The Power of Peppermint Essential Oil: A Guide to Its Benefits
Have you ever caught a whiff of that sweet and minty smell of Peppermint? It’s refreshing, energizing, and even calming. That’s because the aroma of Peppermint essential oil has been scientifically proven to improve mental alertness and boost mood, reduce stress levels, relieve headaches and invigorate a tired body.
So if you’re looking for natural ways to stay healthy in mind and body while managing your everyday life as a busy homemaker or responsible adult, this post is for you!
In this guide, we explain why you should add some of the remarkable benefits of this powerful essential oil into your routine.
What is Peppermint Essential Oil?
Peppermint essential oil is a wonderful and versatile oil with many beneficial uses. Extracted from the leaves of the Mentha Piperita plant, a sweet-smelling herb. Peppermint oil provides an intense and minty aroma.
It is believed to have medicinal qualities, such as providing relief from headaches, digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin ailments. In addition, it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which can be used in homemade cleaners or beauty products. All in all, peppermint essential oil is a fantastic product to have in your home!
What's The Difference Between Peppermint Oil and Peppermint Essential Oil?
Although peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil are both derived from the same plant, Mentha Piperita, they are two different products with distinct properties and uses.
Peppermint oil is a type of vegetable oil made from the leaves of the plant and has a strong, minty scent. It is often used as an ingredient in massage oils, body lotions, and balms due to its moisturizing properties.
Peppermint essential oil is a highly concentrated extract of the Peppermint plant with a much more intense aroma than regular peppermint oil. It is commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming effects and can also be used topically for skin issues such as acne or minor irritations.
Origins and History of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a long history of use, with some sources indicating that it was used as early as 1000 BC. The Egyptians and Romans are said to have used the refreshing herb for cooking, baths, cosmetics, and even medical practices.
Today Peppermint is widely used around the world for its many health benefits. It is believed that the therapeutic properties of this essential oil are due to its menthol content, which gives it its signature minty aroma and taste.
Natural Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint Oil For Mental Health
Peppermint oil can also provide mental health benefits. It has a refreshing, minty aroma that is known to help boost energy levels and alertness while decreasing stress and tension. Inhaling its scent can also have calming effects, as it helps to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Additionally, peppermint oil’s menthol properties help clear the mind and heighten focus.
Possible Application—Peppermint Oil Aromatherapy
Add ten drops of peppermint essential oil to your warm bath water, or use a candle lamp diffuser to send the fragrance throughout your home.
Peppermint Oil For Digestive Health
Peppermint oil has been known to be beneficial for helping with digestive health. Its natural compounds like menthol and menthone help relax the gastrointestinal tract’s smooth muscle, allowing food to pass through more easily.
Additionally, it may help reduce inflammation within the gut and reduce abdominal pain symptoms like bloating, gas, indigestion, and constipation and even relieve nausea.
In fact, research suggests that peppermint oil can even reduce the discomfort caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it is advisable to speak with your doctor before trying any alternative remedies for IBS symptoms.
Possible Application
Rub several drops of Peppermint oil around your navel and let it work its magic. Please note: You will experience a cooling sensation that can be a little strange.
Alternatively, try adding a few drops to an herbal tea.
Peppermint Oil For Respiratory Health
Peppermint oil can relieve respiratory issues such as colds, allergies, sinus infections, and asthma. Its natural compound menthol works to open the airways and help with breathing. It also helps reduce inflammation and clear mucus in the nasal passages.
Is It Safe To Inhale Peppermint Oil?
Yes! Peppermint oil can be used as an inhalent to decongest the airways and naturally relieve chest tightness. Furthermore, Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for clearing out toxins in the respiratory system.
Possible Application
Try adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a diffuser to create that refreshing Peppermint oil vapor that eases breathing or a few drops to a carrier massage oil such as almond or jojoba oil before massaging it onto your skin.
Peppermint Oil For Skincare & Haircare Benefits
Peppermint oil is known for its natural skincare and haircare benefits as well. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce acne breakouts while soothing skin irritation.
