23 Peppermint Oil Uses to Naturally Boost Your Health


Today’s blog is republished from my friends at Paleohacks, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day…

By: Megan Patiry

Peppermint oil has been used for thousands of years across ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome for its medicinal properties (1).

Now that research on peppermint if is well established, there has been a resurgence of its popularity in treating a variety of issues many of us experience every day.

Peppermint oil is an extremely versatile oil that offers countless benefits. Its main component, menthol, has been widely studied and found to help with the following issues:

  • Digestion
  • Bacterial infection
  • Inflammation
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle soreness
  • Congestion
  • Allergies
  • Headaches
  • Bad breath

There are many other ways you can use peppermint oil, including using it as a natural bug repellent or as an easy way to freshen your breath (hello, DIY mints). Read on to discover the ways to use it to boost your health and lifestyle!

23 Natural Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits

1. Boost Energy

Instead of reaching for energy drinks whenever you need a boost, give peppermint oil a try. Studies have shown it improves physical and mental energy levels and performance just five minutes after ingesting it (2).

To use: Inhale the scent of peppermint directly for a boost of energy and clarity, or put a few drops in your favorite diffuser to inhale the vapors throughout your day. Internally, add one drop to a large glass of water (yes, a little goes a long way!) and drink.

2. Get Rid of Dandruff

Peppermint oil possesses antifungal and antimicrobial properties that make it excellent for combating dandruff (3).

To use: Add 2 drops to your regular shampoo and concentrate on massaging your scalp as you shower.

3. Relieve Muscle Pain

Menthol, one of the main compounds in peppermint, has significant anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and painkilling effects. Studies have shown it can help reduce muscle soreness and lower inflammation, while also raising your pain threshold (4).

To use: Combine 1/4 cup coconut oil with 5 drops of peppermint oil, then rub on sore muscles.

4. Soothe Joint Pain

The anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects of menthol in peppermint can also be used to relieve joint pain when applied topically (5).

To use: Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to a small dollop of olive or coconut oil, rub together in your hands, then rub on sore joints.

5. Curb Cravings

Many people swear by peppermint oil as a natural way to ease cravings by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller faster.

To use: Place a few drops in a diffuser before mealtimes, or dilute a couple drops in a carrier oil like olive oil and rub it on your chest.

6. Reduce Allergies

Peppermint oil is also great for allergy symptoms such as drainage and coughing due to its ability to help expel mucus and phlegm (6).

To use: Diffuse the oil in a diffuser along with eucalyptus in your home to reduce allergy symptoms throughout the ‘day and night.

7. Cool Rashes + Itching

Studies have shown that peppermint oil’s cooling and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe minor itches, from bug bites to poison ivy (7).

To use: Dilute 2 drops of peppermint oil in olive oil and rub on the affected area.

8. Repel Bugs

Essential oils have been utilized for thousands of years as natural insect repellents. Many of the volatile compounds in oils (such as peppermint) are overwhelming to insects like mosquitoes, making them the perfect natural option to keep bugs at bay.

To use: To repel pests from your body (like mosquitoes), dilute several drops in a carrier oil and rub all over exposed areas of your body. To repel bugs in your home, add peppermint oil to your floor cleaner or countertop cleaner.

9. Calm Acne

Peppermint oil contains several antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin (8). Not to mention, the cooling menthol will also help to reduce inflammation from painful cystic acne.

To use: Mix a drop of peppermint oil with jojoba oil and dab on the affected area twice a day.

10. Relieve Headaches

Research shows that peppermint oil has a significant relaxing and pain-reducing effect on headaches. In one study, peppermint oil reduced sensitivity associated with headaches (9).

To use: Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil and rub on your temples. If your headache feels more like a tension headache coming from your neck area, massage the oil on your shoulders and neck.

11. Promote Hair Growth

Studies show that massaging peppermint oil into your scalp can help promote hair growth and encourage hair to become thicker, even without participants changing their diets (10).

