Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits | dōTERRA Essential Oils (2024)

FAQs

What is peppermint essential oil used for? ›

Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use (applied to the skin) for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress.

Key facts. The usual dose of peppermint oil is 1 or 2 capsules, taken 3 times a day. It's best to take it around 1 hour before meals. Wait at least 2 hours between taking a dose of peppermint oil and taking an indigestion medicine.

The topical application of peppermint oil is generally safe, although it is necessary to dilute with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil. It is advised that some people may experience a burning sensation or allergic rash, especially with sensitive skin.

Peppermint oil should be kept away from children and infants as it may trigger breathing issues. The oil, in large doses, may also lead to seizures and harm the digestive system. It is also unsafe for the lungs and pregnant and lactating women. Caution is highly advised.

People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or oil in aromatherapy. People taking certain medications. Peppermint oil aromatherapy can inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down many types of medication.

Simply use a carrier oil combined with peppermint oil and rub a few drops on your temples, forehead and around your sinuses (making sure to avoid any contact with the eyes) and let the soothing sensation of the oil work its magic.

The menthol component of peppermint causes your muscles to relax, relieving stress and anxiety, which both add up to allowing you to gain more restful sleep.

Try mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with some hot water and place it in a spray bottle. A good ratio is 5 to 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of water. Use the mixture to spray down countertops, furniture, curtains and blinds and hard-to-reach areas of the home where insects are often present.

Nausea, vomiting, or heartburn may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: headache, flushing, mouth irritation/sores, severe stomach/abdominal pain.

And that's just the fragrance. Peppermint essential oil is so potent that undiluted it will cause your skin to tingle or burn.

Is peppermint oil good for wrinkles? ›

Yes, applying peppermint oil to your face can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is known to have anti-ageing properties.

Peppermint essential oil and hair growth

A study published in Toxicological Research suggests that a peppermint oil solution promotes hair growth. The peppermint oil used performed better than minoxidil, which is a hair growth product approved by United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Peppermint oil is used as a natural decongestant and fever-reducer. It contains menthol, an ingredient found in topical rubs that helps relieve congestion.

Peppermint is a popular flavoring agent, and peppermint tea help relax tension and could lower blood pressure.

Peppermint essential oil is another oil commonly added to water, and ideal for a refreshing drink on a hot day. It can be soothing and aid in digestion.

Peppermint was found to enhance memory whereas ylang-ylang impaired it, and lengthened processing speed. In terms of subjective mood peppermint increased alertness and ylang-ylang decreased it, but significantly increased calmness.

Peppermint. Peppermint essential oil might just be the holy grail of natural pest repellents to leave around your home's entry points, as it can help keep away ticks, spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles, and ants. Use sachets of this oil near your doors and windows or try making a diffuser or spray.

Peppermint candy, tea or oil can be just what you need to find your focus and ease anxiety.

There are evidence that inhaling essential oil may trigger the secretion of endorphin and attenuate pain and anxiety in return. Peppermint with the scientific name Mentha piperita is one of the essences used for aromatherapy. Mentha piperita is an aromatic herb with analgesic and tranquilizing effects.

Its side effects are claimed to be usually mild and minimally toxic (gastro esophageal reflux, heartburns, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions and diarrhea). High doses could be hepatotoxic[2] and nephrotoxic (rarely interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure).

What is the strongest essential oil for sleep? ›

Peppermint oil is commonly used as flavoring in foods and beverages and as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Peppermint oil also is used for a variety of health conditions and can be taken orally in dietary supplements or topically as a skin cream or ointment.

Some essential oils have clinical research supporting claims that they may increase energy and relieve fatigue. Oils that decrease fatigue and increase focus include: peppermint essential oil.

So we have a plant oil that gets rid of “bad” bugs and attracts the good ones! Certain types of wasps and flies are attracted to mint. At first it would sound like you wouldn't want those around, but here's why you might… Wasps are helpful pollinators and having them around can actually increase fruit production.

While you may be skeptical that an oil can actually help you stay awake and be more alert, study after study has demonstrated that peppermint oil can trigger your brain to wake up and be more alert, improving your ability to focus and perform better athletically.

Essential oils are volatile substances and must be treated with care and respect. The three culprits that are the cause of oxidation (the breakdown of essential oils) are heat, light, and oxygen, so it is important to store your essential oils in a dark glass bottle, keep the lid on tight, and keep them cold.

It seems that peppermint has a lowering effect on the heart rate and the systolic blood pressure.

"Like many essential oils, it can be a skin irritant so care should be taken when using products containing peppermint oil," Dobos said. Start using the oil every few days as you determine how your skin tolerates it, and stop use/wash off immediately if you develop any redness, burning, stinging or peeling.

