The benefits of peppermint essential oil range from muscle aches, to low energy, to allergies all the way to your skin and hair health. It has been known as one of the most versatile essential oils you can use. And no one can deny that it smells absolutely amazing! You can diffuse, apply topically, ingest and cook with peppermint essential oil, and no matter the way in which you use it you will gain the benefits.
Peppermint essential oil is naturally antibacterial, anti fungal and anti-viral. It is a strong antioxidant and has been used for centuries to help heal the body, alleviate pain and added to many skin and hair care regimes. Peppermint is a mix between spearmint and water mint. The most active ingredients are menthol and menthone which is contracted from the plants in high concentrations making this very potent and the benefits from peppermint essential oil very strong.
Top 10 Uses and Benefits
1. Relieves Headaches
There are many triggers to tension headaches, and the great power of peppermint essential oil is that it goes to the source of the headache and starts healing there. Whether it is muscle tension, gut health, or circulation the benefits of peppermint essential oil is that you can apply it topically to your neck, temples, and forehead and it uses its’ antioxidant properties to heal and stop your headache from the source to the tension.
Use: Apply a few drops mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil to the temples, back of the neck and forehead.
2. Boosts Energy
Peppermint oil is a natural way to improve your energy and cognitive function. Whether you have a long drive a head, a long night of studying or want a boost before a workout peppermint is a safe and natural way to help you.
Use: Apply peppermint essential oil mixed with a carrier oil on the inside of wrists or simply sniff the peppermint essential oil for an energy boost.
3. Hair Growth
A study was conducted in 2014 that found that peppermint essential oil can be used as an alternative medicine to hair loss. It helps rejuvenate hair follicles and it is often found in many shampoos, conditioners and hair masks. When using peppermint on your hair it strengthens the hair follicles leading the hair to be stronger, live longer, and prevents hair thinning! This is also a safe alternative during pregnancy and postpartum as hair loss can be a struggle post birth.
Use: Add 2-3 drops to shampoo or apply 2-3 drops to scalp and massage while showering.
4. Natural Bug Repellant
This is one of my favorite benefits of peppermint essential oil. We might love the smell of peppermint but many bugs do not, including the important ones we want to keep away such as: ants, cockroaches, mosquitos, and spiders. Research has found the peppermint essential oil gives 150 minutes of total protection from mosquitos! Sounds perfect for late summer nights to me.
Use: Mix 20 drops of peppermint and fill a spray bottle with witch hazel and shake gently to create a natural bug spray for you and your children. You can also put some peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball in places around the house where you have seen bugs.
5. Alleviates Nausea
Peppermint essential oil has been found beneficial to patients after chemotherapy and those who have just undergone surgery. It has been used throughout pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, as hormones are adjusting to pregnancy. It has also been found beneficial to traveling and motion sickness.
Use: Mix 1-2 drops of peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil and apply behind the ears. Diffuse it into the air, and inhale directly for immediate relief.
6. Sinus Care and Allergies
Inhaling peppermint essential oil can unclog your nasal passages and remove pollen from your respiratory tract. It also aids in lessening the symptoms of a scratchy throat, clear mucus and open airways. Peppermint is considered one of the best oils for allergy season. It is anti-inflammatory and mixed with it’s powerful scent it can alleviate muscle tension and clear your nasal passages.
Use: Diffuse peppermint in your home or bedroom and topically apply a few drops to your temples, chest and back of neck.
7. Digestive Support
Peppermint oil can be taken internally. When taken in capsule form it can be used to treat irritable bowl syndrome. It has the ability to relax the muscles throughout the digestive tract, relieve spasms in the colon and reduces bloating, gassiness and other digestive symptoms.
Use: Take 1-2 drops internally with a glass of water. Topically apply two drops to your abdomen mixed with a carrier oil.
8. Freshens Breath
Peppermint oil is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and has been used for a long time to naturally promote fresh breath. It also has the ability to kill the fungus that causes cavities and other mouth infections.
Use: Add a drop to your toothpaste, or hold a drop under your tongue before drinking a glass of water in the morning.
9. Alleviate Sore Throat
Menthol has the ability to ease sore throat pain and actually it has the ability to numb the area bringing relief. It has natural anti-bacterial properties that fight throat infections, and it’s anti-inflammatory properties have the ability to ease swelling.
Use: Mix 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil into a glass of water. Gargle with peppermint and water, or apply topically mixed with a carrier oil to back of the neck and behind the ears.
10. The Power of Peppermint For Children
So, there are many benefits to using peppermint essential oil on your baby and children. Some uses can be for colic, teething, congestion, and reducing fever. This is safe, natural and an affordable alternative to try at home. Because of it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties it has the ability to ease congestion and reduce fevers. The menthol creates a calming effect that can numb pain. What is so great about this method is that it doesn’t have any dangerous ingredients like many store bought cough syrups and fever reducers have. Studies have also proven it can reduce colic symptoms in children. For teething it can give a cooling and numbing relief.
Uses:
For Colic – mix with carrier oil and rub on chest and abdomen
For teething – mix with carrier oil and massage onto gums
For congestion and reducing fever – mix with carrier oil and apply to bottoms of feet and chest. Bottoms of feet allows for faster absorption in the bloodstream.