To use: Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your favorite shampoo and massage deeply into your scalp.

12. Relieve IBS + Bloating

Peppermint oil is one of the best natural treatments when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers believe its ability to relax the gastrointestinal wall, as well as cool inflammation, play a role in its effectiveness (11). Studies also show peppermint oil has a significant effect on abdominal pain and distension, as well as gas (12).

To use: You can either take peppermint oil in capsule form (follow the dosage instructions on the bottle) or rub a few drops mixed in a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil, on your abdomen.

13. Reduce Nausea

Peppermint oil may also be able to help quell bouts of nausea and vomiting. Studies on postoperative nausea show participants who were given peppermint oil experienced significantly lower levels of nausea (13).

To use: Take one or two capsules at the onset of symptoms.

14. Freshen Breath

Peppermint is an ingredient in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, and for good reason. Not only does peppermint smell wonderful, but it also has potent antibacterial properties that help freshen breath (14).

To use: Look for a toothpaste with pure peppermint oil as a main ingredient, or make your own breath spray by combining a couple drops with a cup of water in a spray bottle. You can even make your own homemade breath mints using peppermint and coconut oil!

15. Kill Toenail Fungus

Peppermint oil’s antimicrobial properties make it excellent for combating toenail fungus (15).

To use: Apply 4-5 drops directly on discolored nails daily.

16. Combat Bacterial Infections

Studies have shown peppermint oil to be effective against up to 22 strains of bacteria and fungi, making it an excellent choice to help fight infections (16).

To use: Follow the dosage recommendations on your peppermint oil in capsule form.

17. Help Fight Cancer

It turns out that the compound menthol present in peppermint oil can also inhibit cancer growth. Studies have shown it causes cancer cell death while also helping protect against radiation damage from chemotherapy (17).

18. Relieve Stress

Peppermint oil is popular in aromatherapy for its relaxing and refreshing effects. Studies show that it can be an effective treatment against nerve disorders and mental fatigue, making it an excellent option to help relieve excess stress (18).

To use: Inhale the scent of peppermint for a boost of energy and clarity, or put a few drops in your favorite diffuser to inhale the vapors throughout the day.

19. Boost Exercise Performance

Researchers have found that athletes supplementing with peppermint oil were able to significantly increase exercise performance parameters, including improving breathing capacity and increasing oxygen levels (19).

To use: Add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil to a large glass of water daily.

20. Soothe a Sore Throat

Menthol’s cooling properties can help soothe a painful and inflamed sore throat, while also combating any infection that may have caused it (20).

To use: Either gargle a mix of 2 drops of peppermint oil in water, or add a few drops to a pot with water and deeply inhale the steam.

21. Clear a Stuffy Nose

Peppermint oil can help treat many cold symptoms, such as mucus congestion, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (21).

To use: Diffuse peppermint oil throughout your home when you have a cold to reduce bacteria in the air and help with a stuffy nose and congestion.

22. Relieve Sunburns

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Peppermint oil’s cooling and anti-inflammatory properties also make it an excellent remedy for sunburn.

To use: Combine 2 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil (and even some aloe if you’d like) and rub on affected areas.

23. Sharpen Memory

Studies show that peppermint can help improve concentration and focus while also improving memory, making it a great option to help with the symptoms of ADHD (22).

To use: Dilute 2 drops in a carrier oil and rub on your chest before you start your day, or carry the oil with you and inhale it directly from the bottle when you need to focus.

As you can see, the uses of peppermint oil are virtually endless. With such a broad base of benefits, this is one oil you should have stocked in your kitchen at all times.

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(The original article source is here)

About The Watchdog

Mike Geary has been a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer for over 15 years now. He has been studying nutrition and exercise for almost 25 years, ever since being a young teenager. Mike is originally from Pennsylvania, but has fallen in love with mountain life and now resides in the picturesque mountains of Utah. Mike is an avid adventurist and when he’s not spending his time skiing, mountain biking, hiking, or paddleboarding on the lake, he has enjoyed skydiving, whitewater rafting, piloting an Italian fighter plane (seriously), scuba diving, heli-skiing, and traveling all around the world, enjoying learning about different cultures. At the age of 40, Mike now feels healthier, stronger, and more energetic than when he was 20... All because of a healthy lifestyle and great nutrition!

