Kristi Whitley

Healthy Living

Peppermint Essential Oil


My favorite of the essential oils, peppermint oil is in my purse, on my nightstand

and in my car. I only buy organic, 100% pure peppermint oil because I ingest it

several times a day as breath freshener. Here are some other uses for peppermint

essential oil.
 
Pain Reliever

-One clinical trial showed peppermint oil relieved tension headache as well as

generic Tylenol.
-Also performed well in studies where it was used as a topical analgesic for relief

of pain associated with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. 
-Rub 2-3 drops into the affected muscle or joint three times a day.
-Add 5 drops to a warm bath along with Epsom salts for relief of sore muscles.

-Combine with lavender oil for added relaxation. 
-Rub 2 drops into the temples, forehead and on the back of the neck for relief of tension headache and migraine headache. 
-Use full strength or diluted in lotion or oil for arthritis relief. 8-10 drops of peppermint, 8-10 drops of eucalyptus oil, and 1-1 ½ tablespoons coconut oil. 

Acne and Skin Issues 

-Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial peppermint oil clears acne. Add a drop to a drop of eucalyptus oil and 8 drops of water, soak a cotton ball with the mixture and apply to pimples.  
-Soothe dry lips by adding to coco butter, shea butter, or coconut oil and some beeswax for a refreshing lip balm. 
-Combine 7 drops with 1 T lotion or oil to soothe psoriasis and eczema. Add 5-7 drops of sandalwood oil to accelerate healing. 
-To soothe burns add 20 drops peppermint oil and 1 cup of water to a spray bottle and spray liberally onto skin.  
-For sunburned skin, add five drops peppermint oil to 1 T coconut oil and apply to skin. The coconut oil with help re-hydrate as well. 

Breath and Oral Health 

-Drop peppermint oil onto the tongue for breath freshening. 
-For reduction of inflammation and infection, drop peppermint oil onto a finger and rub onto swollen, sore gums. Can also be diluted in coconut oil especially for children.  
-Add 5 drops to 1 T coconut oil for oil pulling. Swish the mixture in the mouth for up to 20 minutes to reduce bacteria, swelling and aid in detoxification. Always spit the mixture in the trash and never swallow. You don’t want to re-ingest the bacteria caught in the oil. Rinse the mouth after swishing.  
-Add a couple of drops to toothpaste for extra bacterial control and breath freshening. 

Mental Benefits 

-Peppermint oil improves concentration, focus and alertness. 
-Apply two drops to the tongue or add to a spray bottle and spray around the work area to improve an adult or child’s concentration and focus.  
-Relieve stress with peppermint oil added to a warm bath, a diffuser, or applied topically. Rub onto neck and shoulders for relief of tension. 

Insect Repellent 

-Add a few drops of peppermint oil to cotton balls and leave them where insects are present.  
-Sprinkle a few drops of peppermint oil around a dog’s bed to repel fleas. 
-Add to a spray bottle along with water and witch hazel along with oregano oil.  1 cup water, 1 cup witch hazel and 20 drops of peppermint and 20 drops of oregano oil. Use as bug spray. 

 
These are just a few ways I like to use peppermint oil. My research turned up uses for Poly Cystic Ovarian disease, cancer, hormone balance, weight loss, allergies, hair and skin, and more. If you want to read more, here are my sources:
 
https://www.up-nature.com/blogs/news/top-35-uses-and-benefits-of-peppermint-essential-oil
 
https://draxe.com/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits/
 
https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/peppermint-oil.aspx