9 Surprising Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits and Uses!

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Pain Relief

June 28, 2017

Using Lavender Essential Oil for Anxiety and Stress

July 6, 2017

 This post may contain affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase through a link on this page.

Boost Your Health with these Amazing Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits and Uses!

Besides the alluring and invigorating scent, there are a vast of reported peppermint essential oil benefits and uses.

Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits and Uses You’d be surprised by the number of uses assigned to this oil with its antimicrobial properties.

In fact, some believe that there are very few health, both body and mind related, issues in which it cannot offer some relief.

Well known for its cooling and calming effects, it’s touted for its ability to aid in the pain associated with sore muscles.

Not to mention the fact that it makes a tremendous remedy for bad breath and various digestive complaints.

Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits and Uses – Science & History

Perhaps unknown to most, peppermint is actually a hybrid of water mint and spearmint.

Its essential oils are derived from steam distillation of the aerial parts of the plants’ flowers.

Menthone and menthol are its most active ingredients at 35-45% and 10-30% composition.

And, it’s often ascribed to anti-nausea uses due to its ability to reduce the muscle spasms that occur in the colon and gastric lining.

As one of the oldest European herbs utilized in a medicinal capacity, there are other historic accounts dating it all the way back to the folk medicines of Japan and China.

Essentially, there is enough documentation to suggest that peppermint has been in use since 1000 BC. Some has been found in Egyptian pyramids.

As stated above, peppermint oil has long been utilized for treatments of a vast array of health maladies.

So, below are some of the peppermint essential oil benefits and uses you can start enjoying today!

NOW 100% Pure and Natural Peppermint Essential Oil, 1-Ounce Radha Beauty Peppermint Essential Oil 4 oz – 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Organic Peppermint Essential Oil. 10 ml. 100% Pure, Therapeutic Grade

#1. Peppermint Oil for Sore Muscles

It’s used as a natural pain reducer and is found by many to help relax aching muscles. It is also used to help with tension headaches.

In fact, research suggests that those dealing with Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia find relief when peppermint oil is applied topically.

#2. Peppermint Oil for Sinus Congestion

Diffusing peppermint oil can be useful for helping to unclog sinuses and offers some relief to sore and scratchy throats.

On top of that, it is found by many to act like an expectorant in situations when colds, asthma, bronchitis, or sinusitis set in.

Related Reading: Top 4 Essential Oils for Sinus Headache Relief

#3. Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits Oral Health

This is one of the pure peppermint oil uses I really love! You can use peppermint oil to help combat gum disease and improve your oral health.

This is because it contains anti-microbial properties that help to fight the germs that cause gum disease.

Add a few drops to coconut oil for oil pulling or incorporate into your homemade natural mouth wash.

Related Reading: Essential Oils for Gum Disease and Oral Health

#4. Curbs Hunger Pains

Believe it or not, YOU can use peppermint essential oil to alleviate hunger cravings. Inhaling peppermint might help battle the grumblings associated with the munchies.

Research was done using peppermint inhalation that showed the peppermint scent was effective in helping to decrease hunger cravings, caloric intake, and one’s appetite.

And, it is reported by some to create a sense of fullness as well. If diffusing won’t work at dinner time just put a couple of drops on your chest or temples.

Of course, you can always take a few deep sniffs from an open bottle as well.

#5. Energy Booster

Suffering from chronic fatigue? Forget energy drinks and try peppermint oil! The truth is, most energy drinks contain a lot of caffeine, which is NOT good for those sensitive to caffeine.

A few whiffs of the fresh, sharp peppermint essential oil scant can help perk you up whenever you start to drag. And without the jitters and other negative effects of caffeine.

Even people with chronic fatigue syndrome benefit from its ability to improve concentration and focus.

#6. Peppermint Oil for Allergies

When an allergy attack sets in, the muscles in your nasal passages go into overdrive.

Inhaling peppermint oil can help rid those passages of pollen and other muck that’s got them going haywire. This is why it is considered one of the best essential oils for allergy relief.

Consider diffusing it with eucalyptus and clove oil for added relief.

#7. Fever Reduction

Thanks to its inherent cooling effects, peppermint oil is great for battling fevers, especially in children.

NOTE: It is not recommended to be used in children under the age of five. Because it can be neurotoxic to a young child do not apply around, or near the face!

For a child between the ages of five and ten, I would use a 0.5% topical application. Above the age of ten I would use a 1.0% topical application.

I believe that the lesser percentages are not only safer, but also very effective for children, as well as, adults!

Add a few drops to coconut oil and rub it on the bottoms of the feet and on the neck to stabilize the fever. Moreover, it’s a better, more natural, option than the various over the counter drugs readily available.

#8. Bug Repellant

No one likes bugs and during the summer time they can be a real drag. Peppermint essential oil has the innate ability to drive away: ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders. Plus, mice and lice don’t like it either.

#9. Peppermint Essential Oil for Headache Relief

Since peppermint oil can relax tense muscles and improve circulation, it’s a great option for relieving headaches.

In fact, there’s some research out of Germany that suggests it significantly helps in reducing the sensitivity associated with headaches. This is particularly true when applied to the temples and forehead.

This list only scratches the surface of peppermint essential oil benefits. So why don’t you stat enjoying these benefits by incorporating peppermint oil into your health regimen.

Safety Considerations with Peppermint EO

It can cause skin or mucous membrane irritation. Thus it is important to keep the percentage only between 1% to 2% for an adult. (0.5% to 1% for a child ages five and above)
Avoid using in children under the age of five.
Can be neurotoxic for a young child (cause an adverse effect on the central and/or peripheral nervous system) when applied on, or near the face.
Should not be use by those with a history of G6PD deficiency.
Should not be used by those with a history of cardiac fibrillation.
Should not be used by those with allergies to the mint family plants.

Always, do a skin patch test prior to topically using an essential oil you have never used before! See my sections on essential oil safety:

Pure Peppermint Oil Uses

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.