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165 comments

  1. letitia Fitzgerald

    I do use peppermint oil it is very good!!!!!

    • Wow peppermint oil has So many amazing properties! Endless

      • I like to try peppermint oil

        • I would like to try it. I never knew you could even ingest it

        • Love your name. My name is Dean and my wife’s name is Mary. First time I’ve seen them in this combination. Makes you special in my book.
          Live long and prosper Mary Dean.

      • I gave to my son when he had COVID to cut the phlegm and he coughed it up, along with lemon, black tea, ginger and homemade chicken soup. I was gone in 3 days. Essential oils are. God’s cures for our bodies. I never take over the c ok unter drugs, too many side effects and only a bandaid. Thanks!

      • I have got to try this ,I wake up through the night coughing, I don,t have a cold ,I think it,s aligeries, do u think this will help me is it worth a try

    • Virginia Walters

      Where can I get it ?

      • Any store with meds should have it.

      • Any store may have it but beware–most have chemicals in them and are not pure. I have gotten mine since 1999 from Young Living–not just the oils but also all products also have the Essential Oils in them and I use most of them.

        • What is young living? It’s store, pharmacy, website?

        • Hi Veronica,

          I am just starting with Essential Oils, I live in New Zealand and I find the cheapest place to buy Essential oils Piping Hot in America. Today is the last day of sale some oils are buy one get one free. Cheers have a great day. Kevin

        • You are right. Young Living oils can be ingested and some of the less expensive oils can’t and are for aromatherapy only, so be careful about that.

      • I recommend Young Living brand. You can find it on the web. This company prides itself in a quality product which can be taken internally. Not all essential oils can be taken internally as they use a variety of different oils as the carrier that can be hazardous to your health if ingested. Make sure it states on the bottle if it can be taken internally.

      • where can we purchase pepermint oil

      • also try bulk apothecary, great place and have all sorts of stuff, even organic certified products

      • Plant Therapy.com has pure essential oils at 1/2 the price of pyramid organizations. Just order it from plant therapy and it will be on your porch immediately. I wonder if they are hiding in my bushes. I have been using peppermint oil for years for everything, I don’t even dilute it anymore, just pour it on. Wonderful for everything. If you get it in your eyes, you will only do that once. Close our eyes and wait it out. The burning will go away and will not hurt your eyes.

      • Amazon has them. Tammy’s Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil gel caps 90 . Her Peppermint tea is the best I’ve ever had. If I’m having pain in my stomach I can actually feel the pain subsiding as I swallow the tea. If you have IBS-D you’ll love the products. Everything is organic.

    • Heather Thompson

      Could peppermint oil be the vaccine for coronavirus 19?

      • Richard Principal.

        Oh rats This was put on the wrong place below, this is the correct place.

        yeah well they say “Black seed oil” cures everything except death.

      • I credit the Thieves products from Young Living with keeping us safe from the virus. We have not stayed in nearly as much as some people we know and we are also considered part of the most venerable because of our age. Products with
        Thieves oil are household cleaner, mouth wash, toothpaste, wipes, hand spray, foaming hand soap, cough drops, dishwasher detergent and vegetable spray.

        • Ive been putting Thievs Oil, from Young Living, into diffuser in my office for years. It keeps the room smelling fresh and I “think” the vaporized oil brings down virii and bacteria from the air. Now ill use peppermint alternately.

        • For years, even before Covid, I’ve been using Thieves Oil. I apply it to my wrist and rub them together. My work group is roughly 75 people and I have great faith that it has helped me stay away from the Flu, Covid and the colds my co-workers have been having. I keep a bottle in my desk, my car and at home.

