Peppermint essential oil: how to use it correctly?

Peppermint essential oil has many interesting virtues against everyday problems but also against other more serious ones. In addition to being tonic, it is excellent for digestion. It is recommended against nausea, gastro-enteritis and difficult digestions. It will be your friend the day after the party! And finally, to speak about the Peppermint is not conceivable without evoking the migraine: it calms it effectively and gets a pleasant feeling of cold on the painful zones. Latin name: Mentha x piperita L. var piperita. Distilled part: Heads

Precautions for use

Warning! The power of this essential oil reminds us that it should not be used lightly. Although all routes of use are possible, it is prohibited to pregnant and nursing women, babies and children under 6 years. In addition, it has many other contraindications and precautions of use to be aware of to use it safely.

Authorized users

Adults and Teens

Possible ways of use

Inhalation Dermal route Oral route In broadcasting

Risks of use

Irritating to the skin Neurotoxic Estrogen-like

Other precautions

Medical advice

The use of Peppermint essential oil requires a physician's approval for asthmatics and epileptics, in cases of high blood pressure or other serious cardiovascular problems, liver disorders, gallbladder inflammation, hormone-dependent disease or cancer, G6PD enzyme deficiency, or for long-term use.

Cutaneous application

Peppermint essential oil is irritating to the skin, so it is preferable to dilute it between 10 and 15% if applied on a large surface (10-15% essential oil and 85-90% vegetable oil). For children from 7 to 15 years old, it is recommended to dilute it to 5%.

It should not be used on injured or irritated skin. Contact with the eyes is to be avoided absolutely. In case of accident, rinse with a vegetable oil, water being of no use.

By ingestion

Do not exceed 3 drops of essential oil per day. Not recommended in cases of gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, bile duct obstruction (cholecystitis). An excessive ingested dose can cause respiratory discomfort, convulsions or epileptiform syndrome and can have a stupefying action. It can be slightly nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic after ingestion in high doses and/or over a long period.

In broadcasting

It is preferable not to diffuse pure essential oil of Peppermint, and to dilute it between 10 and 15% in other essential oils.

Contraindications

Menthol could facilitate the penetration of anti-inflammatory drugs and anesthetics, and disrupt the effectiveness of certain heart medications. If in doubt, do not combine them.

The use of this essential oil also requires a very particular attention in the event of catch of antacids or antiulcerous, of treatment with weak therapeutic margin, in the polymedicamented people or case of catch of a homeopathic treatment.

Allergenic components

Peppermint essential oil contains few allergenic biochemical components: limonene (≤ 5%).

Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to ensure there is no reaction).

Properties of the essential oil of Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated in menthol, menthone, 1,8-cineole and isomenthone. These different molecules give it the following main properties:

local analgesic ++++ (menthol): peppermint essential oil is a painkiller by "cold effect". The menthol it contains specifically activates the TRPM8 cold receptors involved in the perception of pain, causing an instant "cold effect" and local anesthesia hence its effectiveness in cases of muscle pain, strokes, neuralgia and headaches.
tonic, general stimulant +++ (menthol): general stimulant, Peppermint essential oil tones the whole body in case of fatigue. Neurotonic, it improves Warning, concentration, memory and learning but also sports performance. Even if the mechanisms are not clearly determined, the increase of the vascularization in the brain and the stimulation of the central nervous system by the intermediary of the nicotinic receptors answering the acetylcholine could be the origin of it.
antispasmodic +++ (menthol): the essential oil of Peppermint limits digestive spasms by acting on the sphincter of Oddi and on the contractions of the smooth muscles of the digestive tract (bloating, stomach cramps, postoperative nausea). Its antispasmodic action is also beneficial in the event of muscular cramp.
antibacterial ++ (menthol): the essential oil of Peppermint is an effective antibacterial against many strains: staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus responsible for lung diseases, colibacillus responsible for digestive and urinary diseases, E. coli. The menthol it contains has the particularity to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It would alter the plasma membrane thus modifying its permeability and leading to a leakage of cellular material.
antiviral ++ (menthol): the antiviral action of the essential oil of Peppermint is mainly due to menthol. Its action has been studied especially on the herpes virus, whose replication it would inhibit.
antifungal ++ (menthol): Peppermint is active on many fungi, including those that cause lung infections, skin infections and candidiasis such as Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Epidermophyton stockdale, Candida diversa, but also those that can be found in food. Note that the fungicidal action of menthol depends on its functional structure. Depending on these structural differences, the interaction with cells and therefore the impact on the development of fungi will be different. Peppermint essential oil contains mostly L-menthol, one of the most effective isomers of menthol.
antiparasitic ++ (menthol): peppermint essential oil is an intestinal antiparasitic that acts primarily against shigellosis, an acute gastroenteritis.
anti-inflammatory ++ (menthol): the essential oil of Peppermint, and particularly menthol, prevents the production of pro-inflammatory substances such as prostaglandin PGE-2, interleukin-IL-1-β and leukotriene LTB-4. This anti-inflammatory action has been demonstrated both in-vitro and in-vivo.
cholagogue, choleretic ++ (menthone): it facilitates the evacuation of bile to the intestine (cholagogue) and the secretion of bile by the liver (choleretic). Although the mechanisms are not clearly established, Peppermint could stimulate the activity of certain receptors and enzymes involved in the synthesis of bile acids and the regulation of bile acid production.

