Peppermint Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
 
The health benefits of peppermint essential oil include its ability to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms, as well as for pain relief.  Due to the presence of menthol, menthone and menthyl esters, peppermint and peppermint oil find wide applications in the manufacturing of soap, shampoo, cigarettes, toothpaste, chewing gum, tea and ice cream.  Peppermint essential oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically.  It also has antimicrobial properties so it can help freshen bad breath and soothe digestive issues.
Peppermint essential oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, magnesium, iron, calcium, manganese, folate, copper, potassium and many trace minerals.  A great way to get these essential vitamins and minerals is to have a cup of hot peppermint tea by adding a few drops of peppermint oil, or, perhaps add it to your favorite iced tea.
Peppermint oil is very helpful as an aid for digestion.  People often put a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water and drink it after their meal for its beneficial digestive properties.  It is carminative and therefore helps in removing excess gas. It is also a good tonic for those who have a low appetite, and it helps treating motion sickness, nausea and upset stomachs.  Preliminary research has proved that it, when combined with caraway oil can be used for treating heartburn.
Peppermint essential oil is a very effective natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. It is especially helpful in soothing an aching back, sore muscles, and melting away a tension headache.  Because of peppermint oil’s cooling effects, it is an excellent natural treatment to bring down a fever especially in children.  Simply mix peppermint oil with coconut oil and rub it on a child’s neck and on the bottom of their feet to help stabilize a fever instead of aspirin or other drugs.
Peppermint oil, due to its antiseptic properties, is very useful in dental care. It also eliminates bad breath and helps teeth and gums fight off hazardous germs. Unsurprisingly, these attributes mean that it is added to numerous toothpastes, and it is also been shown to be useful in the treatment of toothaches. At times, the inhalation of peppermint oil vapor can be anti-inflammatory and pain relieving, so it can even be added to postoperative oxygen, particularly after oral surgeries.
Peppermint essential oil has been used in massage oils, aromatherapy products, teas, homeopathic products, air fresheners, lotions, shampoos, inhalants, vapor rubs, skin care products, hair care products, household cleaning products, detergents, candles and insect repellents.
 
Parts Used:  Flowering plant
Extraction Method:  Steam distilled
Note Classification:  Top
Aroma:  Fresh, very minty with peppery notes, herbaceous, menthol
Blends Well With:  Basil, benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, cajeput, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, mandarin, marjoram, niaouli, pine, ravensara, rosemary, spearmint, tea tree, thyme
 
Caution:   As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted, in the eyes or mucus membranes.  Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner.  Keep away from children.  If applying an essential oil to your skin, always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier).  The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness.  Essential oils are not drugs and are not considered appropriate for treatment of illness.  Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.  The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.