  2. Glad to have info on these oils I have a lot of oils not sure what to do with them this helps I like the recipes too thank you look forward to more info I will archive this

  3. Thanks for sharing such a useful article. Peppermint oil is really an amazing thing. I use it in combination with Himalayan salt to cure my acne. It really works. I have seen visible reduction in my acne. Himalayan salt is also very good for the skin and body. i use it in cooking as well.

  4. I recently had to have a tooth pulled, and the cavitation left in my mouth was painful as it was healing. I put some peppermint oil on a Q-tip and rubbed it over the gum where it was hurting and the pain instantly went away.

  5. Very informative article. Thanks for sharing so many good uses of peppermint oil.

  6. Truly beneficial information, please keep up the good work

  7. Where is a good place to purchase peppermint oil?

  8. Hi
    I have had great success with Peppermint Oil to treat horses that have colic. Just pop 2 ml right at the back of the tongue, also use the Tellington touch method, lifting the belly etc. Have saved many horses this way. I am not a vet or a doctor. Have had many years experience with treating horses.

  9. Can peppermint oil be purchased at drug stores?

  10. I had problems with mice in the basement and put some pepperment oil on a cotton ball and they went
    Away.. Actually they are allergic to it. One ran directly after I put it down and I found the entry..
    Great for all that ails you also. Have used it for many health problems. I purchased it at GNC store but
    It can be purchased at drug store or some grocery stores.

    • Me too – both mice and spiders hate peppermint – and it’s much kinder than killing them! It is good to leave an open bottle in a pantry to deter them 🙂

    • Be careful where you purchase your peppermint oil from and make sure they are 100% pure peppermint oil, nothing else in it. Anything else added becomes adulterated oil which will not probably work. Try YoungLiving oils from the website or any that are 100% pure oil only.

    • Robert Cornacchia

      I use it to rid house and garage of mice with great results

      • How do you use it, and where, in a garage. When the door is open, they can go straight in. I would use it along the side walls, but what about dead center? Thanks ;-}

  11. great tips for a healthy life mentally and physically

  12. Thank you it’s fab for pain I am using it to try and get rid of toe fungus it’s so hard to treat my podiatrist is fab says so many have it I started it today the 11july I will see I have tried lots of things

    • Try neem oil as well, works fast. 50%neem oil, may add the peppermint to it. Treat fungus

    • Lynette, although peppermint oil is good. For toenail fungus apply straight tea tree oil directly to the nail. Your fungus will be gone in record time! I apply it every time I get out of the shower and have been fungus free for years.
      I love the peppermint for headaches. I simply rub some straight on my temples and the back of my neck and viola no more headache. I have some in an inhaler I use for a immediate pick me up, stuffy nose or nausea.

  13. I purchased a case of peppermint oil a couple of years ago. It’s been sealed so can I still use it or should I throw it away?

  14. I really think dandruff is a vitamin or mineral deficiency, possibility the vitamin B group

  15. Washington Mitchell

    I was promoting this oil because I mistakenly took it up in the store instead of the essence. Had a sprained ankle and had nothing to rub it. Went to bed with this pain, could rest. I remembered I had the oil an fetch it and run the ankle and when I woke up in the early morning to used the bathroom I tried to put down the foot and realized there was no more pain.

  16. There are so many Peppermint Oil out there.
    Which is the best to use for this?

  17. I never knew that peppermint oil comes in pill form.

    • Yes; doTerra carries it in pill, roll on, and drop form. They are 100% pure. I always have peppermint on hand.

    • Yes, it comes in pill, roll on, and drop form from doTerra. I always have peppermint on hand. You can also cook with the drops like in peppermint candies.

  18. Thank you for this information on peppermint oil. You can email me, anything on health, essential oils, diet, nutrition, recipes..

    • Kerri,
      Are you familiar how to use peppermint oil for cancer cell death? It’s supposed
      to kill off the cells, but no directions how to use the oil. If you know, would appreciate you sending it along. I have a friend who has prostate cancer,and
      pub med says it will work on that~!

