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Peppermint is one of the more versatile essential oils, with health benefits ranging from soothing headaches and muscle pain to treating a hangover and easing IBS.
The benefits of peppermint essential oil have been well-documented. There are records of it being used several hundreds of years ago and it has even been found placed in the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
Today, several studies have provided valuable insights into the many health benefits of peppermint essential oil.
Top 10 Benefits Of Peppermint Essential Oil
1. Provides Relief From Headaches
The cooling and soothing effect of peppermint are very effective for getting rapid relief from searing headaches and migraines.
How to use peppermint oil for headache relief – Rubbing a few drops of oil over your temples, sinuses, and forehead is the fastest and most effective way to soothe that throbbing head. As with any essential oil, always mix a drop or two of the oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba before applying it to your skin.
2. Eases Respiratory Problems
Knowingly or unknowingly, we already use the power of peppermint aromatherapy when we apply an over-the-counter chest rub.
Peppermint essential oil is one of the most commonly used active ingredients in many natural chest rubs. The oil is rich in menthol, which helps clear the respiratory tract of infection, providing effective relief from sinusitis, nasal congestion, and bronchitis.
How to use peppermint essential to ease respiratory issues:
- Mix a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil and rub this blend on your chest. Do this 3-4 times a day.
- Add a few drops of the oil into an aromatherapy diffuser and inhale the aroma.
- To clear a stuffy nose, add 2 -3 drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water, put your face directly over the bowl, and breathe deeply. You will need to do this a few times to completely clear a stuffy nose.
3. Soothes Muscle Pain
Peppermint essential oil is a natural relaxant and its cooling properties work very well to soothe sore muscles.
How to use peppermint oil to soothe muscle pain:
- If your muscles feel tense, sore, or painful, rubbing a few drops of peppermint oil mixed with carrier oil over the affected area will help to soothe the muscles.
- Another option, which is one of the easiest ways to avail of the benefits of peppermint aromatherapy, is to add a few drops to your bathwater. On those days when the muscle tension feels like it is getting you down, soak in a nice warm bath with a few drops of peppermint oil to soothe your muscles. Read more about how to use essential oils in the bath safely.
- Alternately, you can mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil and gently rub over the painful area.
Note – Always blend peppermint oil with a carrier oil before topical application.
4. Helps Treat Hangovers Fast
Peppermint is one of the best essential oils for hangovers.
How to use peppermint essential oil for a hangover
Adding a few drops to your diffuser and inhaling the vapors will help ease that throbbing headache and soothe that nasty nausea.
Another way to use peppermint oil for your hangover is by mixing a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil and rubbing the blend over your forehead and temples.
5. Refreshes, Uplifts, & Boosts Energy In The Morning
Want some extra energy in the morning when starting your day? The refreshing, uplifting, and energy-boosting properties of peppermint oil are legendary and will do the job brilliantly!
How to use peppermint essential oil in the morning
Fill your oil diffuser with peppermint essential oil and inhale the vapors as you go about getting ready for the day. The refreshing, energizing aroma will shake off the lingering sleep so you feel awake and alert.
Alternately, put a few drops in your shower gel. Even a quick shower using this peppermint-infused gel will refresh and stimulate your senses, leaving you raring to go and all set for the day ahead.
For a more subtle aroma, combine peppermint with any citrus oil such as lemon, grapefruit, or lemongrass, which are also known to improve your focus and concentration.
6. Boosts Mental Alertness In The Afternoons Too
If you’re struggling to stay focused on a demanding task, inhaling the vapors of peppermint can help. Peppermint oil increases blood flow and stimulates your brain, improving mental agility and focus, and helping you feel more alert.
A lot of people such on peppermints to help them stay awake and alert. One of the more common uses of peppermint essential oil is to help overcome the afternoon slump and boost alertness. The energizing scent of peppermint essential oil will help ‘wake’ you up, boosting alertness and mental clarity.
7. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The refreshing effects of peppermint oil have been very helpful in providing relief from stress and anxiety. Peppermint aromatherapy is also known to work wonders for people experiencing mental exhaustion, restlessness, and depression.
How to use peppermint to relieve stress & anxiety
A quick and easy way to get the stress-reducing benefits of peppermint essential oil is by adding a few drops to your diffuser and inhaling the uplifting aroma.
Another way to use peppermint essential oil for stress relief is to add it to a warm bath and soak in it for a while. The combination of peppermint oil and warm water works wonders to relieve stress and anxiety. No time for a long bath? See how to use peppermint essential oil in the shower to relieve stress and anxiety.
8. Alleviates Motion Sickness
If you are heading out on a cruise, this is the one oil you need to pack in your suitcase, especially if you are prone to motion sickness.
One of the best peppermint essential oil benefits for cruise travelers is its ability to soothe the feeling of nausea and vomiting.
Whether this is your first cruise or you are an experienced cruiser, you never know when that little bottle of peppermint essential oil may come in handy.
Motion sickness can hit anytime when you are aboard a cruise and can ruin an otherwise amazing experience. At times like these, inhaling the aroma of peppermint oil can be a real mood-saver.
There are two ways that you can avail of peppermint essential oil benefits for seasickness:
One is to put a few drops into your travel essential oil diffuser and keep it on while you are in your suite.
A personal inhaler or an aromatherapy necklace will help you get the benefit of peppermint essential oil while you are roaming around on deck.
9. Eases Digestion & Stomach Problems
Using peppermint essential oil to ease digestion and stomach problems is an age-old tradition. Whether it is due to a medical condition like IBS or acid reflux, or simple digestive problems arising from something you ate that didn’t agree with you, peppermint oil can help.
The oil relaxes the digestive muscles, improving their ability to function. This is what makes it so effective in treating all tpes of stomach problems including nausea and IBS.
These are a few more essential oils that offer relief from digestive problems.
10. Soothes Skin Inflammation & Rash
Peppermint oil is often used in first aid kits for various types of skin issues.
Peppermint has a really cooling mint sensation, similar to what you experience when you apply aloe vera to the skin.
The cooling, soothing properties of peppermint come in really useful for alleviating that itchy, irritating feeling that you get when you have a skin rash.
How to use peppermint oil to soothe skin inflammation:
To alleviate the discomfort of skin rash, mix 3 – 4 drops with a carrier oil such as almond, coconut, or olive oil and massage this blend gently into the affected area.
Where to Buy Peppermint Essential Oil
As with all essential oils, the most important thing is to buy only from a reputable source. This is even more important if you are planning on consuming it internally.
I always use Plant Therapy Peppermint Organic Essential Oil. With Plant Therapy essential oils, I know I don’t have to worry about the quality. All of their oils are 100% pure, undiluted, therapeutic grade.
Plant Therapy Peppermint Organic Essential Oil is organic and safe to ingest. Still, always check with your doctor before ingesting any essential oil.
Looking for an aromatherapy diffuser to use your newly purchased oil? Save money on one of these Top Rated Essential Oil Diffusers That Cost Less Than $25
Using your diffuser in a big room? You’ll love these Essential Oil Diffusers For Large Spaces.
Prefer not to use a diffuser? 25 Ways To Use Essential Oils Without A Diffuser offers lots of alternatives.
Reading through these reviews will give you a better idea of which aromatherapy diffuser is best for your requirements.
Plant Therapy TerraFuse Diffuser
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.