One of the most versatile essential oils in the world, peppermint essential oil can be used for an abundance of topical and oral remedies. There are many documented peppermint oil uses from as far back as 1,000 BC, where evidence of its use by the ancient Egyptians exists in several pyramids.
With its antimicrobial properties, there are more than benefits of peppermint essential oil for your body, mind, and various health issues.
Peppermint oil is most often used to support the digestive system, nervous system, and respiratory systems, as well as joint and muscular health. You can also use peppermint essential oils on the skin and to promote healthy hair. In this article, we’re going to go over peppermint oil uses, peppermint oil benefits, and all the incredible ways peppermint essential oil can improve your life.
Health Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes in Europe and is extremely versatile and beneficial.
There are also numerous historical documents that account its use in ancient Japanese and Chinese folk medicine, as well as appearing in Greek mythology.
1. ADHD Support
Peppermint oil has been found to be an excellent essential oil for ADHD. Studies have shown that it helps to improve concentration in people who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The smell of peppermint has also been shown to have calming effects and can increase mental clarity.
2. Treat Motion Sickness
Many people are prone to motion sickness, which can be debilitating at times with the dizziness, nausea, and vomiting that tend to go with motion sickness. Peppermint oil, when applied topically to the abdomen, can significantly reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. To use the oil without the risk of causing skin irritation, mix several drops of peppermint oil with two tablespoons olive oil.
3. Relieve Muscle Pain
Homemade Muscle Rub Recipe Using Peppermint Essential Oil
What you need:
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup grated beeswax
- Two teaspoons cayenne powder
- Two teaspoons turmeric or ginger
- 15 drops peppermint oil
- 15 drops lavender oil
- mason jar
An effective painkiller and muscle relaxant, peppermint essential oil is extremely helpful in easing sore muscles, relaxing an aching back and relieving tension headaches.
When applied topically it also has tremendous benefits associated with Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. The following homemade muscle rub recipe will help to ease muscle pain you may be experiencing.
What to do:
Pour the coconut oil and beeswax into the mason jar. Pour two inches of water into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Put the jar into the pan and melt the coconut oil. Stir to combine.
Add the cayenne powder and the turmeric or ginger. Stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add the essential oils and mix well and pour the mixture into storage containers and allow to set.
4. Unclog Sinuses and Help with Sore Throat
If you are suffering from clogged and painful sinuses, inhaling diffused peppermint essential oil may immediately help to unclog the sinus cavity allowing you to breathe easier. Along with inhaling diffused peppermint oil, you can also combine it with almond oil and rub it gently under your nose. Before trying this method though, you’ll want to perform a skin test with the peppermint oil to make sure you won’t suffer an allergic reaction.(..)
Additionally, peppermint oil works really well to calm down any inflammation and soothes the throat. It is the perfect essential oil for a sore throat. Highly recommended.
5. Ease Joint Discomfort
If you suffer from achy or painful joints, rubbing a little peppermint oil into the area can greatly reduce your discomfort. Mix it with lavender oil to contribute to reducing inflammation. The peppermint oil acts as an ice bath without you having to freeze.
6. Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Full-body fatigue characterizes chronic fatigue syndrome, and rest doesn’t remedy it. While the causes of the disease are unknown, peppermint oil can help relieve the primary symptom, fatigue. When you inhale the oil and absorb into the body, it passes the blood-brain barrier, increasing the transmission of oxygen to the brain, giving you the much needed mental boost.
7. Relieve Allergies
An effective muscle relaxant, peppermint oil can help to relax the muscles in the nasal passages and remove the pollen and muck during allergy season. You can also combine it with clove oil and eucalyptus oil to help reduce other symptoms of allergies. Mix the essential oils and use in a diffuser.
8. Anti-Itch
Peppermint essential oil is a fantastic anti-itch remedy. Whether you have a rash or are dealing with poison ivy, mixing peppermint oil and lavender oil and applying to the affected area will help to cool and soothe any itch.
9. Reduce Fevers
Peppermint oil is an excellent natural remedy to bring down a fever, because of its cooling effects. It is especially great for children. Mix the peppermint oil with some coconut oil and apply the peppermint essential oil on feet or rub into their neck. Doing this will help to stabilize the fever without having to resort to harmful drugs.