Peppermint tops our list of detoxifying oils because of its ability to soothe your digestive system, detoxify your liver and lift your mood. It's also rich in antioxidants, it will revive and awaken your senses and it can even help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

For hot drinks: Boil a cup of hot water and pour it into a mug. Mix in two to three drops of peppermint oil and drink. For cold drinks: Pour yourself a glass of cold water and mix in one drop of peppermint oil to create a calorie-free, thirst-quenching drink.

Why shouldn't you put essential oils directly on your skin? ›

The use of undiluted essential oils on sensitive skin or in the nostrils can irritate or burn. Susceptible people may also develop an allergic reaction and a skin rash.

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This essential oil has an array of benefits. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help in reducing oxidative stress and making your skin look healthy.

“Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils including marula, hemp seed, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, argan, sweet almond, tea tree and jojoba may be good options for those with oily or acne-prone skin,” she explains.

Apply peppermint oil directly to your scalp.

To apply peppermint oil directly, mix one to two drops into a tablespoon of jojoba oil, coconut oil or shea butter oil, then massage the oil into your scalp before washing your hair with shampoo.

The topical application of peppermint oil has been shown to increase the number and the depth of hair follicles. After 4 weeks, Peppermint Oil improved the hair growth by 92% compared with 55% of Minoxidil. It serves as an indicator for the efficacy of peppermint oil in the treatment of hair loss.

After inhalation of peppermint aroma, the nasal airflow force increased, thus the author speculated this effect supply more oxygen to the brain, which could be effective for continuing physical performance.

The menthol present, in peppermint oil, helps to clear the respiratory tract, providing relief for respiratory conditions like asthma, nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis, cough, and cold. Peppermint oil is often used in cooling chest rubs and balms.

Peppermint essential oil can be used by: diluting the oil in boiling water and inhaling the steam. adding the oil to a diffuser. using it in a blend of topical oils.

Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good expectorant, meaning it helps loosen phlegm and breaks up coughs. It is soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis) and dry coughs.

What essential oil is good for congestion and cough? ›

This potent combination of pure, undiluted essential oils from green myrtle, Inula graveolens, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, and spike lavender can be dabbed under the nostrils to facilitate sinus recuperation and congestion relief.

There were no significant changes in liver enzyme activities following acute treatment with peppermint oil.

Another 2016 study suggested that vapors from essential oils, such as peppermint oil, have antibacterial properties that may help alleviate some types of upper respiratory infection. Inhaling steam and vapors can be helpful for easing nasal congestion from colds and other upper respiratory infections.

Peppermint essential oil might just be the holy grail of natural pest repellents to leave around your home's entry points, as it can help keep away ticks, spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles, and ants. Use sachets of this oil near your doors and windows or try making a diffuser or spray.

It can be used around the house to clean, deodorize, and even repel critters. What is this? Its health benefits are many, from relieving sore muscles to treating seasonal allergy symptoms and digestive ailments. Peppermint oil can improve hair and skin health, and it's also used as a mood and energy booster.

Peppermint essential oil

A study concluded that the inhalation of menthol does not actually relieve symptoms, but people who inhale it feel better anyway. To get the sensation of relief from your cough, you may want to try inhaling peppermint essential oil with your diffuser or a bowl of steaming water.

Drinking a cup of peppermint tea and dabbing some lavender oil underneath your pillow before bed could result in a dream concoction for a peaceful night's sleep.

Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.

Not only is peppermint oil a natural co*ckroach repellent—it's also toxic to roaches (and for the record, to bed bugs, too).

How do you mix peppermint oil for insect repellent? ›

Try mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with some hot water and place it in a spray bottle. A good ratio is 5 to 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of water. Use the mixture to spray down countertops, furniture, curtains and blinds and hard-to-reach areas of the home where insects are often present.

A few of her favorites include Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon. “These are cleansing oils, and can be diffused in your home to help cleanse the air, and promote clear breathing and healthy respiratory functions,” she explains. Eucalyptus supports the respiratory system, and helps to maintain clear airways.

How to use: Diffuse 5 drops in the morning to cultivate a positive attitude and invigorate your senses. You can also apply peppermint to your temples, back of neck, and wrists to boost your energy levels.

It will make your home smell good, but it certainly won't get rid of your unwanted lodgers. Peppermint oil is assumed to be a great mouse repellent because, in high concentrations, it can be quite potent and mice have a very sensitive sense of smell.

Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good expectorant, meaning it helps loosen phlegm and breaks up coughs.

The menthol in peppermint works as a decongestant, shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs. Peppermint may also help prevent a sickness from coming on in the first place.

Peppermint is a popular oil that is said to stimulate the mind to help support memory, focus, concentration, and mental performance. In one study on 24 participants2 , those who ingested a higher concentration of peppermint essential oil reported less mental fatigue after cognitively demanding tasks.