Peppermint Oil : Benefits, Uses, How to Use, Cautions

Overview of Peppermint Essential Oil

Think you’re cool now? Well, wait till you discover the cooling and rejuvenating properties of this powerful oil!

What Is Peppermint Essential Oil?

Peppermint is a hybrid aromatic herb that’s a cross between spearmint and watermint. Its easily recognizable scent is a blend of fresh and minty notes, making it one of the most refreshing scents used in aromatherapy today. You can find it in almost any home, as peppermint has been used to make mouthwashes, soaps, candles, air fresheners and more.

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Peppermint oil is a concentrated liquid extracted from the leaves of the plant peppermint herb. This time-tested aromatic remedy is traditionally made through distilling the plant Mentha × piperita, however it can also be extracted through mechanical methods such as cold-pressing. This helps the oil capture the “essence” of the plant’s scent as well as its soothing and relaxing properties.

The plant’s powerful properties have made it a popular herb for health since its discovery thousands of years ago. In ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, it was highly praised for its ability to soothe the body and soul.

Name	Peppermint Essential Oil
Botanical Name	Mentha × piperita
Native to	Europe and the Middle East
Main ingredients	Menthol, Menthone, limonene, 1,8-Cineole, Isovalerate, pinene
Aroma	Minty
Blends well with	Basil, frankincense, grapefruit, marjoram, lime, lemon, rosemary, tea tree, lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, geranium and marjoram essential oils
Category	Minty
Substitute	Spearmint or orange essential oils

A study published in the Journal Of Comparative Pathobiology Iran in 2011 used the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry system to find the compounds in peppermint oil and its composition.(1)

Peppermint Oil Benefits

It Can Soothe Headaches And Muscle Pains.

Peppermint oil has a cooling effect, soothing muscles from within for carefree days.

The minty exhilarating scent of peppermint oil helps to improve natural blood circulation, relaxing tension that usually causes headaches and migraines. A few whiffs of this refreshing aromatic essence would help to ease nausea as well.

Thicker Hair Oil

Peppermint oil for hair is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of hair oils, conditioners and shampoos. The ingredients in the oil improve the blood circulation in the scalp, thus stimulating hair growth with thicker hair. It is also used as remedy for head lice and dandruff.

Published in December 2014, a report from Ji Young Oh, Min Ah Park & Young Chul Kim concluded that peppermint oil stimulates a fast anagen state supporting hair growth; but, without any side effects.(6)

Minty Fresh Mouth

This is perhaps the most popular use of peppermint, made famous by mouth freshener advertisements. Gargling with the diluted oil gives the mouth its minty fresh aroma.

Calm and Serene Mind

This oil is known to reduce stress and anxiety levels and increase concentration and focus. It is because of its refreshing aroma. Half an hour of aromatherapy with peppermint oil stimulates the brain cells, leading to more positivity.

Uses of Peppermint Essential

To enjoy this oil’s benefits, it all depends on how you choose to use it.

Peppermint Oil For Skin

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1. It Soothes Acne

The oil of Peppermint is loaded with properties which can help with acne. It reduces acne-causing bacteria to treat breakouts. It also is made up of at least 30% menthol which gives it a cooling sensation to soothe angry pimples. One essential oil that can improve acne-prone skin is peppermint.

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2. It Calms Itchy Skin

With its high menthol content, peppermint essential oil works wonders on itchy skin. Dilute it with aloe vera gel or a skin-friendly carrier oil to soothe rashes, redness, dry and irritated skin as well as sunburns.

3. It Unclogs Pores

While pimples are definitely one of the most frustrating skin conditions, clogged pores can result in blackheads which can be just as noticeable. Peppermint oil can help unclog and decongest your skin, leading to a clearer complexion.

Peppermint Oil For Scalp And Hair

4. It Reduces Dandruff

Peppermint oil helps in reducing dandruff.

5. It Balances Dry and Oily Scalps

This multi-tasking oil is a relief for most scalp types, creating a balanced environment for a healthier head of hair. Peppermint oil is able to absorb excess oil and at the same time deliver much-needed hydration to moisture-deprived scalps.

6. It Promotes Hair Growth

If you’re hoping for fuller locks, peppermint oil might be just what you’re looking for. It helps to stimulate and strengthen the hair follicles to reduce hair fall. Peppermint oil can cause circulation and promote hair growth. It can help with hair health and skin.

Health benefits of peppermint oil have been used to clear skin and scalp problems, but the oil contains compounds from the leaves of the peppermint plant which are potent for other purposes.

Peppermint Essential oil for Oral Health

7. Relief from Insect bites

Peppermint oil has many variety of use including repelling unwanted tiny guests. Insect and bug bites can be annoying. The soothing effect of the oil on the skin reduces the itching sensation caused by insect bites. Topical peppermint oil is applied to the skin to soothe bug bites.

8. Pest repellant

Peppermint has menthol and terpene which can drive away pests and mosquitoes. It is better to use natural oil than chemicals to drive away the pesky pests and the smell of peppermint, although appeasing to humans, repels bugs.