But also these secondary properties:

anticatarrhal
mucolytic
decongestant

In case of Hypotension

Efficiency : ++++

Easy to use

For adults and adolescents, on medical advice and monitoring. Orally, 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil on a neutral medium to be put under the tongue, 3 times a day, until fit. Do not exceed 1 week of use.

Use in synergy

Restricted to + 6 years, on medical advice and monitoring. Apply 4 drops of the mixture to the solar plexus and 4 drops to the kidneys. To be repeated 3 times a day, in periods of low blood pressure. Do not exceed 1 week of use.

10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
10 drops of essential oil of Clove
10 drops of essential oil of Scots Pine
120 drops (6 mL) of Calophylla Inophyla vegetable oil

More details: essential oils for low blood pressure.

In case of hepato-pancreatic insufficiency

Efficiency : ++++

Easy to use

For adults and adolescents. Orally, 2 drops of Peppermint on a sugar to be mixed in an infusion, after the meal, as soon as necessary in single intake.

Use in synergy

Reserved for + 6 years. On medical advice, place 3 drops of the mixture on 1/4 lump of cane sugar to suck or in a teaspoon of olive oil morning and evening before meals for 3 weeks maximum.

2 drops of essential oil of Muscatel
2 drops of Lemon Litsée essential oil
2 drops of Peppermint essential oil
1 drop of exotic basil essential oil
1 drop of Vetiver essential oil

Source: Baudoux, D. (2017). Aromatherapy - 100 essential oils. Dunod.

Against Nausea, Vomiting, Motion sickness

Efficiency : ++++

Easy to use

For adults and teens:

Oral route: 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil on a neutral medium to put under the tongue.
Inhalation: breathe directly from the bottle, as soon as necessary.
By skin: mix 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil. Apply this mixture to the stomach in a circular massage in a clockwise direction. Normally 1 application is enough.

Use in synergy

Age 6 and up. In a bottle, mix:

30 drops of Peppermint essential oil
90 drops of Lemon essential oil
30 drops of Ginger essential oil

Put 2 drops of this mixture in the hollow of the wrists or on a handkerchief. To be inhaled as soon as the troubles appear up to 5 times a day.

Source: Couic-Marinier, F. & Frély, R. (2019). Essential oils - The complete guide for the whole family. SOLAR.

Against Bad Breath

Efficiency : ++++

Easy to use

For adults and adolescents. Orally, 1 drop of Peppermint EO on a neutral tablet to be melted in the mouth occasionally.

Use in synergy

Reserved for + 6 years. Place 1 to 2 drops on a neutral tablet, let the tablet soak well for a few minutes and let melt in the mouth gently. To be used occasionally.

20 drops of Peppermint essential oil
20 drops of essential oil of Cardamom
20 drops of Lemon essential oil

More details: essential oils for bad breath.

In case of a difficult day after the party

Efficiency : ++++

Easy to use

For adults and teens:

Oral route: 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil on a neutral medium to put under the tongue.
Cutaneous route: 2 drops of Peppermint in massage on the temples and forehead, as soon as necessary. For sensitive skin, dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil. (Be careful with the eyes!)

