33 Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil
I am excited to share with you 33 Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil. Peppermint is one of my favorite essential oils. I find it so useful. I use it for when my head hurts and as an energy booster. I carry this in my purse at all times and inhale it when I need an energy boost during the day or apply it (diluted with coconut oil) for when I am feeling an ache in my jaw.
33 Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil:
1. Calm an upset tummy. Just one drop of peppermint oil rubbed on the stomach (diluted with coconut oil) or inhaled will help with indigestion, an upset stomach or other tummy upset. A must have when traveling!
2. Restore vitality in the mouth. When your breath is sharp and your mouth feels furry, peppermint oil mixed with water (and lemon oil) creates a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse that leaves a lasting crisp, clean feeling. Perfect when you can’t get to a toothbrush or you run out of mouthwash. Just swish and rinse.
3. It’s About Air Flow. When breathing seem to be clogged, and the throat is scratchy, diffuse peppermint oil (or apply topically on the chest – use coconut oil as a carrier oil) for almost immediate relief and revitalizing air flow.
4. Cool the Joints. When the ravages of time wreak havoc on your joints, leaving that hot and achy feeling, peppermint oil mixed with lavender oil (use coconut oil as a carrier oil) cools like an ice bath, but you to stay warm and dry.
5. Feel Full, Faster. Satiety. It’s about feeling full, and not overeating. The aroma of peppermint oil has the ability to make you feel full, faster…especially if you breathe it in before or during a meal!
6. Cool Your Tootsies. If you’ve been on your feel all day or religiously wear hard soled shoes, just add peppermint oil to a cold water compress to cool your overworked, over heated tootsies.
7. Perk Up. The invigorating aroma of peppermint is a wonderful, non-stimulating way to perk up on long drives, in school, during late night homework or any other time you need to “burn the midnight oil.”
8. Energize Your Lather. Some shampoo and conditioner combos can make you want to go back to sleep. No energy. No pep. No fun. Not good. Add peppermint to your potions to stimulate the scalp, energize and wake up! The oil is an antiseptic in nature, and can also help remove dandruff and itchy scalps.
9. Stuffy Nose Beware. Peppermint oil has the ability to relax smooth muscles in the body — the same muscles that line our airways and become irritated. Peppermint oil (with lemon) should certainly be another arrow in your allergy treatment quiver! Just simply inhale for relief.
10. Chase Away Tension Headaches. Got a mind numbing headache? A few drops of peppermint dabbed on your temples, neck and sinuses can quickly spring into action and chase that headache away! Be sure to use a carrier oil if you are sensitive. I like coconut oil.
11. Help Kids Get on the Ball. The next time Junior is a little unresponsive to all that is going on with school and homework, try spritzing a little peppermint on his shirt before study time or allowing him to inhale the aroma.
12. Seep, Soak & Revitalize. After a long day, add a drop of peppermint to your bath tub water and soak in the aroma. The refreshing peppermint vapor will make you feel cool, relaxed and energized again.
13. Coughing Fit. If you are suffering from lingering cough simply inhale peppermint oil and it will help open you up and calm your cough. I have also found sucking on peppermint helps too!
14. A “Should I Work Out Today?” Antidote. You ask yourself this question. It’s OK. Inhaling peppermint oil prior to exercise immediately awakens your senses and gets you in your right mind so you can crank.
15. A Snack Vendor’s Nightmare. When you get that mid-morning craving, diffuse peppermint oil to reign in the urge to snack on junk food, or anything else that might appear before you.
16. Add Zip to All Things Chocolate. Enhance your chocolate in a gazillion ways: gourmet hot chocolate, mint brownie frosting, peppermint bark, peppermint patties, peppermint brownies, peppermint chocolate Bundt cake, red velvet cupcakes with white chocolate peppermint cream cheese, yum!
17. Brisk, Delightful Confections. Peppermint chiffon cake, homemade candy canes, butter mints, peppermint ice cream, peppermint glaze over pastries and cookies, homemade peppermint patties.
18. Unforgettable Beverages. Peppermint mocha, peppermint tea, peppermint hot chocolate, that’s right … it’s all delish.
19. Wake Up Your Mind. Peppermint oil activates your senses. It is great for motivating you on a dreary day.
20. An Itch Fix. If you have the after effects of a sunburn where skin is a little warm and itchy, apply a drop of peppermint oil mixed with lavender and coconut oil to cool, soothe and stop itching.
21. Theme Park Relief. If you’ve got that “I my gosh, I can’t believe I just went on a spinning ride” feeling, a drop of peppermint rubbed on the stomach can calm smooth stomach muscles and help dispel discomfort. I like to dilute with coconut oil or you can inhale it for the same result.
22. DIY Fix. Using a drop of peppermint oil and placing it in your lotion can really make a nice aroma and massages the skin nicely.
23. Burrow No More. If you find a tick has decided to make your skin its home, just give that tick a nice bath of peppermint oil diluted with coconut oil on a cotton swab. The tick will stop burrowing, remove its head and then he’s yours.