10. Eliminates Headaches
According to a study completed by the Neurological Clinic at the University of Kiel, in Germany, peppermint oil has a significant analgesic effect, resulting in a reduction in the sensitivity to headaches. With its ability to improve circulation, relax tense muscles, and heal the gut, peppermint essential oil is a natural remedy for migraines and tension headaches.(..)
11. Freshen Breath
For over 1,000 years, peppermint oil has been used to freshen breath naturally. The essential oil from the peppermint plant can do much more than just give your mouth a fresh feeling; it can help eliminate bad breath. According to one study, it is better at reducing bad breath than a lab-produced chemical rinse.
12. Treatment for IBS
When you take peppermint oil capsules on a daily basis, it has been proven to help treat symptoms of IBS. When taken twice a day for a period of two to three months, peppermint oil capsules can relieve common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and frequent trips to the restroom.(..)
13. Reduce the Frequency of Urinary Tract Infections
Due to its high antibacterial qualities, peppermint oil can be used to treat urinary tract infections. Scientists are currently studying the specific details of its antibacterial properties and the attributes to urinary tract infections, but have been shown to help reduce the frequency and effects of UTIs.
14. Improve Bloating and Indigestion
The relaxing nature of peppermint oil can aid in the improvement of bloating. When taken orally, it works to control spasms of the colon by relaxing the intestines. It can also reduce the bloating and gas associated with intestinal muscle spasms. If you have trouble with indigestion and bloating, try drinking peppermint tea or adding a drop of the oil to your water before your meals.(..)
15. Improve Immune System Function
For those with weak immune systems, peppermint essential oil can increase their immunity to various diseases like E. coli, staph, and salmonella. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties make it popular in many alternative medications.
16. Reduce Cavities and Helps With Canker Sore
Homemade Mouth Wash Recipe
- 5 drops peppermint oil
- 5 drops tea tree oil
- 2 cups spring water
- BPA free bottle
Along with being able to give your mouth a clean and fresh feeling, peppermint can help to reduce cavities and to get rid of a canker sore.
Studies have shown that it is better than mouthwashes that contain the chemical chlorhexidine that is used to reduce cavities. Here is a recipe for a homemade mouthwash using peppermint oil.
How to Make Your Own Homemade Mouthwash
When you are ready to use the mouthwash, mix peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and spring water in a bottle and take a small sip of the mixture and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. Make sure you don’t swallow the mouthwash.
17. Reduce Nausea
Peppermint oil has been found to reduce nausea that is associated with chemotherapy treatments, more efficiently than the standard therapies. To contribute to reducing nausea add a drop of the peppermint oil to your water and drink it. You can also place 1-2 drops behind your ears or diffuse it to help reduce nausea.
18. Reduce Colic
Doctors tend to treat young infants that suffer from colic with the drug Simethicone, which has numerous side effects. Researchers in the medical field have discovered that peppermint oil is just as effective at treating infantile colic as Simethicone, without the harmful side effects.
19. Antispasmodic
Peppermint oil and its muscle relaxing properties make it extremely useful for reducing muscle spasms during colonoscopies, gastroscopy, and during double-contrast barium enemas. These antispasmodic properties are being studied further to understand additional benefits of using it as an antispasmodic for medical procedures.
20. Acts as a Decongestant
Homemade Peppermint Vapor Rub Recipe
What you need for your homemade vapor rub
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ beeswax, grated
- 20 drops peppermint oil
- 20 drops eucalyptus oil
- Mason jar
With its ability to serve as a muscle relaxant, peppermint oil is great for relieving congestion. It can also open up blocked airways and acts as a decongestant. This makes peppermint oil one of the best essential oils for sleep. You can mix it with eucalyptus and coconut oil to make a homemade vapor rub to help ease asthma and bronchitis symptoms. Below is a recipe to create your vapor rub using peppermint essential oil.
What to Do:
Put the wax, olive oil, and coconut oil in a mason jar. Place the jar in a saucepan filled with 2-inches of water. Heat over medium-low heat and allow the oils to melt, frequently stirring to combine.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, add the essential oils to the mix and pour ingredients into storage containers and allow to set.
21. Teething
A fantastic natural remedy for relieving teething pain in infants is peppermint oil. Its antiseptic properties are excellent for treating pain. To help reduce the pain of teething, mix one drop of peppermint essential oil with ¼ teaspoon coconut oil and rub into the gums.
