Peppermint offers a pleasant and familiar aroma, uplifting and fresh in its mint-based scent. It can be a strongly fragrant oil, as peppermint essence is highly concentrated.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Mentha x piperita
Peppermint essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the peppermint bush.
Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
Known as one of the world’s oldest “medications,” peppermint oil has long been used in herbal healing. The many benefits of peppermint oil are soothing, cooling, and calming, thanks primarily to the menthol naturally present in the leaves of peppermint plants. Even when diluted, that menthol creates a cooling sensation that works both physically and through the power of aromatherapy.
When used to scent the air in a diffuser, peppermint essential oil is cooling on hot days or in warm environments, and can also relive the pain of tension headaches and muscle soreness. Peppermint oil is an anti-inflammatory aromatherapy agent, providing much needed relief to swollen, achy, and tender muscles or joints. Additionally, if you are suffering from a toothache or jaw pain, peppermint oil offers relief; it’s often used for patients who have recently undergone oral surgery, as those same anti-inflammatory qualities make it a wonderful solution for gentle pain relief.
In addition to soothing physical pains, peppermint oil performs vital work in the digestive system as well. Those who suffer from motion sickness, morning sickness, or the nausea of an upset stomach can breathe in the scent of peppermint oil and find relief – it’s an excellent oil for calming the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, relaxing all that has your stomach roiling with every inhale.
An herbal antiseptic, peppermint oil help the body to eliminate fungal infections when rubbed onto the nails and the cuticles.
Therapeutic Properties of Peppermint Essential Oil
Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antibiotic, Antidepressant, Antiemetic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Hepatic, Stimulant, Stomachic, Sudorific
Precautions When Using Peppermint Essential Oil
Observe the standard safety guidelines when using Peppermint essential oil.
Pregnant women and people with epilepsy should not use peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is best used during the daytime hours; if your bedtime is approaching, err on the side of safety and steer clear of this oil. Although soothing, its minty and fresh aroma can bring a state of wakefulness, preventing you from slipping calmly into sleep.
Buying Peppermint Essential Oil
Typically, Peppermint essential oil sells for around $13 per ounce.
Essential Oils Similar to Peppermint
SpearmintPeppermint Blends Well With...
Any of the similar essential oils, plus Basil, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Palmarosa, Black Pepper, Rosemary, Vanilla
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Sources
Essential Oil Safety
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils
Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice
Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit
Aromatherapy and the Mind
The Aromatherapy Workbook