Peppermint Essential Oil Health & Home Benefits

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 is a hybrid species of spearmint and water mint (Mentha aquatica).

Peppermint and Peppermint oil is known for anti-nausea benefits and soothing effects on the gastric lining and colon due to the ability to reduce muscle spasms. And is one of the oldest Europe's herbs used for medical purposes, as well as known to be in Ancient China and Japan historical time. "It’s also mentioned in Greek mythology the nymph Mentha was transformed into an herb by Pluto who had fallen in love with her and wanted people to appreciate her for years to come." (https://draxe.com/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits/) In Egyptian Pyramids over 1000 BC, peppermint oil was documented for its health benefits and uses.

Some of the most common peppermint oil uses include:

Reduces stomach aches
Soothe digestive issues
Freshens bad breath
Relieves headaches
Antimicrobial properties
Improves mental focus
Clears respiratory tract
Boosts energy
Releases tight muscles

Honestly, I think every home around the world should have peppermint oil in their medicine cabinet. I usually keep peppermint candy in my car or purse, when your stuck in the car and feel sick to your stomach... is a great way to stop a tummy ache in no time. Oh course, it does work for me. Everyone's different, may need to suck on a couple.

According to Dr. Axe on his website (https://draxe.com) he describes 25 ways of this incredible herb and it uses, but I'm just going to list a few of my favorites:

Muscle Pain Relief - Peppermint essential oil analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, it not only can relieve pain and inflammation but can also calm the spasms and tension that cause muscle cramps and aches.

Sinus Care - Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can oftentimes immediately unclog your sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats. Peppermint acts as an expectorant and may provide relief for colds, cough, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis.

Natural Energizer – For a non-toxic alternative to dangerous energy drinks, take a few whiffs of peppermint. It will perk you up on long road trips, in school or any other time you need to “burn the midnight oil.” For those with chronic fatigue syndrome, peppermint oil may improve focus and concentration.

Allergy Relief – Peppermint oil is highly effective at relaxing muscles in your nasal passages and can help clear out the muck and pollen during allergy season. Diffusing peppermint along with clove oil and eucalyptus oil can also reduce allergy symptoms.

Natural Bug Repellant – Ticks aren’t the only bugs that hate peppermint oil. In fact, ants, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitos, mice, and even lice will be repelled.

Headache Cure - Peppermint oil has the ability to improve circulation, heal the gut and relax tense muscles. All of these conditions can cause tension headaches or migraines making peppermint oil an excellent natural treatment. Apply oil forehead and temples for pain relief.

How do you use peppermint oil for headaches?

Massage lavender or peppermint oil into the temples and back of neck to relieve migraine headaches and ease feelings of nausea and anxiety. Tension Headache: These are called “stress headaches,” and they're characterized as dull, constant pressure or pain.

How do you make peppermint oil?

Procedure:

Wash the peppermint leaves, then crush or chop them. ...Place them in the jar and pour the carrier oil. ...Next, strain the oil and add more chopped peppermint leaves and carrier oil, then reseal.Repeat this process for five days.Remove the peppermint leaves by straining and pour the oil into another container.

How to use peppermint oil to repel spiders:

To make a spider-repellent spray, place about five drops of peppermint oil in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water, add a shot of dish soap, and shake the mixture well. Apply the spray around doors and windows, around the outside perimeter of your home, and in any dark corner where spiders may be hiding.

You’ll have to apply spider-repellent spray more often than conventional insecticides. Try applying once a week at first. If the spiders reappear before the week is up, try spraying every few days.

Placing peppermint plants in strategic places inside and outside your home may also help repel spiders. You can also try sprinkling peppermint leaves in places overrun by spiders.

Which essential oils repel spiders?

In looking for a natural spider repellent, I discovered that all spiders have their taste buds on the tips of their legs. There are certain natural oils they hate, including citrus, lavender, peppermint, citronella, cinnamon, tea tree and cloves.

How can I use peppermint oil?

It is often included as an ingredient in natural chest rubs to help with congestion.

Massage 2-3 drops (along with a carrier oil) onto chest or drop into a humidifier to help clear sinus and lung congestion.
If your head is feeling stuffed or you can't stop coughing, try a peppermint essential oil.

Are there safety concerns?

Peppermint and peppermint oil are LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food, when taken in medicinal amounts, or when applied to the skin. The leaf is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in amounts used for medicine short-term (up to 8 weeks). The safety of using peppermint leaf long-term is unknown. Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, and allergic reactions including flushing, headache, and mouth sores. Peppermint oil, when taken by mouth in pills with a special (enteric) coating to prevent contact with the stomach, is POSSIBLY SAFE for children 8 years of age and older.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY SAFE to take peppermint in amounts normally found in food during pregnancy and breast-feeding. However, not enough is known about the safety of taking larger amounts used for medicine. It's best not to take these larger amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Watch this video to learn many uses and safe ways of Peppermint Essential Oil