Peppermint Oil

Mentha Piperita

Peppermint oil is my oil of choice whenever I feel a bit run down or sluggish. I find that when I apply it to the back of my neck I am invigorated almost immediately.

It seems to tune up all my senses and gets me motivated to get on with my day.

I am not the only one who experiences this as peppermint has become one of the most fresh and popular oils on the market today. If you try it you will find it will stimulate your mind and body and the effects are immediate.

What is Peppermint Oil?

Let's start with some basic information; a brief description of where the oil comes from, what it contains and how it is obtained. The following information is provided by Bill Fifield in his book "Integrated Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy".

This is a book that I highly recommend by the way.

This tasty oil comes from a flowering herb with dark green serrated leaves. It can be found worldwide.

The method used for extraction is steam distillation.

Peppermint is very versatile and has been used for various complaints over many centuries. It has been used aromatically, topically and internally; It has been used for indigestion, constipation, stress, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, sore throats, toothaches and cramps; It has been used as a flavoring agent; It has been used in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes.

note: Very efficacious. (one drop of clinical grade peppermint oil = approximately 28 cups of peppermint tea) 

Peppermint also works well with other essential oils when combined in a blend to treat various conditions or for other purposes.

Methods of Application

• Aromatically - Can be inhaled or diffused into the air
  
• Topical - Can be applied to the skin (may require dilution with a carrier oil)
  
• Internal - Can be taken internally in foods or beverages
• Dilute - requires dilution with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil
• Sensitive Skin - Should be used with caution on delicate skin; a carrier oil may be useful
  

Suggested Uses

• Use for acute pain such as a burn
• Put a trace on the back of your neck, above your eyebrows or on your temples in case of headache
• Lick a trace off the back of your hand to relieve nausea
• Place one drop on a section of apple and chew it to clear a blocked sinus
• Improve your physical performance
• Repellent for mice

Acne

Peppermint Oil contains very powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that have the ability to clean and tighten clogged pores and drive out acne. 

Clinical grade Peppermint Oil can be consumed to treat acne internally. Add a 50:50 blend of Peppermint and carrier oil in a gelatin capsule and take with each meal (3 per day) for 20 days.

Peppermint can be used directly (neat) or diluted at 50:50 with a carrier oil such as jojoba or fractionated coconut and applied on the affected area 2-3 times a day.

Mix with some Lavender Oil for an extra "punch".

You can also add a drop to an application of your favorite toner or moisturizer.

note: Only use pure (preferably clinical grade) Peppermint Essential Oil, not aromatic or fragrance peppermint oils. Also, since this oil is very concentrated, it is advisable to do a patch test before application and increase the dilution if needed.

Acid Reflux

Peppermint has a mixed reputation when it comes to treating acid reflux. It can be very helpful if used properly but if misused it can make the situation worse.

Most agree that taking peppermint before an acid reflux episode is beneficial but during an attack it may be better if you used another oil. (see link below for other options)

When and How to Use

• Mix a couple drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and consume it in a gelatin capsule before eating a meal. This will allow for slower absorption so the oil can get past the stomach and enter your small intestine.
  
• Place a drop of oil on your tongue before or immediately after eating a meal to promote proper digestion and avoid acid reflux.
• If you are already experiencing discomfort, you can try mixing the oil with some carrier oil and rubbing it on your stomach instead of consuming it internally.

Burn Treatment

If you experience a burn the first thing you should do if possible is to cool the area in some cold tap water.

Secondly, determine how serious the burn is. Anything above a first degree burn should be referred for medical attention, especially if it covers a large area. What's the difference?

Assuming your burn is not serious you can use Peppermint in a blend with other oils with Lavender being the prime ingredient. Here is your blend:

• 4 - 5 drops of Lavender
  
• 1 drop Helichrysum
  
• 1 drop of Peppermint
  
• 1 drop of Tea Tree
• 1 cup water

Spray the blend on your burn every 15 minutes for the first 3 or 4 hours as needed then daily after your morning shower.

