Peppermint Essential Oil: Top 7 Uses and a Confession!

Peppermint. Dear, sweet peppermint. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Oh, sorry. Didn’t see you there. Well, you caught me — I confess — I LOVE Peppermint Essential Oil! Peppermint was the first essential oil I tried. It’s the oil that got me hooked on this wonderful world of using nature’s gifts to enhance my health, happiness and well-being. It just plain works. So, what is peppermint essential oil good for, you ask? Well…

Peppermint essential oil is wonderfully versatile, having highly effective therapeutic, health-enhancing uses whether inhaled aromatically, taken internally or applied topically. While there are almost too many benefits to count, 7 of my favorite uses for Peppermint Essential Oil are:

Headache Relief
Mouth Cleanser/Oral Health Booster
Joint Pain Reduction
Clear Skin and Clean Pores
Immunity Booster
Nasal Congestion Relief
Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiseptic Solution

My first introduction to peppermint essential oil was from a friend’s advice for a particularly nasty migraine that I was dealing with. I put a drop on my fingertip and rubbed the oil onto both temples and on the ridge over both eyebrows. The effect was noticeable, and the relief I felt would have been enough for me to be happy with the result. But I had not implemented phase 2 of the attack against my migraine!

So, next, as instructed by my wonderful friend, I dabbed another small drop onto my fingertip and rubbed it on the roof of my mouth (don’t ingest or apply internally unless instructed to do so by your healthcare professional). Whoa!!! After the sudden rush of energy and sinus-clearing, my headache was gone. Vanished. And this wasn’t just any ol’ headache. This was one of my infamous multi-day, light-averse, nausea-inducing, “sorry life, I’ll be back in a couple of days” migraines. Gone. Just like that.

I was hooked. Peppermint essential oil was my new best friend. And if it could “fix” my migraine, I knew it had to have other superpowers as well. So I set out to learn all about peppermint…the plant and its oil. While my research has uncovered nearly 50 legitimately effective uses for peppermint, I have narrowed the list down to my 10 favorite. But before we get into that, a little about my favorite plant, peppermint:

The peppermint plant is a hybrid species of the water mint and spearmint plants. The entire peppermint plant contains menthol…up to a 60% concentration. Plus, peppermint essential oil is one of the most concentrated essential oils. These facts make it very important to remember that both the aroma and taste of peppermint essential oil are far more intense than most other essential oils. And, with that, my 7 favorite uses for peppermint essential oil:

1. Treat Headaches with Peppermint Essential Oil

I’ve already mentioned that peppermint oil is my go-to for headaches. Because of its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its intense, yet soothing aroma, peppermint can be a multi-pronged attack against headaches. Whether a tension headache or migraine, peppermint essential oil has been studied and proven to be effective.

To quickly (usually within 15-20 minutes, but your results will vary) diminish the pain and discomfort of your headache, dilute a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and rub onto your temples and forehead. Some people also find relief by rubbing a little on the back of their necks, where the neck meets the head.

Also, inhaling diffused peppermint oil has been shown to reduce and often eliminate the nausea due to migraine and motion sickness, due to its soothing anti-spasm effects. Not near a diffuser? Simply rub a drop of peppermint essential oil behind each ear to combat nausea.

[fusion_testimonials design=”classic” navigation=”no” speed=”” backgroundcolor=”” textcolor=”” random=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_testimonial name=”” avatar=”none” image=”” image_id=”” image_border_radius=”” company=”” link=”” target=”_self”]

I was hooked. Peppermint essential oil was my new best friend. And if it could fix my migraine, I knew it had to have other superpowers as well.

[/fusion_testimonial][/fusion_testimonials]

2. Freshen Your Breath, Kill Germs and Improve Oral Health with Peppermint Essential Oil

With its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, peppermint oil has been shown to improve oral health by reducing the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth. Strong scientific research has found that peppermint essential oil is highly effective at killing anaerobic bacteria, which are bacteria that live–and thrive– in a low oxygen environment like below the gum line of the the human mouth.

Additionally, with the high menthol concentration in peppermint essential oil, bad breath (including halitosis) can be improved both short-term and long-term, with regular use.

To experience best results, add a drop or two of peppermint essential oil to toothpaste prior to brushing. Also, making a mouth rinse of peppermint oil diluted in water has been found to relieve bad breath quickly, as well as getting rid of bad tastes in one’s mouth.