How To Use Peppermint Oil

Take advantage of this oil’s versatility by finding a method that works best for you.

Peppermint Essential Oil In Aroma Diffuser

One of the most popular ways to enjoy peppermint essential oil is by using it with an aroma diffuser. It freshens up the air indoors with its clean and minty scent for better mental focus throughout the day.

On top of this, inhaling the scent of peppermint can also help you keep colds at bay, thanks to its anti-inflammatory nature which calms irritated nasal passages. It also helps with headaches and migraines.

To use the refreshing peppermint in a diffuser, add a few drops, about 3 to 5 drops per every 100ml of distilled water. Make sure to not go overboard or the scent could end up too overpowering, causing headaches and nausea.

Peppermint Essential Oil In A Bath

If you’re looking to really up your self-care game, you can pamper yourself by adding a few drops of your favorite oils into a nice, relaxing bath. All you need to do is fill up your bath with warm to hot water and add in a few drops of the oil. If you’ve got sensitive skin, we recommend you start with just 6 drops, but you can go up to 8 if sensitivity isn’t a worry for you.

This is one way for you to enjoy the multiple benefits of peppermint oil in one go. The steam from the water will allow you to inhale its refreshing scent while sitting in the bath will also help to rejuvenate your skin as you mentally unwind.

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Peppermint Oil To Repel Bugs/Spiders/Insects/Rats

Keep those creepy crawlies at bay the natural way. Instead of protecting yourself with chemical bug sprays and insect repellents, get your hands on some peppermint oil to ward off common pests.

To ward off these pests, fill a 16-ounce bottle with water, a little dish soap and about 5 drops of peppermint oil. Give it a good shake and spray it around doors and windows at least once a week for a bug and rodent free home.

Safety With Peppermint Essential Oil (Or Any Variant)

Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects. Generally essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any side effects. Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others. Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These maybe made from substandard sources.
Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
Always do a small patch test before topical application.
The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.

Recommended Peppermint Essential Oil Products

If you’re looking to get started on the Peppermint Oil craze, you’ve come to the right place. Shop our Peppermint Essential Oil here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is peppermint oil good for?

Peppermint oil is good for the skin, hair, scalp and joint health. It is good for dealing with respiratory and stomach related diseases and disorders. It is good for physical and mental wellness.

How to make peppermint oil?

Follow these steps to make peppermint oil at home:

Step 1: Take fresh peppermint leaves; crush it and place it in a jar.
Step 2: Fill the jar with olive oil or grape seed oil.
Step 3: Stir the glass and store it for three days.
Step 4: Filter the leaves out.
Step 5: Take another batch of freshly crushed leaves and add to the oil in the jar.
Step 6: Repeat the process till the desired amount of oil is obtained.

What are the benefits of peppermint oil?

Here are some of the benefits of peppermint oil – it promotes hair growth, it relieves headaches, it relieves pain, it soothes itching, it treats scalp conditions, and it boosts memory.

How to get peppermint oil off skin?

If undiluted essential oil touches the skin, the first thing to do would be to apply soap and use cold water to rinse it off. If the burning sensation exists or if the skin gets red, apply coconut oil or any neutral oil on the skin. Aloe vera gel is also effective in such cases.

How to use peppermint oil for acne?

Dilute few drops of peppermint oil with tablespoon of carrier oil or even water and apply it topically on the acne affected part of the face.

How to use peppermint oil for hair growth?

Dilute peppermint oil (three to four drops) in two to three tablespoons of carrier oil and massage it into the scalp.

Where can you buy peppermint oil?

You can buy peppermint essential oil at Gya Labs. While buying essential oils you should verify the authenticity of the product. At Gya labs you can check the English and Latin names of the product, verify the source of the product and learn about the essential oil most suited for your needs.

What does peppermint essential oil do?

Peppermint essential oil has several therapeutic properties. It is applied topically or inhaled to treat several diseases and conditions. It is also used for general wellness.

Why use peppermint oil on hair?

Peppermint oil can be used on hair to stimulate growth, relieve scalp irritation, add shine, act as a natural insect repellent, and eliminate dandruff. The menthol in peppermint oil can increase blood flow to the scalp, soothe an itchy or irritated scalp, and smooth the hair cuticles. However, it's important to dilute peppermint oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying it to the hair to avoid irritation.

Where to apply peppermint oil?

Essential oils can be applied on the skin (face, scalp, neck, back of the ears, joints etc.) after diluting it with carrier oil. Do not apply it in the eyes, inside the ears and other sensitive parts.

What does peppermint do for your skin?

Peppermint oil cleanses the skin. It can prevent or get rid of acne and pimples. It could diminish scars and marks on the skin.

Can you put peppermint essential oil on your skin?

Direct application of peppermint essential oil on the skin must be avoided as it can cause side effects including rashes, redness of skin and itching.

Is peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil the same?

Peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil are used interchangeably. Peppermint oil is the essential oil derived from the leaves and flowers of the peppermint tree.

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Peppermint Essential Oil: Uses for Skin, Hair and Aromatherapy