Circulation

Heat Exhaustion - rub peppermint diluted 50:50 on your temples, shoulders, ears and neck to cool your body.

Cold and Flu

• Cough - rub a few drops onto your palm or into a tissue and inhale deeply through your nose & mouth. - Apply directly to the wrist where you take your pulse or on the balls of your feet.
• Sore Throat - add 1-2 drops to a cup of hot water. Sweeten it with some honey and sip slowly.
• Nasal Congestion & Nosebleed - diffuse peppermint into the air or rub a few drops into palms and inhale to clear your sinuses and ease lung congestion. If your nasal congestion is really bad, put a drop on a section of apple and chew it.

Deodorant

Peppermint oil has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. As a bonus it also has antioxidant properties.

It has a minty, cool, sharp and intense scent

Digestive System

• Constipation - dilute 6-8 drops of peppermint oil 50:50 and massage your stomach.
• Digestion - add 2-3 drops to tea or hot water and sip slowly.
• Motion Sickness - at the first hint of motion sickness add 1-2 drops to your drinking water or lick it off the back of your hand and swirl it around in your mouth.
• Fresh Breath - put a few drops in a veggie cap and swallow.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Peppermint oil is one of the most highly recommended natural cures for IBS. Mix 3-4 drops of pure peppermint oil, and two parts almond oil and rub it on the soles of your feet. You can also mix it with a favorite beverage or drink it as a tea with some lemon or ginger.

Lavender and Peppermint oils have also been used in combination for treating IBS.

Emotional Balance

• Shock - use only in cases of shock from an intense emotional experience not from accidents or other medical emergency. Rub 2-3 drops on your palms and breathe in deeply.
• Sleepy - peppermint oil is great to sip in water, diffuse, inhale or apply to the back of your neck to wake up and concentrate. Warning: These effects are short in duration so if you are driving it's best to pull over and take a nap.

Hair Care

Peppermint oil is very good for people with dry skin. When applied to your scalp Peppermint will:

• improve blood flow
• rejuvenate your hair follicles and stimulate hair growth
• increase dermal thickness, follicle number and follicle depth
  
• cleanse and open pores
• stimulate the flow of skin oils
• control dandruff and lice

Add a couple drops to your shampoo/conditioner.

Create a blend - 5 drops Peppermint, 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil and 2 tablespoons of warm coconut oil. Massage the blend into your scalp and leave for 15-20 minutes before washing.

Headache/Migraine

For a headache or migraine pain, Peppermint Oil works very quickly and I have found it to be an absolute requirement for my medicine cabinet and travel case.

Rub a drop directly on your temples, forehead, in front of your ears and the back of your neck to obtain temporary relief. Use as necessary.

Medications for headache have been known to trigger a cycle of headaches called "Rebound Headaches". To break the cycle try a blend of Peppermint, Lavender, and Frankincense essential oils.

Hemorrhoids

Peppermint oil is one of the most highly recommended natural cures for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and for this reason it may also be effective at healing hemorrhoids.

Furthermore, Peppermint has analgesic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties which have a calming and numbing effect on areas of inflammation. 

Mix a few drops in a 50:50 solution with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut or aloe and coconut and apply externally (without massaging) a couple times a day. 

Inflammation

Peppermint has analgesic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties which have a calming and numbing effect on areas of inflammation.

It is well known to provide relief for pain (especially migraines), fever, stiffness and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Dilute with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply directly to areas of concern. For children dilute 2-3 drops 50:50 and apply to the spine and neck.

Take a warm bath with 10-15 drops of peppermint and a cup of Epsom Salts. 

Irritable Bowel

Peppermint oil is one of the most highly recommended natural cures for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Mix 3-4 drops of pure peppermint oil, and two parts almond oil and rub it on the soles of your feet. You can also mix it with a favorite beverage or drink it as a tea with some lemon or ginger.

Lavender and Peppermint oils have also been used in combination for treating IBS.

Laryngitis

Peppermint Essential Oil is well known for its ability to provide relief from several respiratory conditions which can affect the vocal cords. Conditions such as:

Many of these symptoms can cause or "trigger" laryngitis so relief from them would definitely be desirable.