In case of headache, migraine

Efficiency : ++++

Easy to use

For adults and adolescents. By skin, 2 drops of Peppermint in a vegetable oil in massage on the temples and forehead, as soon as necessary. For sensitive skin, dilute 2 drops of essential oil in 8 drops of vegetable oil. (Be careful with the eyes!)

Use in synergy

Restricted to + 6 years. Place 4 drops of the mixture topically on the area of pain as needed, up to 3 times a day for 2 to 3 weeks. If pain persists, take a break for a week and consult your doctor.

20 drops of essential oil of Nutmeg
20 drops of Peppermint essential oil
10 drops of essential oil of Basil
10 drops of True Lavender essential oil
40 drops (2mL) of St. John's wort oily macerate

More details and other users: essential oils for migraines and headaches.

Against tartar, plaque

Efficiency : ++++

Easy to use

For adults and adolescents. For occasional use, 1 drop of Peppermint EO directly on the toothpaste before brushing.

Use in synergy

Only for children 6+. In mouthwash, put 3 to 5 drops of the mixture in a glass of water. After brushing teeth, gargle for a few seconds to emulsify the mixture in the mouth before spitting out.

20 drops of Peppermint essential oil
10 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
30 drops of Lemon essential oil
8 mL Sesame vegetable oil

More details: Limiting plaque and tartar with essential oils

In case of Arthritis, Arthrosis, Rheumatism

Efficiency : +++

Easy to use

For adults and adolescents. By skin, mix 1 drop of Peppermint in 9 drops of vegetable oil (Arnica for example) in application on the painful area.

Peppermint or Lemon Eucalyptus ?

To relieve rheumatic pain, Peppermint essential oil will be very effective, but if you have some on hand, Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil will be better! Dermally: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area until improvement.

For Insect Bite, Skin Itch

Efficiency : +++

Easy to use

For adults and adolescents. By skin, mix 1 drop of Peppermint EO in 9 drops of vegetable oil (Calendula for example) in application on the painful area.

For children over 6 years. It is recommended to dilute the essential oil of Peppermint to 5% (1 drop of essential oil for 18 volumes of vegetable oil).

Peppermint or Spike Lavender ?

In case of itching or insect bites, Peppermint essential oil is good, but Lavender Aspic essential oil is even better! Dermally: 1 drop pure on the pimple, as soon as possible after the bite appears. Repeat every 1/4 hour, if needed.

Use in synergy

Restricted to 6+ years. Apply 1 to 2 drops of the following mixture to the bites every 3 minutes until improvement, then 3 times a day until completely healed.

3 drops of essential oil of Lavender Aspic
1 drop of Peppermint essential oil
2 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops of essential oil of Rose Geranium
2 drops of Tea Tree essential oil

Source: Festy, D. (2018). My bible of essential oils. Leduc.s

In case of Rhinopharyngitis, Cold, Sinusitis

Efficiency : +++

Easy to use

For adults and teens:

Inhalation: pour 1 or 2 drops of pure Peppermint on a handkerchief and breathe.
Cutaneous path: massage the forehead (be careful of the eyes!), behind the ears and the soles of the feet with 1 or 2 drops, morning, noon and night. For sensitive skin do not hesitate to dilute in a vegetable oil.

Use in synergy

In adults or adolescents. In a 10 mL bottle, add:

5 drops of Peppermint essential oil
5 drops of essential oil of Scots Pine
10 drops of Ravintsara or Niaouli essential oil
9 mL (about 2 teaspoons) vegetable oil

Apply 10 to 20 drops of this mixture on the chest 2 to 3 times a day for 1 to 5 days.

Source: F. Millet.(2013). The great guide to essential oils. Marabout Edition.

Peppermint or Eucalyptus Radiata?

In case of a cold, Peppermint essential oil is effective, but Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil is still definitely the reference! 2 pure drops under the tongue, or in an herbal tea (previously mixed in a teaspoon of honey or sugar), 4 times a day for 2 days. Inhalation: 1 deep breath directly above the opened bottle, 4 to 6 times a day.

In case of Neuralgia, Sciatica

Efficiency : +++

Easy to use

For adults and adolescents. By skin, mix 1 drop of Peppermint EO in 9 drops of vegetable oil (St. John's wort, for example) in application to the painful area.

Peppermint or Lemon Eucalyptus ?

If you suffer from neuralgia or sciatica, Peppermint essential oil is effective, but Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is even better! Dermally: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area until improvement.

