Are you wanting to learn more about peppermint essential oil? Are you looking for some great peppermint essential oil uses and benefits? Let’s look at why peppermint is an oil that should always be kept on hand.

Why You Should Use Peppermint Essential Oil!

Peppermint is a well known essential oil. The peppermint plant is commonly found in home herb gardens and is a popular herb to use in teas.

But there are so many things that peppermint essential oil is good for that you probably aren’t familiar with!

Scientific Name

First let’s look at the scientific name of the peppermint that I use.

It is Mentha piperita.

This might not seem important, but trust me, it is! Some essential oils have lots of different species. Some of these species can be harmful. So it is important when purchasing an essential oil to make sure that you read the full scientific name so that you know what you are getting.

For example, eucalyptus essential oil is an oil that I use on my kids for respiratory concerns and immune support. But, some varieties of eucalyptus essential oil can actually stop a small child’s breathing! We’ll discuss this more in a future post.

What is peppermint and where does it come from?

As I mentioned above, the peppermint plant is a wide known herb. It is grown in home herb gardens and is easy to find.

While peppermint was originally grown in Europe and the Middle East it is now found in many parts of the world.

The essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the plant.

What does peppermint smell like?

Peppermint has a cool, fresh, stimulating scent. The smell of mint is one that most people are familiar with as it is a flavor used in candies, gum, perfumes, body care products, candles, and so much more!

Essential Oil History

Peppermint is an herb that has been used for thousands of years. It has been used by many ancient cultures including the Egyptians, Chinese, and American Indians.

The Greeks laid mint leaves on the floors of their temples for their scent and stimulation.

The Romans incorporated mint along with other herbs in their headdresses worn on special occasions.

Peppermint Essential Oil Uses

So now that we’ve discussed name, origin, scent and a few history facts let’s delve right into what peppermint is used for and how it will benefit you!

Let me first say that I am not a doctor! All of the information that I provide on this site is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Please read my disclaimer page and/or the disclaimer at the bottom of this page for a full disclaimer statement.

Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits

There are many listed benefits of peppermint!

According to Be Young Total Health’s Total Health Desk Reference, peppermint’s traditional and alternative uses include: irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, bad breathe, hot flashes, nausea, stomach ache, urinary tract infections, colic, fevers, and so much more!

Diffusing Peppermint

I personally Love to diffuse peppermint essential oil! It is a wonderful choice for diffusing. When inhaled peppermint essential oil is said to be very invigorating and stimulating. I also like to diffuse it for stuffy noses.

I include peppermint in many of my diffuser recipes that can be found in the 100 Essential Oil Diffuser Blends eBook such as Cheerful Kitchen and Bugs Be Gone. The eBook also includes many recipes for cleaning, children, pets, home, etc. that contain peppermint as well. Recipes such as Allergy Season, Energizing Labor & Delivery, Pet Odor, Summer Fun, and Workout Blend. Adding a few drops of peppermint to your diffuser blend can be so beneficial!

According to JennScents Institute’s Introduction to Holistic Aromatherapy, peppermint is also good for indigestion, mental clarity, migraines, stimulating circulation, and congestion, just to name a few.

I also love to use peppermint in the bath when I’m having a hard time getting going or motivated. You can learn more about using essential oils such as peppermint in the bath in my post How to Use Essential Oils in Bath Water. And 20 of the Best Essential Oils to Use in the Bath.

Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, in his book The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, says that “peppermint dabbed on dull injuries, ideally combined with ice, will prevent swelling.” You can find even more amazing qualities of peppermint in his book. It is definitely a must read for the EO enthusiast.

Also in Dr. Schnaubelt’s book Advanced Aromatherapy, he says that “peppermint oil should be a part of every traveler’s first-aid kit. A drop of peppermint oil works wonders for motion sickness or general nausea.”

Peppermint is a strong oil and should be used sparingly. A little of this potent oil goes a long way!

Another great essential oil source is Valerie Ann Worwood’s book The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. In this book Valerie states that peppermint is an excellent digestive, helps the respiratory system, and circulation.

It is also said to be a great oil for keeping ants, fleas and other pesky bugs away!

I personally use peppermint in my Study Buddy Spray. It is excellent for helping increase concentration and memory recall while studying for a test or for kids trying to remember their math homework!

I also use peppermint in my Headache Relief and Hot Flash Spray.

You can also learn how to make your own Essential Oil Insect Repellent here! It contains peppermint and other oils to help keep those pesky mosquitoes away!

If you would like to make some of these recipes for yourself then be sure to check out the Essential Oil Recipes for Beauty & Body Care Binder! It contains some of these recipes plus so many more that, as an Aromatherapist, I have been asked to create for clients over and over again. Trust me, they will change your life!

I also love to use peppermint to help cleanse and support the liver. You can find the gentle liver cleanse recipe that I use here.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a medical reason for not using something. In this case it is a medical reason for why you should not use peppermint.

Peppermint should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I personally avoid peppermint for the most part while pregnant as it does have the ability to stimulate contractions.

Peppermint oil should also be used with caution with certain medications. Peppermint oil should not be used with Cyclosporine, or Quercetin. It can also reduce the absorption of iron when taken at the same time as an iron supplement.

Also, if you are using a homeopathic remedy you should not use peppermint as the menthol content can cause the remedy to no longer be effective.

Quality

You also want to make sure that you are using a good quality peppermint.

As an Aromatherapist I would never recommend buying an essential oil at a local store. I can almost guarantee you that it is not a pure oil.

There are no government regulations on essential oils, so an oil can be diluted by up to 50% and still be marketed as a pure oil. It can be diluted with a carrier oil, or with a synthetic substance and still be called pure. How scary is that?! Definitely not something I want to use, especially for my family! You have to be so careful when choosing your brand.

Which Brand of Essentials Oils Should I Use?

So make sure that you know and trust your source. If you have a brand that you feel confident in you can use that. If you aren’t sure about where to get peppermint, or if you would like to check out the brand that I use, you can find it on my business website Healing Blends For Life.

Where to Buy at discounted prices!

If you are interested in learning how you can buy my preferred brand of essential oils at a discounted price check out my Essential Oil page!

Also, if you are new to essential oils and would like to learn more about how to use them, be sure to take my FREE Essential Oils for Beginners Course!

I hope you enjoy peppermint as much as I do!

Also please come back after using peppermint and comment below with your opinion of the oil!

What do you like most about peppermint essential oil? Do you enjoy the smell as much as I do? Did you experience any results after using peppermint? If so what were they? Do you have any additional uses to add to the above list?

I can’t wait to read your comments!

If you are interested in reading more Essential Oil posts, here are the links to help you find them:

1.Why You Should Use Frankincense Essential Oil

2.Why You Should Use Dill Essential Oil

3.Why You Should Use Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

4.Why You Should Use Turmeric Essential Oil

5.Why You Should Use Geranium Essential Oil

6.Why You Should Use Myrrh Essential Oil

7.Why You Should Use Birch Essential Oil

8.Why You Should Use Cypress Essential Oil

9.Why You Should Use Helichrysum Essential Oil

10.Why You Should Use Clove Essential Oil

11.Why You Should Use Ginger Essential Oil

12. Why You Should Use Nutmeg Essential Oil

13. Why You Should Use Lavender Essential Oil

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. I do not prescribe, diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your health care provider before implementing any of the information provided on this site.

The information provided on this site is completely my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of any other entity.

Any statements or claims regarding health benefits of foods, supplements or essential oils listed on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.

You can read my full disclaimer here.