22. Improve Blood Circulation
Recent studies have shown that peppermint oil’s stimulating effects can increase the circulation of blood within your body. When the vapor of the oil touches the end of your olfactory nerve endings, it almost instantly increases blood flow and your pulse. Increased circulation can help to oxygenate your organs while increasing metabolism.
23. Reduce Breastfeeding Discomfort
Women who breastfeed often experience discomfort and pain as a result of cracked, dry skin, and pain around the nipple. Rubbing a little peppermint oil on the breast can help to relieve these painful symptoms.
24. Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease
The stimulating effects of peppermint oil on blood circulation, not only helps the body increase metabolism and pulse rate, but it also oxygenates the brain. When the brain receives more oxygen, it leads to a higher cognitive function that can protect against degenerative diseases of the brain like Alzheimer’s and dementia.(..)
25. Balance Hormones
Peppermint oil, along with fennel, clary sage, and sage, lavender help balance hormones in both men and women. When used together the essential oil blend can contribute to increasing estrogen levels in women and testosterone in men. It has also been shown to enhance fertility naturally and relieve common PMS symptoms.
26. Reduce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms
Women who have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), have to deal with numerous symptoms on a monthly basis, including abnormal menstruation, depression, acne, masculine patterns of hair growth, along with other masculinizing symptoms, obesity, and infertility. Regularly drinking peppermint tea can help to reduce the many symptoms of the disease.
27. Cancer Treatment
Recent clinical research has indicated that using peppermint oil, which contains menthol, can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Peppermint can also protect against radiation-induced DNA damage and the death of cells during certain cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
28. Treatment for Tuberculosis
Peppermint oil is a potent antiviral agent that can help in the treatment of tuberculosis. When applied topically, it helps to reduce the chances of patients getting infections and succumbing to various outbreaks during hospital stays.
29. Care for Your Nails
Peppermint oil has excellent antifungal properties that can be used to treat nail fungus. Together with hydrogen peroxide as a base, research shows that when you apply it topically to your nails on a regular basis can reduce the chances of you getting a fungal nail infection.
30. Eliminate Stress
The refreshing nature of peppermint oil can help you relieve stress. The oil’s calming effect, when applied to the back of your neck will provide a noticeable tingling sensation, allowing your stress to melt away.
It can also help to stimulate mental activity and increase focus on cognitive tasks.
Peppermint Oil Uses on Skin
Peppermint oil can help to relieve problems you may be having with your skin like soreness, acne, and itching. When applied topically it helps to improve the tone of your skin and can reduce the appearance of red blotches while enlivening dull skin.
31. Treat Acne and Get Rid of Pimples
According to numerous medical studies, peppermint oil is one of the best treatments for acne. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it is excellent in treating acne naturally. When applied to the face or skin, it helps to get rid of pimples fast and inhibits the bacterial growth that is one of the leading causes of acne.
32. Relieve Pain from Sunburns
Homemade Sunburn Spray Recipe
What you need for your homemade sunburn spray
- ½ cup aloe vera juice
- 1/8 cup coconut oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 10 drops peppermint oil
- Glass spray bottle
When used topically, peppermint oil can hydrate skin that has been burnt by the sun and ease the pain associated with sunburns.
Mix the peppermint oil with an ample amount of coconut oil and apply it to the affected areas. You can also make a homemade sunburn spray with the recipe below to relieve pain and support a healthy renewal of the skin.
What to Do:
Add two inches of water to a small saucepan and place the aloe vera juice and coconut oil in the jar. Place the jar in the bottom of the saucepan, heat the pan over medium heat and allow the mixture to liquefy, stirring well to combine.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the essential oils to the pan, be sure to mix the ingredients well. Now, pour the mixture into the spray bottle. Store in a cool, dry place.
33. Brightens Skin
An easy way to achieve healthy, radiant skin is to add a few drops of peppermint oil into your daily beauty routine. The menthol that is in the oil has a cooling effect that helps to reduce redness and inflammation, working to brighten up dull skin.
34. Facial Scrub
Homemade Peppermint Oil Facial Scrub Recipe
What you need for your homemade facial scrub
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- Two tablespoons olive oil
- Three teaspoons salt
Similar to castor oil, peppermint oil with other ingredients, like olive oil and table salt, can be used as an effective facial scrub, essentially sloughing off dead skin and helping to even out your skin tone.