It can also be used as a scalp treatment to help balance out oil production, reduce dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. Additionally, the menthol in Peppermint oil helps cool down hot flashes and soothe inflammation caused by razor burn and other skin irritations.
Peppermint Oil For Tension Headache Relief
Peppermint oil is an excellent natural remedy for tension headaches due to its menthol content and cooling properties.
In addition, Peppermint can help reduce pressure around the head and neck when diluted and applied topically, relieving stress-related tension headaches. It can also help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, making it an ideal treatment for tension headache relief.
Additionally, the scent of Peppermint can help invigorate your senses and provide a calming effect.
Possible Application
Apply a drop of peppermint oil to your temples and the back of your neck to relieve pain from headaches.
Natural Cleaning Benefits of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint Oil As A Pest Repellent
Peppermint oil can be an excellent natural repellent for specific pests. For example, it has been known to repel mosquitoes, ants, ticks, bed bugs, and other insects.
Possible Application
To use it as a pest repellent, mix several drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it wherever you need protection from pests.
You can also use an ultrasonic diffuser to disperse the scent throughout your home for more widespread coverage.
Be sure to keep Peppermint oil out of children’s reach and not to use it directly on pet fur or skin, as it can irritate them due to their sensitive nature.
Peppermint Oil As An Air Freshener
Peppermint oil is an excellent option for naturally freshening up your home. The cool, crisp scent can help invigorate and uplift a room while providing antibacterial and antifungal benefits.
Possible Application
To use peppermint essential oil as an air freshener, add several drops to a pot of simmering water on the stove or use an ultrasonic diffuser. You can also combine it with other essential oils, such as citrus or lavender oil, to create unique and refreshing fragrances.
Additionally, if you use a vacuum that uses bags, try adding 5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil to a cotton ball and place it inside a new vacuum bag. When vacuuming your home, the peppermint scent will be spread around the house. This is extremely helpful if you have pets. Add a fresh cotton ball when you replace the vacuum bag.
Peppermint Oil As An Anti-Bacterial Cleaner
Peppermint oil can be a great natural disinfectant and antibacterial cleaner. It is known to have antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it an ideal choice for cleaning surfaces around the home—especially the bathroom and kitchen, which can be a breeding ground for germs.
Possible Application
To use it as a cleaner, dilute several drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it wherever you need to be disinfected. You can also combine it with vinegar or baking soda to create more powerful or scented cleaning solutions.
When using pure essential oils, please ensure they are kept out of reach of children and pets.
Recommended Recipe:
- 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 12-24 drops of peppermint essential oil
Practical Application/Safety Considerations
Can you apply peppermint oil directly to the skin?
Applying peppermint essential oil directly to the skin is not recommended without diluting it with a carrier oil, such as almond or coconut oil. Applying it undiluted can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction—especially for those with sensitive skin.
Additionally, due to the strength of peppermint essential oil, it should never be used on sensitive areas like the face or with children and pets.
How To Make A Topical Peppermint Oil
A 1-3% dilution ratio is usually recommended, meaning one drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider the potency of different types and brands of essential oils, as some may be more concentrated than others. Finally, always do a patch test before any topical application, and never apply undiluted essential oils on children or pets.
Is Peppermint oil safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
When using peppermint oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is crucial to be extra cautious. Peppermint essential oil should not be used in large amounts and should always be blended with a carrier oil before topical use.
Additionally, peppermint essential oil may cause skin irritation, so it is best to avoid use altogether, as sensitivity can increase during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. It is safest to consult an aromatherapist or medical professional before using peppermint essential oil during this time.
Final Thoughts On The Power of Peppermint Oil
As you can probably tell by now, peppermint oil is incredibly versatile and powerful for keeping your home clean, fresh, and disinfected. Whether you use it as a natural air freshener or antibacterial cleaner, the unique scent of Peppermint will invigorate any room while also providing antibacterial benefits.
We hope this article has helped shed some light on how to safely use peppermint oil in your home—from dilution ratios to practical applications.
If you’re looking for help with cleaning your home (or office), contact us today for a free estimate! Our experts are ready and waiting to partner with you to ensure all surfaces sparkle and shine without worrying about harsh chemicals or fumes.
