body could have a serious reaction. Additionally, you can use peppermint essential oil in your lotion and rub it on the problematic area.
Bath. You can take a warm bath for 20-30 minutes and add in 7-10 drops of peppermint essential oil. This will help your body relax and provide you with some relief.
Energy Booster
Peppermint is a stimulating essential oil. This means it gives you energy when you inhale it or apply it topically. Many people use peppermint oil for chronic fatigue syndrome because it helps improve their concentration and mood. Typically people will use an electronic diffuser and diffuse it throughout the day, which helps with their concentration and alertness.
Peppermint oil is one of the best essential oils to inhale or apply topically when you wake up in the morning, need a midday boost, or need extra focus. People have even used peppermint oils to help improve ADHD because it improves their concentration and alertness.
Inhale. Use an inhaler throughout the day when you need some extra energy. I highly recommend Plant Therapy’s inhaler.
Diffuse. In your electronic diffuser, you can add in 5-7 drops of peppermint. This will help your mind stay alert and focused.
Topically. You can apply peppermint to your temples or back of your neck 2-3 times a day.
Relieves Headaches
Many people have been using peppermint to alleviate their headaches for years now. Peppermint has natural cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, people that suffer from migraines have noticed a reduction in pain 15 minutes after applying peppermint to their temples, topically.
The reason peppermint is so effective in relieving headaches is that it increases blood flow and circulation.
Topically. Apply peppermint with a carrier oil to your temples, forehead, and back of your neck 2-3 times day. You can make a headache relief roll-on and use it anytime you have a headache. Most do experience relief within 10-15 minutes after applying peppermint to their temples, forehead, and back of their neck.
Relieves Nausea
If you’re nauseous and need a quick fix peppermint essential oil can alleviate your nausea. Peppermint essential oil has been used for motion sickness for several years now. You can diffuse it or put a couple drops on your hands to inhale it which should relieve your nausea. Peppermint essential oil has been used with cancer patients for years. Patients who have been treated with chemotherapy have noticed they are far less nauseous after applying peppermint oil behind their ears.
Inhale. Put a couple drops of peppermint essential oil on your hands and rub them together. Then couple them around your nose and breathe it in. Also, you can use an inhaler and sniff it for 1-2 minutes throughout the day when you’re feeling nauseous. If you’re at home you can always just inhale the peppermint straight out of the bottle.
Aids In Digestion
Did you know there are a lot of dietary supplements that contain peppermint oil in them? The essential oil can help with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). According to WebMD there have been clinical studies that show peppermint essential oil is effective in relieving IBS. The peppermint oil relieves your gas, bloating, acidic stomach, and indigestion.
Topically. To use peppermint essential oil for IBS you’re going to want to rub the abdominal area along with a carrier oil for 1-2 minutes.
Internally. As I mentioned there are a lot of supplements on the market that contains peppermint. To use peppermint internally you can put it in a capsule and swallow it. Also, you can put one drop on your wrist and lick it off. Do make sure you drink a glass of water.
Mental Fatigue
Since peppermint oil has been used to treat mental fatigue because it stimulates your brain it’s also a good remedy for being mentally worn down. I have found that when mixed with rosemary it really helps me when I am mentally exhausted.
Diffuse. Add 5-7 drops of peppermint to your essential oil diffuser (see InnoGear and URPOWER review).
Inhaler. Use an inhaler and inhale the peppermint as needed.
Topically. People apply peppermint oil topically with a carrier oil on their neck to relieve their mental fatigue.
Bath. Along with your aching muscles, joints, etc. when you add 7-10 drops to a warm bath it also helps put your mind at ease.
Sinus Issues
Peppermint is a great essential oil for building up immunity and keeping you well. Whenever you have a scratchy throat peppermint can be used and is often inhaled to provide your sore throat some relief. If you are having sinus issues peppermint oil can be used to unclog your sinuses. Because peppermint is an expectorant it can help provide relief to coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and even relief for the common cold.
Inhaler. Use an inhaler and inhale the peppermint essential oil throughout the day.
Diffuse. Add 4-7 drops to your electronic diffuser which will help ease your sinus issues.
Topically. If used topically on your chest peppermint can also help open up your airways and acts as a decongestant.
Don’t apply peppermint essential oil to your face though. I do not recommend applying it around your sinus area.
Allergy Relief
Dealing with allergies is a pain for many people. There are a lot of over the counter drugs you can take for seasonal allergies. These prescriptions or OTC drugs can cause fatigue, though. However, one of the most effective ways to give your body some relief from seasonal allergies is to use peppermint. Peppermint is an expectorant and has anti-inflammatory properties which help your body get rid of pollen and muck.
Diffuse. To help give your sinuses relief from allergies it’s recommended that you add 4-5 drops to your electronic diffuser. I would also recommend using eucalyptus with peppermint.
