Peppermint

Mentha piperita

fast FACTS

ORIGIN

Europe

EXTRACTION

Distillation

MAY HELP WITH

Aches and pains

Cold and flu

Digestion

Fatigue

Headache

Lavender and peppermint oil are the two staples for any essential-oil collection. Peppermint has the potential to relieve pain, aid digestion, soothe a headache, fight odor, clear congestion, and fend off colds. To top it off, it deters pests, especially ants, from taking over your household.

Where It Comes From

Delicious additions to beverages, baked goods, and more have put this leafy green perennial in backyard gardens all over the world. Peppermint is native to Europe and the Middle East. The distillation for the oil uses the stems and leaf of the plant.

Peppermint oil may clear up sinus and chest congestion.

Characteristics

Peppermint’s clear to pale-yellow oil carries a sharp, menthol scent with a sweet candy-cane undertone.

What Makes It Great

Peppermint oil has many applications to help you:

•  Perk up. The smell of peppermint oil may help you stay energized and focused.

•  Relieve aches and pains. Sore muscles and aching temples alike may benefit from peppermint’s pain-relieving properties.

•  Ease digestive troubles. Massaging your abdomen with diluted peppermint oil relieves nausea, indigestion, gas, and stomach cramps.

•  Breathe easy. The eucalyptol (the compound that gives eucalyptus its familiar fragrance) in peppermint oil may clear up sinus and chest congestion.

Your Favorite Pain Reliever

Menthol, the main component of peppermint oil, is familiar in many over-the-counter pain-relieving creams and ointments. When the cooling of peppermint is combined with soothing lavender oil and jojoba, you can create a DIY treatment for headaches, joint pain, and muscle soreness.

•  Stay healthy. Combine peppermint oil with lavender and lemon to help support your immune health during cold and flu season.

•  Reduce body odor. A little spritz of peppermint oil can deodorize feet and smelly shoes.

•  Get rid of pests. Peppermint oil may keep ants, spiders, and mice from making themselves at home.

How to Use It

Some of the best ways to take advantage of peppermint’s many attributes include:

•  Massage oils. Massage diluted peppermint oil onto sore muscles and an upset stomach.

•  Diffusers or inhalers. Whether you’re feeling congested or exhausted, inhaling peppermint oil may help.

•  Soaps and lotions. Add a drop of peppermint oil to your unscented face wash for a cooling astringent feel.

•  Baths. Peppermint in your bath may help you soothe sore muscles, clear congestion, and ward off illness.

Massage diluted peppermint oil onto sore muscles and an upset stomach.

Better Together

Peppermint and lavender oils work well together. They share a few benefits, and also merge to help reduce stress and tension, relieve pain, and support respiration.

Blending Suggestions

Some blending combinations for peppermint oil include: cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, oregano, pine, and rosemary.

Safety Guidance

Keep these tips in mind when using peppermint oil:

•  Test your tolerance. Peppermint may irritate sensitive skin.

•  Avoid when pregnant or breast-feeding.

•  Use caution with kids. Menthol can lower body temperature and compromise the respiratory system. Children younger than 30 months of age shouldn’t use peppermint oil.