For truly epic oral health (and even to sooth minor toothaches), make a blend of peppermint essential oil (4-6 drops), eucalyptus essential oil (4-6 drops) and lemon essential oil (2-3 drops). Add the blend to 2 cups spring water (much less bacteria than tap water) then stir in a tablespoon of sea salt (I prefer pink Himalayan salt). Once well blended, take a small sip, swoosh around in your mouth for 1-2 minutes then spit it out — Do Not Swallow. But, also, do not rinse for a while (at least 10-15 minutes), as the healthy solution will continue to work for some time. Then, after a while, rinse with pure spring water. Your mouth…and overall health…will thank you!

3. Ease Joint Stiffness and Reduce Muscle Discomfort with Peppermint Essential Oil

Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, peppermint oil is good for relieving joint pain and muscle soreness. Just run a warm bath and put some drops of peppermint oil in it. Getting a massage with a carrier oil mixed with peppermint is also known to be very therapeutic for body aches and soreness.

For an even more powerful remedy for joint or muscle pain, blend equal parts peppermint essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, rosemary essential oil and lemon essential oil and apply to the affected area.

4. Achieve Radiant Skin and Clear Pores with Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil is known to increase circulation, which can stimulate the skin to develop a more youthful glow. Peppermint can slow the production of excess oil, which makes it an ideal solution for those with oily or combination skin. Imagine: less clogged pores….less acne outbreaks! But exactly how does peppermint essential oil treat our skin so well?

Peppermint is antimicrobial, which allows it to help clear up acne keeping pores free of pimple-causing bacteria. Also, due to its soothing and cooling properties, peppermint can also help relieve discomfort caused by skin irritations, such as minor burns, allergic skin rashes and dry skin.

For more radiant skin: when mixed with coconut oil, peppermint oil is perfect for hydrating your skin, resulting in radiant, supple, glowing skin (this combination is also a great sunburn remedy).

For radiant skin PLUS fewer outbreaks: combine 5 drops each of peppermint essential oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, lavender essential oil a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar. Mix thoroughly and apply to desired areas.

5. Boost Immunity with Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil has been shown to have the ability to boost immunity to various conditions. Peppermint oil is often recommended for those with weak or depressed immune systems, particularly people who get minor illnesses quite often. With powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties, peppermint essential oil is good for overall health and vitality. Peppermint oil is goldmine of healthy nutrients, including vitamins, and antioxidants. Whether inhaled, applied topically or taken internally (as directed in small amounts), peppermint essential oil is one of the best tools in the quest for better health.

6. A Strong Ally for Your Health: Peppermint Essential Oil is Antibacterial, Anti-fungal and Antiseptic

Peppermint essential oil is a triple-edged sword when it comes to combating trio of microscopic ne’er-do-wells, bacteria, fungi, and infections. It is used since ancient times for healing minor wounds, cuts and scrapes. Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory properties, as well, which allows it to soothe irritated skin.

Simply dilute equal amounts peppermint essential oil with your choice of carrier oil. In case of injury or wound, apply topically to the affected area to help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and lessen the occurrence of inflammation.

7. Combat Allergies and Congestion with Peppermint Essential Oil

Because it is invigorating to the senses, and has powerful antibacterial properties, peppermint essential oil is my top choice in fighting the common cold, sinus problems and other upper respiratory issues.

Peppermint’s cooling and soothing properties help reduce inflammation in the sinus cavities. The strong menthol aroma helps open respiratory passages. And due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, coughing due to inflammation of the trachea can also be eased with peppermint essential oil.

Dilute 5-10 drops peppermint essential oil in hot water and inhale to clear the sinuses.

To make a DIY vapor chest rub, combine 5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil with a tablespoon of the solid form of coconut oil. It will begin to liquefy as you mix it, so apply to the chest quickly.

Some Final Thoughts about this Truly Magnificent Essential Oil

Peppermint oil is one of the world’s oldest known medicinal oil. The oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin C. And with all of the wonderful health-enhancing things it can do, it’s no wonder that peppermint essential oil has withstood the test of time and continues to fight for our health.

Peppermint Essential Oil: Top 7 Uses and a Confession!