Mmmm, Minty! Review of Peppermint Essential Oil

I was just using some of my favorite Peppermint essential oil and I thought I’d share why I love it so much. 

I have not found *much* difference between various brands of Peppermint essential oil. I have used Sun Organic, NOW Foods, Plant Therapy, Majestic Pure, Radha Beauty, ArtNaturals, and others. Honestly, though, my favorite peppermint oil comes from Simply Earth. Their peppermint oil has just has a little extra *OOMPH* or something because of how well it's made. Definitely give them a try. 

Peppermint is one of the essential oils I use the most. It both invigorates and relaxes me. I like to diffuse it because I LOVE the smell, and it mixes well with other oils. 

When I’m congested, I love to mix Peppermint with Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Frankincense, and Cinnamon. 

When I have a headache, I like to mix Lavender, Peppermint, and Spearmint. 

If I’m nauseated or having stomach issues, I use straight Peppermint. If I have anxiety with my digestive issues, I add a little lavender too. 

I use it to relax sore muscles, to freshen bad breath, for homemade toothpaste, improve concentration, and more. 

I love the cooling and calming feeling of the oil. Peppermint is well known for its ability to reduce muscle spasms, which is why it is so effective on headaches, muscles aches, and stomach aches. 

Peppermint can also act as an expectorant, which is why I also use it when I have a cold or a cough. I have a homemade salve I use with a mix of oils, including peppermint. I slather it right on my chest and sinuses and the back of my ears and I can literally FEEL all the junk draining out. (On a related note, I got other recipes in my Simply Earth box for congestion as well and this has been one of the better allergy seasons for me because of it (man, the CEDAR has been out of CONTROL here!) 

I’ve also used it to help reduce fevers (on me or my husband, not on my kids. You have to be REALLY careful using peppermint oil on kids) since it is a cooling agent. It’s also great to keep around in the summer. I have a homemade cooling spray I use when it gets to 110 degrees in July and August and it’s been so wonderful! This spray also works very well on sunburn. 

Peppermint oil has anti microbial qualities and is a great antiseptic. I have added a couple drops to my shampoo and conditioner (along with tea tree and lavender oils). It smells great and helps with dry scalp and dandruff!!! 

Speaking of itchy dandruff, peppermint oil mixed with lavender is the perfect way to soothe itchy bug bites and rashes. I have a homemade salve for those too and I carry a little vial of it practically everywhere. You can also use a drop “neat” on acne or small cuts or scrapes to help heal them (don’t use much because it can irritate skin if it’s too strong). 

Peppermint oil is also used as a bug and rodent deterrent. DO NOT BUY THOSE sprays you see on the commercials and so forth… there is SO LITTLE peppermint oil in there and they’re not effective. Just make your own or buy a bottle of peppermint oil and use a few drops in areas you know those pests frequent. 

I have heard that peppermint can help reduce food cravings, and I am planning on trying this very soon. I think I am going to buy some peppermint gum and chew on it between meals to try to not snack as much. 

Peppermint oil can also be used in baking and cooking, but again, you have to be careful. One drop is EXTREMELY concentrated and goes a VERY long way. I made peppermint puppy chow once and used 3 drops of this oil and it was sooooo strong… too strong. Whew! 

There are many other benefits of peppermint oil… I can’t even list them all. It’s a very versatile oil and a great one to have on hand. I want to reiterate that you have to be careful with essential oils. Most of the time, you need to mix it with carrier oils such as coconut oil or shea butter because it can aggravate sensitive skin. The only times I use it “neat” is if I’m having extreme nausea or stomach issues or on an extremely pesky pimple or small wound. I do not use it directly on my kids, but I do diffuse it mixed with other oils. 

I looooove peppermint! Do you?