24. Don’t Make It Easy on the Critters. Many household bugs do not like peppermint oil — ants, aphids, beetles, plant lice, mice and cockroaches try to steer clear of peppermint. Just add to water in a spray bottle and spray where you think pests grace you with their presence!
25. Clean Naturally. Peppermint oil is a wonderful natural cleaning agent because it has antibacterial properties. Add to a water bottle and spray on counter tops and bathroom surfaces, scrub, and enjoy cleaner clean.
26. Sleep Like a Baby. If you find you are having a hard time sleeping, peppermint oil helps activate cold-sensitive receptors in the skin. When used this way, it may help with insomnia. Inhale before bedtime for better sleep.
27. Quell Apathy. When you’re with someone who feels gloomy or like they “just don’t care”, ask them to try peppermint oil (aromatically) to stimulate their mental sharpness and focus.
28. It’s About a State of Mind. Someone’s mental outlook can be a game changer. If they are shocked, stressed out or nervous, peppermint oil may help restore feelings of normalcy and balance. Use it aromatically.
29. Tame a Toothache. Peppermint oil can act as a concentrated natural pain killer and muscle relaxant, especially with painful gums, teething or recent dental work. You can use it directly on the gum with a carrier oil.
30. Alleviate Internal Strife. When used topically peppermint is a favorite for fresh relief from cramping, indigestion to diarrhea. Skip the antacids and go with peppermint oil! Dilute first with coconut oil.
31. For That “Marathon in Clogs” Feeling. When you feel like you’ve just run a marathon in clogs, and your feet are a hot mess of ouch, massage peppermint oil diluted with coconut oil onto aching feet, joints, and strained muscles.
32. Leap from Lethargic. Feeling lethargic or in a brain fog? Peppermint has been known to improve blood circulation and awareness, leaving you with an energized, awake feeling. Use it aromatically.
33. Go Eight-Leg Free. When you diffuse peppermint into the room, you’ll notice fewer spiders. Why? They don’t like it. It’s safe, contains no harsh chemicals or pesticides. It doesn’t kill the spiders, but forces them out.
We suggest that you dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and they are not intended to be used on small children (under age 5). Reminder a little goes a long way!
Disclosure: We are NOT providing medical advice. Always consult your physician for medical treatment. The advice shared in this page has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help.
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Melissa is a football and soccer mom who has been married to her best friend for 24 years. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.
Wow this list is great, I had no idea there were so many uses. Nice! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks!
Could I put a drop in my dogs water bowl? Would it hurt my dog?
They are safe for pets!
Could I use a drop or two in my little tart warmer that scents up the house?
You can use it in your tart warmer! https://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/05/diffusing-essential-oils-in/
I have always heard sucking on a peppermint was good for upset stomachs and to help you concentrate. I never thought of just dabbing a little peppermint oil on the kids before a test. Thanks for the awesome idea!
Yes, we always use this on test day!
My mom suffers from chronic migraines that are triggered by many things including scents. Is this a strong scent? I know she is willing to try most home remedies but she has been resistant to oils because she is afraid that the smell would make it worse. Any advice?
I too get migraines from scents. I have no issues at all – because the oils are taken from the leaves and stems they are potent and work well (better than OTC and prescription medication for me).
I get migraines frequently as well but the smell of peppermint has actually been a lifesaver keeping me from having to take so much medicine ! I simply inhale or mix with coconut oil and rub over my neck where it is stiff and my headache is better almost every time
I have started using essential oils vs other ‘over the counter drugs’ and I love that we are able to use more natural ingredients to help our ailments. I actually suck on a peppermint after lunch to keep me from craving any ‘sweets’. Thanks for sharing the list, I didn’t realize we could use it for toothaches as well.
Essential Oils are amazing! The benefits are so good for you! Glad you started using them!
I didn’t know that peppermint oil had so many uses!
How can I become a distributor
I would suggest finding someone locally to you to sign under.
Is it possible to get actual recipe / ratios of oils and carrier oils or water (depending on use )?
1 drop is serving. I would suggest always starting with 1 drop and adding more if necessary. Be careful to avoid the eyes. You will only make that mistake once, I promise 😉
Sorry ladies!!!..
But I would like to share something you might think is interesting..
I put just a little bit on my scalp
And in shampoo this stuff makes your hair grow like crazy!!! Great to know it has so many uses!!!
Would Peppermint Oil be good to rub into my dogs coat to rid him of fleas? Would I mix it with anything?
Yes, mix it with water so you can spray it all over. – https://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/11/using-essential-oils-for-dog-care/
What is the best combo for muscle inflammation?
what is the amount of peppermint to the amount of oil?
For which one?
One of my absolute favorite oils! I have the rollerball ready for stress headaches at work. When we have brainstorming sessions at my work, we pass around peppermint discs to suck on. They get the creative juices going!
Good list! #13 What is “lingering coffee”?
Oh my! That is lingering cough! Updated!
So many contradicting statements. Will it energize me and help with lethargy or calm me and help with sleeping?
The great things about essential oils is that they will read your body and work in the way your body needs. I find peppermint to calm me when I feel anxious but to perk me up when I need energy. I would use Lavender for sleep though not peppermint.