Steam. You can boil some water and add 4-5 drops of peppermint in and breathe in the steam to help clear up your passageways. If you don’t want to stand over the stove while the water and peppermint are boiling you can wait until the water is boiling and dump the water into a glass bowl. Then you add in 4-5 drops of peppermint and put a towel behind your head and breathe in the peppermint.
Topically. Apply peppermint with a carrier oil to your temples, chest, and the back of your neck.
Reduce Appetite
If you’re trying to reduce your calorie intake or are dieting you’re going to have hunger cravings. Also, peppermint essential oil will make you fill full quicker. There have been studies conducted on peppermint essential oil which indicate that it helps reduce hunger cravings. This study which was conducted in 2008 shows that people that inhaled peppermint essential oil every 2 hours had fewer food cravings than those that didn’t inhale peppermint.
Internally. You can put a drop or two on your wrist and lick it off with your tongue. Make sure you drink a glass of water after using peppermint internally. Also, you can put 1-2 drops in a capsule and ingest it that way.
Inhale. Inhale peppermint from the bottle or use an inhaler throughout the day when you have hunger cravings. Do this as often as you want.
Diffuse. Add 4-7 drops to your diffuser. This will help uplift your mood. Also, it’s great to diffuse prior to working out because it energizes your mind.
Keep Bugs Away
There are a lot of bugs that hate the smell of peppermint. Therefore peppermint is a great bug repellent. Peppermint will ward off the following bugs:
- Ants.
- Spiders.
- Cockroaches.
- Mosquitos.
- Fleas.
- Flys.
Spray. You can make a peppermint bug spray. To do this you want to mix one cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. Then you add 16 oz of water. Add in about 40-50 drops of peppermint essential oil. Make sure you shake the bottle before spraying it. It’s recommended that you use a glass container, but you can use a plastic spray bottle if you would like.
Relief From Sun Burn
If you have been out in the sun to long you will find peppermint essential oil to be a lifesaver. What is great about peppermint is it actually helps hydrate burnt skin and provides you some relief from your sunburn. Peppermint actually contains a high SPF (sun protection factor).
Topically. Use peppermint with coconut carrier oil and apply it directly to your skin. Also, you can make your own sunburn relief lotion. To do this you simply add a couple drops to your lotion before applying it to your skin.
Reduce Fever
Menthol helps reduce pain. This could be anything from throat pain, chest pain, muscles, joints, etc. But, peppermint essential oil can be used to help reduce your fever. If your trying to get over the flu or sickness and you’re running a fever peppermint essential oil can help.
Topically. Mix 2-3 drops with carrier oil like coconut. Apply it to the soles of the feet. This will help the peppermint absorb into the body quicker. Your fever should drop as a result.
Hair
Peppermint essential oil has been used in hair products for several years. Just check the labels and you will see that it’s in lots of different conditioners and shampoos. You can add it to your regular shampoo to help thicken or nourish damaged hair. Also, peppermint has been used to help stop hair loss. Naturally, because of it’s cool and refreshing smell it can help energize you when you shampoo with it.
Not only does peppermint stimulate the scalp it also stimulates the mind, too. Menthol is a very strong antiseptic and helps kill germs that might be living in your hair. Peppermint can even help remove dead skin and help relieve dandruff issues.
Topically. Add a couple drops to your shampoo or conditioner. Massage it into your scalp and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. You will feel your scalp tingle.
These are just some of the uses for peppermint essential oil. As you can clearly see there are a plethora of ways to use it. Did you know you can even use peppermint essential oil mixed with lemon in homemade Poo Pourri spray, too?
Hopefully, this clears up any questions you might have on peppermint essential oil. Please if you have any questions or concerns leave a comment down below.
16 thoughts on “13 Peppermint Essential Oil Health Benefits”
Great post! I was not aware that peppermint worked against mosquitoes! I will try that right away. Local water levels are very high right now and mosquitoes are everywhere!
I have a rollerball of peppermint essential oil that I use for headaches regularly and it works every time. Do you have any suggestions for other oils that can be added to peppermint oil to make it double-duty to help keep more pests away?
Thank you for this valuable information.
Hey Irma,
There are a lot of essential oils that keeps bugs away. Here are some of them:
Citronella.
Lemongrass.
Tea tree.
Lavender.
Basil.
Pine.
Vetiver.
Eucalyptus.
Thyme.
Catnip.
Hope this helps 🙂
When you see how beneficial a natural product like peppermint essential oils can be, it makes one wonder why more people don’t try it out as a healthcare product ( but of course prescription drugs do have their purposes, especial in severe situations.). Essential oils can really have a positive effect on the body when used normally throughout the week (and they also smell good). Thank you for showing me even more ways peppermint essential oils can be beneficial.
