Peppermint essential oil is one of my favorite oils. I love the crisp scent and the way that it lifts my spirits. I love Christmas and Winter, so the cool, refreshing scent is an instant happiness boost for me.
Peppermint essential oil is made from the leaves and stems of the peppermint plant, which is a hybrid of the spearmint and watermint plants.
As one of the most popular essential oils, peppermint packs a powerful punch in more ways than just its scent. Read on for more information about this delightful essential oil’s benefits and uses.
Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has been studied and shown to be pretty potent against germs. According to one study:
In vitro, peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential. (source)
In addition, studies have suggested that peppermint essential oil may support digestive wellness. (source)
Another study of peppermint oil’s effect on tension headache found that it was as effective as a popular over the counter headache remedy. (source)
Much anecdotal evidence suggests that peppermint essential oil supports digestion, provides a calming influence and can increase focus for mental tasks.
Peppermint Essential Oil Uses
I use peppermint essential oil in many different ways. Here are my top ten favorite uses for peppermint essential oil.
1. For headaches. Diffusing peppermint oil and rubbing a bit (mixed with a carrier oil) on my forehead and temples helps to stop my tension headaches.
2. To support digestion. Inhaling peppermint oil or using a special digestive blend of oil that contains peppermint oil helps to support my digestion. I rub some of the oil on my Vita-Flex points and on my stomach.
3. To clear the air in a room. Diffusing peppermint oil helps to clean the air with a bright, lovely scent. I especially like peppermint diffused with a citrus oil such as grapefruit.
4. To aid concentration. When I have a mental task to perform that requires focus, I like to rub peppermint essential oil (mixed with a carrier oil) on my wrists and temples. I often diffuse peppermint oil while writing, as well.
5. To deter pests. I place cotton balls with a couple of drops of peppermint oil around the house to deter mice and other pests.
6. In my homemade toothpaste and mouthwash. I don’t usually recommend ingesting essential oils, but I use this heavily dilute toothpaste daily and the mouthwash about once per week. I don’t swallow either mixture.
7. As a fabric spray. I mix water, salt and peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle and spray on curtains, carpet and couches to freshen the smell.
8. To soothe a fever. A drop of peppermint on the forehead and bottoms of feet helps to cool a fever.
9. To reduce itching. I use peppermint oil diluted with a carrier oil to help stop the itching of insect bites.
10. To relief stuffy noses. I use peppermint oil on the tip of my nose (diluted, of course) to help me breathe better when my nose is stuffy. The way it opens up my sinuses is magical!
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What are your favorite ways to use peppermint essential oil?
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