Peppermint is one of the more versatile essential oils, with health benefits ranging from soothing headaches and muscle pain to treating muscle pain and easing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Peppermint essential oil benefits have been well-documented since ancient times. There are records of it being used several hundreds of years ago. Peppermint oil 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.
1. Provides Relief From Headaches
The cooling and soothing effect of peppermint essential oil has been proven effective for providing rapid relief from searing headaches and migraines.
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 peppermint oil with a carrier oil before applying to your skin.
2. Eases Respiratory Problems
We may not realize it, but many of us use the power of peppermint aromatherapy when we apply any 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 works very well to clear the respiratory tract of any infection, providing effective relief from sinusitis, nasal congestion and bronchitis.
There are several ways to get the health benefits of peppermint essential for respiratory problems:
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 in 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. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The refreshing effects of peppermint oil have been very helpful for providing relief from stress and anxiety. Peppermint aromatherapy is also known to work wonders for people experiencing mental exhaustion, restlessness and depression.
For relief from stress, put a few drops of peppermint oil in a warm bath and soak in it for a while. The combination of peppermint oil and the warm water helps to relieve stress and anxiety.
4. Soothes Muscle Pain
Peppermint essential oil is a natural relaxant and its cooling properties work very well to soothe sore muscles.
If your muscles feel tense, sore or painful, rubbing a few drops of peppermint 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 bath water. On those days when the muscle tension feels like it is getting you down, soaking in a nice warm bath with a few drops of peppermint oil is the best way to soothe your muscles.
Alternately, you can mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it on the painful area. To get the benefits of peppermint essential oil when using it this way, you must apply it directly to the areas causing you the most pain.
Note – Always blend peppermint oil with a carrier oil before topical application.
5. Refreshes, Uplifts & Boosts Energy In The Morning
Want some extra energy in the morning when starting your day?
Fill your oil diffuser with some peppermint, and the refreshing scent will get you ready for the day.
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.
The refreshing, uplifting and energy-boosting properties of peppermint oil are legendary.
You can also try combining other citrus or mint scents such as lemon, grapefruit, or lemongrass essential oils, which are also known to improve your focus and concentration.
6. Boosts Mental Alertness In The Afternoons Too
If you find yourself having trouble focusing on a demanding task, place this oil in a vaporizer and inhale the vapors. Peppermint oil increases blood flow and stimulates your brain’s ability to focus. This improves mental agility and makes you feel naturally more alert.
One of the more common peppermint essential oil uses is to help raise energy levels especially during mid-afternoon. For many people, this is the time when mental alertness starts to ebb.
The energizing scent of peppermint essential oil will help ‘wake’ you up and give you a feeling of alertness and mental clarity.
Have you noticed how people will eat peppermints to help them stay awake and alert? You can even mix peppermint oil in a glass of cold water to ‘wake’ you up which is very helpful if you are avoiding coffee.
7. 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 sea sickness. One is to put a few drops into your travel essential oil diffuser and keep it on while you are in your suite.
To get the benefit of peppermint essential oil while you are roaming around on deck, put a few drops on a handkerchief or tissue and inhale the aromas occasionally.
8. Eases Digestion & Stomach Problems
Peppermint essential oil uses for digestion and stomach problems are well known.
It is the go-to solution for anyone who is dealing with digestive or stomach problems, 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.
The oil relaxes the digestive muscles thereby improving their ability to function. This is what makes peppermint oil very helpful in treating flatulence and related stomach problems.
Peppermint essential oil contains properties that help induce the expulsion of gas from the intestines and stomach.
You can also use peppermint oil, such as in a peppermint ginger tea, if you are experiencing some nausea.
These are a few more essential oils that offer relief from digestive problems.
9. Soothes Skin Inflammation & Rash
Peppermint oil might sound too harsh for the skin, but the opposite is actually true. It 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.
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.
10. Helps You Get Over That Nasty Hangover
Peppermint is one of the best essential oils for hangovers. 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.
Note About Peppermint Essential Oil Uses
Peppermint oil has some truly therapeutic properties to go with its pleasant, refreshing aroma. While it is an easy inclusion in any aromatherapy program, there are certain precautions you need to take when using the oil orally.
Peppermint tastes delicious. A few drops are never enough. Put those recommended 1 – 2 drops in your mouth and immediately you crave more.
Don’t give in to the temptation of ingesting more than is recommended. This oil is strong and can cause headaches, heartburn and mouth sores. You must exercise caution if you want to get the benefits of peppermint essential oil without the adverse effects.
Where to Buy Peppermint Essential Oil
As with all essential oils, the most important thing to keep in mind when buying peppermint essential oil is to only buy 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.
You can buy Plant Therapy Peppermint Essential Oil on Amazon too.
Looking for an aromatherapy diffuser to use your newly purchased oil? I have reviewed some of the best essential oil diffusers in different categories and at different price points.
Reading through these reviews will give you a better idea of which aromatherapy diffuser is best for your requirements.
ZAQ Allay Litemist Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Review
URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser Review
Riverock Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser Review – Best Cool Mist Essential Oil Diffuser
GreenAir SpaVapor+ Advanced Wellness Mist Therapy Diffuser Review – Best Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.