Use the facial scrub recipe a couple of times a week to have beautiful, healthy skin.
What to do: Mix the salt and olive oil in a small bowl. Add the peppermint and mix well.
With your face freshly washed, gently rub the mixture into your face and repeat the process every three days for healthy, radiant skin.
35. Facial Toner
Using a facial toner right before you apply your makeup, use skincare products, or perform various facial treatments like scrubs and peels can help to reduce irritation and inflammation.
You can replace the expensive store-bought toners with peppermint oil and achieve the same results.
36. Facial Mask
Facial masks provide you with many helpful skin care benefits. They can clarify, moisturize and cleanse along with other benefits. Making a homemade facial mask using peppermint oil can help you achieve blemish-free skin.
Peppermint Oil for Hair
Its antiseptic, stimulating, and regenerative effects make peppermint oil extremely useful for hair care. It is suited for all types of hair and is an effective treatment for hair loss and other conditions related to the scalp.
37. Hair Growth
Peppermint oil is known to be able to thicken and nourish damaged hair naturally. The stimulating properties of peppermint can penetrate through the surface of your scalp and stimulate the hair follicles.
It also helps to promote an increase in blood circulation which results in hair growth. It also provides the roots with the nourishment they need making them stronger.(..)
38. Thicken Hair
Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo Recipe
- 6 ounces Aloe Vera
- Three tablespoons olive oil
- Ten tablespoons baking soda
- 20 drops rosemary essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- BPA free bottle
Use peppermint oil to help thicken your hair. When you apply peppermint essential oil to the scalp, it creates a tingling and invigorating sensation that contributes to boosting blood circulation.
The homemade rosemary mint shampoo recipe can be used to rejuvenate your morning hair routine.
What to Do: In a bowl, mix the ingredients, pour into the plastic bottle and store in cool, dry place.
39. Reduce Dandruff
If you suffer from dandruff, it means you have a dry scalp. Instead of buying the overpriced dandruff shampoo on the market today, try adding some peppermint oil into your weekly routine.
With its excellent moisturizing properties, the oil can be mixed with coconut oil or olive oil and applied to your scalp to help it rehydrate. After the application, wrap your head in a shower cap and let sit for 30 minutes.
40. Treat Lice
Recipe Natural Lice Repellant Spray
- Tea Tree Oil (1 tsp)
- Eucalyptus Oil (1 tsp)
- Lavender Oil ( 6 Drops)
- Peppermint Oil (6 Drops)
If you have children, then you have probably already had to deal with lice, and if you haven’t, you will probably have to at some point in their lives. Lice can be a nuisance to deal with, especially if you have to use the over-the-counter chemical treatments to get rid of the bugs.
The good news is you can use peppermint oil to get rid of the critters. Lice hate the strong smell and texture of the oil, making it the perfect natural remedy for treating lice.
What to Do: In a spray bottle, combine the ingredients and fill with water. Shake well to combine and spray liberally throughout hair. Comb through.
Other Uses for Peppermint Oil
While peppermint oil has numerous health benefits, there are also many other uses for the essential oil. Along with being a natural energizer, peppermint essential oil is also an excellent bug repellent. In our family, it is used to get rid of stink bugs every summer.
Here are some more ways you can utilize peppermint oil in your daily life.
41. Curb Hunger Cravings
If you inhale peppermint essential oil, you can curb hunger cravings. It can also help you to feel fuller faster. You can either diffuse the oil in a diffuser or apply several drops to your temples and chest before sitting down for a meal. It will also work if you take a couple of deep breaths from the bottle.
42. Natural Energizer
Rather than downing those harmful energy drinks for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, try taking a few sniffs of peppermint. The non-toxic alternative will help to pick you up when your energy is starting to wane.
43. Vasoconstrictor
Peppermint essential oil’s analgesic and antiseptic properties make it an excellent natural remedy to help reduce skin reddening. It also works to dilate the capillaries in the leg and reduce pain associated with varicose veins.
44. Relieve Achy Feet
Peppermint oil works to boost overall circulation throughout the body. Similar to , the increase in blood flow to the feet helps to reduce itching and swelling. It is extremely beneficial for those who are on their feet all day, helping to relieve pain and tiredness.
