Peppermint Essential Oil

When it is 97 degrees outside, and it is hard to escape the summer heat, we feel pretty inspired to write about the wonderful, refreshing, and cooling properties that make peppermint essential oil so appealing. Second only to lavender essential oil, peppermint is considered the most versatile and widely used essential oil that you can get! From pain relief to natural cleaners, peppermint can be used for a wide variety of things. Peppermint essential oil is primarily made up of menthol (a whopping 50-60 percent on average, as a matter of fact!), which is why it produces an immediate cooling effect when applied topically. It is primarily sourced in the Yakima Valley of Washington State, and it’s refreshing, grassy aroma makes it a favorite of oil users.

Peppermint Essential Oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal, making it a wonderful addition to skincare oils and creams, natural cleaning recipes, diffuser blends, and so much more!

Pain Relief
Peppermint essential oil can be very effective in decreasing inflammation, making it a great way to relieve pain naturally. It relaxes muscle aches and pains when applied topically or added to an epsom salt soak. It can also help to alleviate joint pain, and has been effective in relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. If you suffer from migraines, peppermint may benefit you! In a study comparing the use of lidocaine and peppermint essential oil as treatments for migraines, peppermint oil “caused considerable reduction in the intensity and frequency of headache and relieved the majority of patients' pain similar to lidocaine.” Since this oil is effective at relaxing muscles, it can also work wonders for those who suffer from tension headaches. Just massage a few drops on the back of your neck and to your temples to feel relief. Peppermint also acts as an a decongestant, making it effective at alleviating sinus headaches. Dilute peppermint and massage your sinuses to get some relief.

Respiratory Benefits
 While we are on the topic of using peppermint to alleviate sinus problems, we can also talk about how effective this oil is during bouts of respiratory illness or irritation (hello, allergy season!). As mentioned before, peppermint essential oil acts as a decongestant and can help to open airways. When you feel a stuffy nose coming on, diffusing this oil or even making a chest balm with peppermint and eucalyptus can be helpful. A facial massage using peppermint can also help to drain excess mucus and relieve some of that pressure.

Digestive Issues
Peppermint does wonders for our gut. From IBS to occasional indigestion, this oil can help! In a double blind study of 57 patients with IBS, 75% of those who were given peppermint reported decreased symptoms. Just massaging a few drops mixed in a carrier oil around your belly can help if you have any bloating or indigestion at all. It has also proven to be effective if you suffer from nausea, whether it is from indigestion, morning sickness, or motion sickness. Inhale the oil or apply it topically to your stomach to get some relief. As an added bonus, peppermint can help to diminish food cravings, which can possibly solve even more of those indigestion issues depending on what you are craving!

Skin Benefits
Since peppermint is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal, it is amazing for our skin. It can help with acne by cooling irritated skin, and killing blemish-causing bacteria, it cools sunburns and takes away the stinging sensation, and it helps to fight dandruff and skin flare ups like eczema and skin rashes.

It is also especially helpful this time of year because it repels spiders, ants, and mosquitos. If you do still get a bug bite, it helps to cool the bite area, reduces itching, and accelerates healing time!

Infant Care
It is important to note that when using essential oils with infants or children, you need to dilute them! Both infants and children have more sensitive skin, making them prone to reactions, and they require far less of an oil to achieve the same effects.

If your sweet babe suffers from colic, diluting peppermint and massaging their tummy in a gentle, clockwise motion can offer some relief if the fussiness is being caused by excess gas or indigestion. It can also help if they are teething by relieving some of the pain. Dilute your peppermint and rub it along their jawline. Add clove or copaiba essential oil to make it even more effective! Peppermint can also be used on its own or with lavender as a fever reducer. Either dilute it and apply along the forehead and spine, or add drops to your hands, rub them together, and then use a cool, damp rag to wipe it up and brush the mixture across the forehead.

Energizing & Enhancing
Peppermint oil has shown time and time again to energize the mind and body and enhance mental clarity and focus when diffused or inhaled. In this study, it even showed to enhance physical exercise performance, grip strength, and it made the lungs work more efficiently!

Peppermint truly is one of the most versatile oils you can buy. It is safe for all ages (when diluted) and is wonderful to have on hand. What are your favorite ways to use peppermint essential oil? Let us know in the comments below!

Any information given through this platform is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical care or medical advice. Please do not use this information to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement.

Sources:
Peppermint Oil (Mintoil) in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Prospective Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31404204/

Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance

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