  19. very interesting, where can i get it?

  20. I have never tried this item before,I would
    Like to give it a try

  21. Sounds Great!!!

  22. How do I order this pepperment

  23. How do I purchase this oil?

  24. I have heard that Menthol was toxic. It is in some Anti-bacterial Wipes which they said not to use because it was toxic

  25. What is carry on???? And is this safe around dogs??

    • That is carrier oil. It is another oil like coconut oil or almond oil that you mix just a few drops of your oil like peppermint in. This diluted the oil so it is not as strong. This is also a good way to make your own spray or rub for use over a large area.

  26. Where do I buy it?

    • The most important thing when buying oils is knowing the company from which you are buying from. Never consume any essential oil if the label states “not safe for consumption” or “aromatic or topical use only”. I trust young living oils. Some things to know about the company: 1) Do they personally distill each oil the way it is supposed to be distilled for the highest medicinal grade constitutents? 2) Do they distill their oil using solvents? 3) Do they distill their own oils or purchase them from a third party? 4) Do they own their own farms? 5) Do they use pesticides or herbicides to control the weeds? 6) Is the ground organic? 7) Can you visit the farms and see how the oils are made? 8) Do they test each batch for purity and specific constituents? 8) What tests do they perform on each of oils? (And there are many more). The oil industry is not highly regulated so it’s major important to use oils from a company with integrity.

  27. will eating peppermint lifesavers benefit

  28. Mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass spray bottle per 1 cup of distilled water. This is the best insecticide ever! Use glass rather than a plastic bottle because plastic will absorb the oil & glass will not. If you don’t have distilled water, boil some water on the stove, let it cool before pouring into bottle, and you now have distilled water. Although, any water may actually work! Shake the bottle prior to each application to mix the oil drops with the water. I have observed this mixture to kill spiders and bed bugs upon contact!

  29. I order on line from Wal Mart

    • Young Living is the best place to order that I know of It is the company that fills all the questions that Jodi Heiden has in her post. If you are interested in some info please email me.

  30. were to buy peppermint oil

  31. Paula J Hoagboon Sturgess

    how can you buy this

  32. I use peppermint oil on my filters for my a.c units. it cleanses the air and smells great.

  33. i get mine from http://www.Doterra.com i buy the oil & the rollers i use for headaches & to carry around so i have oil with me the oil is also great for getting rid of mice

  34. Yes. I am a wellness advocate and use peppermint often. This is wonderful. May i share this uplifting article with my team on my fb page please.

  35. Also can use as a rodent repellent

  36. Do You know or think it will get rid of large tree frogs. The frog is a yellowish green wet looking and is the size of the palm of your hand. They make a horrible mess on my porch. Bad bowel’s they have. Or if any of you fine folks know of something to run them off with please adivse. Thanks for reading Teri

  37. Carolyn D. Almora

    I am curious of this kind of oil. There are so many oils being sold. Is this the same with Black Cummin oil?

  38. This is an intriguing guide to using peppermint.

  39. I love peppermint oil and reading all these comments were very interesting please send me more information on your peppermint oils and others

  40. I wipe over cupboard shelves, seems to deter mice well

  41. When you use it internally, Peppermint oil is also well known for its ability to help alleviate occasional upset stomach and promote healthy respiratory function.

  42. I Love the smell of peppermint. It’s winter and those darn mice have found a way in. I put a drop on a piece of cotton, used a few, all around my house, and don’t know where they went but they are GONE! I reapply a drop every other day to the cotton balls.

  43. Very informative

  44. .I will so much appreciate knowing where, here in Edina, Mn. 02635, I can find quality peppermint oil? I am somewhat disabled at 85 and it is too difficult to go too many places to look for this singularly important product! Thank you in
    advance for your reply! ?. MaryAnne Mauriel f

  45. Do you need a carrier oil to mix with the peppermint oil to put on your scalp or anywhere else?

  46. Thank you I use peppermint oil daily. Good to hear it chases rats.

  47. My Mom told me, when I was a baby I drank more Peppermint than anything else, hardly knew what it was to have a sick day, now I’m 68, I’m using Peppermint again, I put a couple of drops in my soak tub also at the end of my soak for a nice fresh smell and cool down, it’s awesome.