Hey KB,
Certainly, prescription pain medication does have its use. However, they do come with their own mile-long list of unwanted side effects. If you are coming right out of surgery it’s smart to use narcotic pain meds. However, when you can stand it you want to switch to something more natural. Also, a lot of these pain medications can be addictive which is another serious problem.
What about consuming peppermint oil orally? Do you recommend this?
There are a lot of people that don’t recommend ingesting essential oils. While it is debatable I believe it’s safe, but you have to make sure they are pure essential oils. If they are adulterated they will contain chemicals not found in nature. This could be really bad news and there could be some real health concerns.
It might be best to contact your doctor before ingesting essential oils, though.
I did send Plant Therapy an email and this is what they said:
Our official stance on the ingestion of essential oils is this:
“All of our Essential Oils are 100% pure free from any chemicals or pesticides and are ingestible. However, we do not recommend the ingestion of any essential oils. They are highly concentrated and have the capacity to cause serious damage if used internally without the necessary expertise required in administering it. This is supported by the International Federation of Aromatherapists.”
I think it’s fine to ingest essential oils. For instance, Young Living has a line for ingesting essential oils. They are a well-respected brand and if they say it’s fine and create products for ingestion I don’t see any problem with it.
Hey Marcus,
Thanks for your feedback. You are correct that Young Living does have a product line and they do encourage using their oils internally. Furthermore, Dr Axe is fine with using peppermint essential oil internally. He has written a lot about peppermint essential oils benefits and their uses.
However, there are some information on peppermint which actually tells people to put peppermint essential oil in a glass of water and drink it at up-nature. The problem with that is essential oils and water don’t mix. Meaning essential oils aren’t water soluble, so I don’t understand why they tell people you can mix it in a glass of water.
Peppermint essential oil is said to help hair growth. This is because it increases blood circulation to the scalp. This will awaken dormant hair follicles. But, I didn’t realize there were so many health benefits to peppermint essential oil. Have you ever used it in your shampoo?
I personally just love to feel my scalp tingle.
Hey Aria Len,
You are correct that peppermint essential oil does help increase blood circulation. This is one reason it helps grow hair faster. Also, I should note that for men that want their beard to grow faster they can use a supplement like biotin, but also peppermint essential oil. You can make a mix with coconut oil and apply it to your beard.
But, to answer your question yes I have used it with my shampoo. I typically add lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint to my shampoo. It has an awesome smell and gives me a little energy boost in the morning, along with lots of other health benefits.
Got to love the tingle from the peppermint essential oil!
Wow, I am glad I found your blog, and specifically this post. I have major hair loss due to a prescription I was taking. This looks like a great essential oil to use to help in growing my hair back. Of course, it looks like there are so many other benefits! Would it also help with Plantar Fisiciitis pain?
Hey Matts Mom,
Yes, actually peppermint essential oil can be used to treat plantar fasciitis. Along with several other essential oils like lemongrass, frankincense, grapeseed, etc. While there are several articles online that encourage you to ingest the essential oils in a capsule form I DO NOT suggest that you do that.
Massaging the oils is a better way to treat plantar fasciitis. Typically, you will make a roll-on with carrier oil and peppermint, frankincense, grapeseed, and lemongrass. Then you apply the oil topically.
Hopefully, this helps!
Great post about peppermint oils. I like to use all natures gifts before I try something from the laboratory. It is amazing to find out about how many things peppermint can help. I did use once a peppermint stick for my blocked sinuses. It helped a lot, plus it was a really good sensation.
All the best,
Ivan
Hey Ivan,
Peppermint is great for clearing your sinuses. Also, lavender and good for sinuses, too.
Can you please elaborate on how peppermint essential oil can help with coughing? I have had a cough for about a week now and want to try it to help relieve my stubborn cough.
Hey Michelle,
Sorry to hear that you have had a cough for about a week now. It can really make our body hurt and at times can be so annoying!
Peppermint is a decongestant and when it’s applied to your chest with coconut or olive oil it can make your cough more productive. What I mean by this is it thins your mucus. When you apply it to your chest it will help loosen up the mucus.
You can also try this:
Healing balm recipe
1/2 cup coconut or olive oil.
2 tablespoons of beeswax (beeswax pastilles or grated beeswax).
15 drops of peppermint.
20 drops of eucalyptus.
The peppermint contains Menthol which opens up your airways. The eucalyptus contains Eucalyptol which is a natural cough suppressant.
You can use a double boiler when you make the balm. First, melt the beeswax and carrier oil in the double boiler. Add your essential oils. Pour it into a Mason jar or small tin can. Let it set. You can apply the balm to your chest and the bottoms of your feet. Make sure you store the balm away from the sunlight and keep it in a cool dry area. You can use this balm anytime you get a stubborn cough.