45. Repel Mosquitoes, Flies, Ants and Yellow Jackets
A small amount of peppermint oil can help keep yellow jackets, mosquitoes, and ants from entering your home. Ants can’t stand the smell of peppermint, so to repel insects and keep them out of your home, make a barrier of oil by putting some on a cotton ball and wiping it around the areas where they are entering your home. It is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of ants.
Quick personal tip: at our home, we use peppermint oil around our cat bowls to keep ants away from cat food. Ants don’t like the smell and our two cats can enjoy their food “ants-free”.
To repel mosquitoes and get rid of flies, make sure you check this very effective recipe for a homemade mosquito peppermint oil repellent spray.
46. Deter Spiders
Making a barrier with peppermint oil will not only repel ants but will keep spiders out of your home and prevent any spider from entering your home. If you are looking to do more than deter them, you can kill them by spraying them with a combination of water and peppermint oil.
47. Get Rid of Mice
If you have a mice infestation in your home, peppermint essential oil can help to get rid of mice very quickly.
All you have to do is leave cotton balls soaked with peppermint oil in strategic areas around your house.
48. Eliminate Fleas
Peppermint oil isn’t just a good natural remedy for your health issues; it can also be used to remove fleas from your furry, four-legged friend. Take a spray bottle and mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with some Epsom salts and two cups of warm water. Stir until the salt has dissolved, then spray on your dog to help eliminate fleas.
49. Remove Ticks
If you live somewhere that has ticks; you should keep a bottle of peppermint essential oil handy. If you find you have picked up a tick, an easy way to remove it is by putting some peppermint oil on the tip of a cotton swab and press it into the tick’s head to remove it from your skin.
50. Use on Aphids and Spider Mites
Aphids and spider mites are known as plant lice and can be a real pain for any gardener. They are the most destructive insects in temperate regions and can destroy a garden in a matter of days.
To get rid of spider mites and kill aphids on your plants, mix several drops of peppermint oil with warm water and spray all the plants that have been affected.
51. Household Cleaning
With its high antibacterial properties and refreshing scent, peppermint oil is a perfect essential oil to complement your favorite homemade cleaning products.
Just add some peppermint oil to your cleaners and spray the mixture on areas like the bathroom and kitchen, where bacteria love to live.
52. Relieve Bug Bites
Research has recently shown that when you apply peppermint oil directly to the area that has been bitten by a bug, it will take the sting and itch out of the bite. Dilute it with olive oil to keep your skin from becoming irritated.
Peppermint Oil Benefits
Using peppermint essential oil in your everyday life has been proven to be extremely beneficial for your health and well-being. It has seen usage for more than two hundred years, and there is evidence of its use in both ancient Rome and Egypt.
Not only has it been used for its minty scent, but as a symbol of hospitality. Extensive studies have been conducted with peppermint oil and have been shown to exhibit the following benefits:
- Antimicrobial
- Antiviral
- Antioxidant
- Antifungal
- Antiedema
- Analgesic
- Radioprotective
What is Peppermint Oil?
Peppermint oil comes from the plant Mentha Piperita, which is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint plants. Its two main elements are menthone and menthol, making it the perfect ingredient for use in kinds of toothpaste, lozenges, rubs, and balms.
How to Use Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can be rubbed directly onto the skin, inhaled, diffused, or taken orally in the form a capsule.
Are There Any Side Effects?
When used as directed, peppermint oil is relatively safe to use in low amounts, both orally and topically. However, in some adults it can trigger the following side effects:
- Heartburn
- Flushing
- Mouth sores
- Headache
- Decreased milk production in pregnant women
- Slow or rapid breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Urinary problems
- Depression
- Convulsions
- Unconsciousness
Additional Recipes with Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Oil Toothpaste Recipe
What you Need:
- Six tablespoons baking soda or two tablespoons diatomaceous earth
- Two tablespoons coconut oil
- 5 drops peppermint oil
What to Do: Combine the baking soda and coconut oil and mix thoroughly. Add the peppermint oil to the paste. Place in a container and store in a cool place.
Peppermint Face Mask Recipe
What you Need:
- One tablespoon milk
- One drop peppermint essential oil
- Two tablespoons kaolin clay
- Three tablespoons water
What to Do: Mix the ingredients thoroughly and wash your face thoroughly and pat dry. Apply the contents evenly to face.Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

