Peppermint oil is said to have many uses. These are just a few. No doubt, you will find even more once you start using it.
Using peppermint in your first aid kit
Peppermint is a perfect inclusion in your first aid kit. In terms of first aid, you can use peppermint for headaches, digestive issues, travel sickness, muscle aches/pains and fatigue. See below for more details on how to use it on your skin.
Using peppermint on your skin
To use peppermint on your skin, you should generally dilute it to 3-5% in jojoba or hazelnut oil (15-25 drops per tablespoon). For Whole Body Massage, use no more than 2% (10 drops per tablespoon or 1 teaspoon per 1 cup). Note: Peppermint is a dermal irritant, so avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. It can cause sensitization in some individuals. Because it is a stimulating oil; you should not use it in the evening or at bedtime, as it may cause insomnia. It should not be used with children who are 3 years of age or younger.
Using peppermint for nausea, vomiting and travel sickness
To use peppermint for nausea, you should inhale it directly from the diffuser. Or if you are traveling, you can put a few drops on a tissue and breathe it in. Or you can put 1 drop on the tongue.
Using peppermint for mental fatigue
To lesson mental fatigue, you can diffuse it or dilute as described above it any carrier oil and apply it to your forehead.
Using peppermint for migraines, headaches, fainting, vertigo and other nervous disorders
To use peppermint to temporarily relieve the symptoms of headaches (and other nervous system issues), you can diffuse it or dilute it in any carrier oil (as described above) and apply it to your forehead, temples or wherever the headache or other issue resides.
Using peppermint for colds, sore throat, flu and respiratory conditions
To use peppermint to help with respiratory issues, you should inhale it directly from the diffuser.
Using peppermint for excessive sweating
To use peppermint to help reduce excessive sweating, dilute it to 1-2% (5-10 drops per tablespoon) and add it to your unscented personal care product.
Using peppermint for acne
To use peppermint to help reduce acne, dilute it to 2% in any carrier oil or unscented facial care product (10 drops per tablespoon) and apply regularly to affected areas.
Using peppermint for skin conditions such as ringworm, scabies, dermatitis and psoriasis
To use peppermint for skin conditions like these, dilute (as described above) and apply regularly to affected areas.
Using peppermint for muscle pain and neuralgia
To use peppermint for muscle pain or neuralgia, dilute (as described above) and apply regularly to affected areas.
Using peppermint for bronchitis
To use peppermint for bronchitis, dilute (as described above) and apply to your chest and back.
Using peppermint for a stuffy nose and mucous congestion
To use peppermint for a stuffy nose and mucous congestion, add it to a steam inhalation.
Using peppermint for asthma
To use peppermint to temporarily alleviate asthma symptoms, inhale it directly from the diffuser on a regular basis.
Using peppermint for a fever
To use peppermint for a fever, diffuse it or dilute (as described above) and apply on the whole frontal line and forehead. (The frontal line runs from the heart area upwards and downwards. It extends from the front of the neck to the pubic bone, parallel to the spine.)
Using peppermint for palpitations
To use peppermint for palpitations, do a Whole Body Massage (as described above).
Using peppermint for indigestion, colic, cramps or intestinal gas
To use peppermint for indigestion, colic, cramps or intestinal gas, dilute (as described above) and apply to the skin or dilute and add to an aromatic bath.
Learn more about aromatherapy or see our how to use essential oil videos.