Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil

For best results, use only therapeutic-grade peppermint essential oil. DO NOT use internally unless you are sure the oil you have is therapeutic-grade.

Peppermint is known as a digestive aid:

• Add a drop to herbal tea to help aid in digestion.
  
  
• Research by Alan Hirsch, MD, shows that inhaling peppermint essential oil helps trigger a sense of fullness. Inhale 5-10 times a day to curb appetite.


• Massage several drops on your abdomen, place a drop on the tip of the tongue or wrists, or inhale to soothe motion sickness or general nausea.


• Massage over abdomen to relax muscles and help digestion of heavy meals. It may also help relieve flatulence, cramping, and specific disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

For colds and congestion:

• Massage 2-3 drops onto the chest or drop into a humidifier to clear sinus and lung congestion and support normal breathing.
  
  
• When your head is stuffed and congested or you can't stop coughing, use steam with peppermint essential oil. Pour boiling water into a metal or glass bowl, then add your essential oil. Drape a towel over your head and position your face 10-12 inches above the bowl, as the heat permits.

Peppermint can also be useful for pain:

• Rub 1 drop on your temples, forehead, over the sinuses (avoid contact with eyes), and on the back of the neck to help soothe headache and pressure.
  
  
• Applied topically, peppermint oil leaves a soothing, cooling sensation that can alleviate pain. Often used in liniments for muscle spasms and arthritis.
  
  
• Combine with lavender oil and carrier oil for a soothing and invigorating body, neck, or foot massage.

You can use peppermint oil for energy and alertness:

• Place 2 drops on the tongue and rub another drop of oil under the nose to help improve concentration and alertness.
  
  
• Apply to the back of the neck and shoulders repeatedly to keep energy levels up during the day.
  
  
• Inhale before and during a workout to help boost your mood and reduce fatigue.
  
  
• Diffuse for energy and mental clarity. Here's a memory blend from the Essential Oils Desk Reference: 5 drops basil, 10 drops rosemary, 2 drops peppermint, and 4 drops helichrysum essential oils.

Other uses for peppermint essential oil:

• Peppermint essential oil is believed to be unfriendly to bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
  
  
• To relieve itching of ringworm, scabies, and poison oak and ivy, dilute with carrier oil at 1%. Anything stronger may be irritating rather than relieving.
  
  
• Use to simulate oil production in dry skin and hair.
  
  
• To relax the muscles of your feet and ankles, soak them in warm water with Epsom salts and a few drops of peppermint oil.
  
  
• Peppermint is considered by some people to be a more effective insect repellent than citronella when used on the body (rather than in the surrounding air).

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

For emotional healing, peppermint encourages regeneration, self-acceptance, concentration, vitality, and vibrancy.

The Fragrant Heavens by Valerie Ann Worwood offers the following suggestions:

• To ask your angels for help, use peppermint oil when barriers have been erected and all help has been refused. Use to clear a pathway.
  
  
• "Peppermint raises the spirit to fuller understanding and appreciation of the mysteries that will eventually fully unfold to us. It stimulates and soothes uplifts, and calms... Peppermint can also stimulate the dream time, using this time of physical stillness to bring information and understanding."

To use aromatherapy to increase your vibration for financial abundance: Combine 4 drops basil, 3 drops peppermint, and 3 drops patchouli essential oils. Diffuse or dilute with carrier oil for massage.

If you want to try aromatherapy for hot flashes, Aromatherapy for Dummies recommends

10 drops lemon oil
5 drops peppermint oil
2 drops clary sage oil
1 ounce aloe vera gel

Mix ingredients well. Dab or spray on your wrists, face, or neck when you feel a hot flash coming on.

For athlete's foot, the Essential Oils Desk Reference recommends this essential oil blend:

8 drops tea tree
4 drops peppermint
2 drops mountain savory

Blend essential oils with a carrier oil and apply to feet.

To make a room cleansing spray, Pure Scents for Well Being gives this aromatherpy recipe: In a spray bottle, combine 1/2 cup water, 30 drops bergamot, 25 drops lemon, and 5 drops peppermint. Shake well before each use to thoroughly mix the water and oils.

Download this PDF of uses for peppermint essential oil.

Aromatherapy note for blending: Top ("Note" comes from perfumery, where the evaporation rate of essential oils are categorized as notes. The speed at which a fragrance evaporates depends on its specific weight and energy. Top is quick evaporation.)