Peppermint can be taken internally in a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea.

It can be applied topically on your upper chest and throat.

Inhaling Peppermint can also be quite effective. My favorite method is to add a couple drops to a pot of hot steaming water, place a towel over my head and inhale the fumes through my mouth.

You can also add 15 drops to a cup of Epsom Salts in a hot bath.

note: Inhalation should not be used for small children younger than 2 years.

Mouse Repellent

Peppermint Oil is one of the best ways to get rid of mice. The strong smell will drive them away and is a great alternative to poisonous pesticides.

Soak some cotton balls with peppermint and place them anywhere you believe mice are entering your house. Another placement would be anywhere you find mouse droppings.

Nausea and Vomiting

Peppermint Oil will help combat nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, morning sickness.

Add 1-2 drops to your drinking water/herbal tea or lick it off the back of your hand and swirl it around in your mouth.

Diffuse it in your home or rub it on your palms and inhale. You can also put a few drops on a tissue and keep it in a plastic bag in your purse to be inhaled periodically during your day.

Rub it directly on your temples, forehead and neck like you would do for a headache.

Pain Management

• Pain - Peppermint oil has been used effectively to block channels that transmit pain signals to your brain. Dilute 50:50 and massage around your head and neck. Works well for headaches and bone pain.
• Arthritis & Tendinitis - take internally by placing a few drops into a veggie cap and swallowing.
• Headache - rub directly on your temples, forehead, in front of your ears and the back of your neck to obtain temporary relief.
• Earaches - apply 2-3 drops of diluted peppermint oil around the outside opening of your ear (not in the ear). In the case of children use Lavender Essential Oil instead.
• Shingles - Try a 50:50 blend of Peppermint Essential Oil and a carrier oil taken internally (3-4 capsules) a day with food.

Respiratory System

To maintain good respiratory health, diffuse peppermint oil, rub a few drops on your palms or add to a tissue paper and breathe in to clear your airways.

Shingles

Peppermint Oil contains menthol which is a cooling agent used in many commercial products for skin inflammation, rashes, itches shingles and postherpetic neuralgia symptoms. 

It can be taken internally with an equal amount of carrier oil in a gelatin capsule 3 times a day with meals.

Mix equally with some Wintergreen and Clove and massage the painful areas as needed. 

Skin Treatment

For sunburn, mix some Peppermint Oil with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil & apply gently to ease inflammation and cool your skin.

For cold sores, apply a single drop and repeat frequently.

Snoring

Peppermint Oil contains Menthol which is a soothing agent that is known for relieving snoring. Peppermint also has anti-inflammatory properties which can treat inflammation of the membranes in your nostrils, relieve nasal congestion and enable smooth air flow.

To maintain good respiratory health and to clear the sinuses making it easier to breath: 

• diffuse peppermint oil in your bedroom 
• put a couple drops in hot water and breathe the vapors. Exhale frequently to activate more steam
• rub a few drops on your palms and inhale 
• add to a tissue paper and breathe in
• add a drop to your drinking water or a cup of tea

Sore Throat

Add 1-2 drops of Peppermint to a cup of hot water. Sweeten it with some honey and sip slowly.

Vertigo

The well known rejuvenating properties of Peppermint Oil are known to help relieve feelings of nausea, increase oxygen to the brain, calm the nerves and clear the mind.

Peppermint can be applied topically or inhaled directly using steam or a diffuser. 

For topical use it is recommended that the oil be blended with a carrier oil at a 50:50 ratio for ease of application.

Weight Management

Peppermint has long been touted as an ingredient that calms upset stomachs by assisting with digestion. It is also a natural appetite suppressant so diffuse it in the air or put a few drops in your palms and inhale deeply.

In order to promote normal digestive and intestinal functions blend 50:50 with a carrier oil and massage on your abdomen.

Combine with Other Oils

Peppermint Oil blends well with:

*** Please Share Your Comments Below! ***

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