Peppermint (Menta piperita) essential oil is used as a dietary supplement for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), other digestive problems, the common cold, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is also used topically (applied to the skin) for headaches, muscle aches, and itching.

Read more below.

About Peppermint

Peppermint (Menta piperita) – we sourced this one from India.  It has a strong herbal-minty flavour which gives an immediate freshness. Peppermint essential oil is a cool oil and also a top note. The oil has a sharp burning taste and you can take it internally, if done responsibly. See our responsible usage guide here.

Firstly, Peppermint is widely used for it’s benefits to oral health and fresh breath in particular. Use it in an oil pulling routine along with oils such as Clove Bud and Myrrh to sort out any oral conditions. Keep your mouth and body healthy by regularly gargling or rinsing with the blend. It is a strong anti-bacterial which means that it will assist to combat oral conditions caused by bacteria such as gingivitis.

Peppermint is also well known for its benefits to the gut.  Conditions such as IBS might benefit from regular and responsible Peppermint intake. To quote from the study about the effect of Peppermint essential oil on IBS: “Peppermint oil (PO) (Mentha Piperita) is a naturally-occurring carminative herb containing monoterpene compounds that target the pathophysiology of IBS. PO contains L-menthol, which blocks calcium channels in smooth muscle, thus producing antispasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal tract” It is shown to be a strong anti-spasmodic and carminative (relieving flatulence) essential oil. In light of this, Peppermint oil might be helpful for other digestive issues and nausea as well. Use it in a blend with Ginger oil, Aniseed and Roman Chamomile in some Grape Seed oil to roll on to children’s tummies to help relieve pain and discomfort.

Furthermore, it was found to have analgesic benefits.  Use it for headaches, muscle aches even migraines – remember to blend in a carrier oil and dilute properly.  It has a cooling effect on the skin and could irritate the eyes if used too close to them.  The studies done for Peppermint’s effectiveness against pain showed a 40% decrease in pain after using one drop of oil.  Use alongside known pain-stiller oils such as Wintergreen, Marjoram and Frankincense.

Some other benefits

A few other benefits that is worth mentioning is that Peppermint essential oil is known to combat itching – use in a blend with Cinnamon Bark and Grapeseed oil to roll on affected areas.  It is also known to benefit hair growth significantly while refreshing the scalp.  Peppermint oil is also great for increasing blood flow.  It is also a great respiratory oil to help with opening blocked sinuses and reducing inflammation in the airways.  An interesting fact is that Peppermint oil is said to help reduce appetite. There are so many things this oil is great for! Give it a try.

Main Chemical Compounds

The main chemical compound found in Peppermint is menthol at about 40% and menthone at about 23%  The benefits of menthol is to help relax the intestinal muscles while it treats gastrointestinal ailments. Menthone is responsible for relieving flatulence, colic and dyspepsia.  So you can see that this is an essential oil to have readily available for any and all digestive related ailments.

How do I use Peppermint

You can use it in baked goods such as brownies, home-made icecreams and smoothies. We have a recipe pack that will help guide you to use essential oils in culinary recipes.  Refer to our responsible usage guide to see how to use essential oils responsibly internally.

Blends well with

Don’t know how to make a blend? Keep an eye out on our Facebook page to see when the next Masterclass will be presented.  However, here is a list of single pure natural oils that blends well with Peppermint:

• Lavender
• Wintergreen oil
• Basil essential oil
• Spearmint
• Eucalyptus
• Lemon
• Tea Tree
• Ginger
• Sweet Orange essential oil
• Aniseed
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Copaiba
• Roman Chamomile

Cautions

Do not use topically or diffused around children under the age of six unless very diluted. Do not ingest undiluted. Keep away from the eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Store in glass, in a cool dry place away from sunlight to preserve longer. Do not use during pregnancy!