  48. My Shih-tzu had little scabs on her spine. I rubbed peppermint oil up her spine and in 2 days they were gone. They have not returned. I love using peppermint oil for headaches also.

  49. Where can I find this oil?

  50. I would like to know more about the uses of Peppermint oil.

  51. Where can I find this oil?

  52. i take used tea bag .. lay on horizontal pipe under double sinks in kitchen . wrap string once around pipe to hold bag in place put several drops peppermint on bag twice a week no mice!!

  53. I have rubbed it on my palms and then breathed it in for stuffy noses. I use it to keep mich away.
    Rodent Sheriff is peppermenit oil too. Tea bags work also. I had my friend use them and it really worked well for her.

  54. Never used this oil before.

  55. How can I buy peppermint oil?

  56. I really like this most informative site, will be watching for more reports on Peppermint oil

  57. How can I buy peppermint oil & how much is it please

  58. A couple of months or so ago a friend came around to see me and brought their dogs around and ever since my 2 Persian pussycats have been scratching. Is Peppermint Oil good and safe for getting ride of fleas on them and in my home? I would really appreciate some help on this as I don’t want to start using any strong chemicals on them!

  59. It says it helps with fleas . How can I use it on dogs ? Also will it work around the house to get rid of fleas and my husband has ibs will it help with that?

  60. Works very well for me too.

  61. Wondercide has home products online that use peppermint oil in some of them. They have weed killer and pest control. I use the pest control on ants. Their consultants on the phone are knowledgeable and helpful. You can find the phone number on their website.

  62. Very good information. My head hurts nearly all the time. I’m sure gonna try it. I love peppermint. I have a large tub of it growing in my back yard. I want to learn how to process it for the oil. All mints need to be grown in containers because they can be very invasive. I was pleased to read that peppermint will get rid of spiders. They love to web up our security cameras. I guess it can just be wiped or sprayed on them.

  63. Will peppermint oil work to get rid of moles?

  64. Robert A. Miller

    I am 76 and have used peppermint oil for headaches for eons and have promoted its use. However, I was not aware of these many uses. I try to stay healthy and active, I thank you all for this information. I believe my life will be changing again.

  65. Where can I purchase it?

  66. WARE CAN I BUY PEPPERMINT OIL

  67. I am going to try this oil starting tomorrow.

  68. ITS VERRY GOOD
    J

  69. I have a cabin out of town. I use peppermint to repel scorpions. Kills them on contact too.

  70. Absolutely the most awesome idea’s on how to use Peppermint, especially the ‘mice’ stories ;-} I’m deadly afraid of them. I don’t have any, thank you, but reading all the idea’s were great. Thank you, ever so much, for this great site. I know a lady who just told us she has Bed Bugs and has to completely empty her bedroom, wash & bag everything she’s cleaned, before the specialty people show up to completely clean her bedroom. I will share the story with her as what to do for that problem. Thanks & GOD BLESS, ALWAYS, DONNA

  71. You say 2 drops of peppermint oil in olive oil for rashes. OK, but how much OL? Teaspoon, tablespoon, or a pint?
    Actually, I don’t see any quantities given when you say one or two drops in a carrier oil, how much carrier oil?

  72. Hi , where i could get or buy peppermint oil or can i buy from you guys .i m very super interested .

  73. works really well on hemroids, no more itching, instantly. warning keep away from eyes

  74. How can I GET a bottle of peppermint oil.

  75. This s great news at this point in time ‘ fungus ‘ is rife here and any remedy is welcome.

  76. can I buy any organic peppermint oil to take orally? and how much should I take daily for IBS w/ constipation?

  77. So where do I find this miracle oil called peppermint

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