Use in synergy

Restricted to + 6 years. Apply 4 to 6 drops of this mixture to the painful area. Renew 3 times a day until relief (without exceeding 3 weeks of consecutive use).

30 drops of Peppermint essential oil
30 drops of essential oil of Roman Chamomile
45 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
130 drops (6.5 mL) of St. John's wort oily macerate

For more details: essential oils for neuralgia and sciatica.

In case of Gingivitis

Efficiency : +++

Easy to use

From ages 6 and older. Plocally, prepare a 5% mixture of Peppermint essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (15 drops of EO in 9.5 mL of HV). Apply 1 to 2 drops of the mixture directly to the gums up to 2 times a day and for up to 5 days.

Peppermint or Tea Tree?

Peppermint is effective against in case of gingivitis, but the essential oil of Tea Tree remains most appropriate. Prepare a 10% blend of Tea Tree essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (1 mL or 30 drops of EO, in 9 mL of HV). Apply 3 to 5 drops of the mixture on the gum up to 3 times a day for 5 days.

Use in synergy

For adults and children over 6 years old. Apply a few drops of the mixture to the gum up to 3 times a day and for up to 5 days.

10 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
10 drops of Peppermint
10 drops of Lime
5 drops of essential oil of Laurier Noble
9 mL vegetable oil from Sesame

More details: How to use essential oils for gingivitis?

In case of dental neuralgia, dental pain, toothache, pulpitis

Efficiency : +++

Easy to use

For Adults and Children 6+. Locally, prepare a 10% mixture of Peppermint essential oil in Nigella vegetable oil (30 drops of EO, in 9 mL of VH). Apply a few drops of the mixture on the painful gum up to 5 times a day.

Peppermint or Clove ?

Peppermint essential oil is effective for relieving a toothache, but the essential oil of Clove remains the benchmark in this area. For adults and adolescents, put 1 drop of Clove on a cotton swab soaked in edible vegetable oil. Apply on the painful gum.

More details and other users: How to relieve a toothache with essential oils

Against Bloating, Flatulence

Efficiency : +++

Easy to use

Age 6 and up:

By skin: dilute 1 drop of essential oil of Peppermint in 9 drops of vegetable oil. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction. Normally 1 single spot application is enough.
Orally: 1 drop of Mint essential oil on a neutral medium (sugar, breadcrumbs, neutral tablet, teaspoon of oil or honey, etc.), on an occasional basis. Do not exceed 3 drops per day. Make a pause after 5 days of use.

Use in synergy

After 10 years. In 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil add the following essential oils. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction. Normally 1 single spot application is enough.

1 drop of Peppermint essential oil
1 drop of tarragon essential oil
1 drop of essential oil of Marjoram

Source: Festy, D. (2007). 100 massages with essential oils to heal yourself (Health/Fitness) (Health Guides (Leduc.s)). LEDUC.

Peppermint or Cardamom?

Against bloating and flatulence, Peppermint essential oil can be helpful, but Cardamom essential oil is even more effective: 1 drop of Cardamom in a teaspoon of olive oil or honey, to be swallowed 3 times a day for adults and adolescents.

In case of muscle pain

Efficiency : +++

Easy to use

From 6 years. By skin, dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil (Arnica oil macerate for example) in application before and after physical effort.

Peppermint or sweet gum ?

If you suffer from muscle pain, Peppermint essential oil is effective, but Scented Wintergreen or Odorous Wintergreen essential oil is even better! Dermally: 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area until improvement.

Use in synergy

From 6 years old. Apply by massage to the painful area, 3 times a day for 3 days the following mixture:

3 drops of essential oil of Sweet Clover or Couched
2 drops of Peppermint essential oil
10 drops of oily macerate of Arnica

Source: Dufour, A. (2022). The Leduc guide to essential oils for the whole family. LEDUC.

For hair growth

Efficiency : +++

Easy to use

From 6 years old. In an empty bottle, mix:

15 drops of Peppermint essential oil
5 mL of Mustard oil
5 mL of castor oil

Apply this mixture to the roots of the hair by massaging gently with the fingertips and leave on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with a shampoo. This oil bath can be used once a week for 1 month.

Use in synergy

Only for adults and teens. Apply sufficient amount to hair starting from the ends and working up to the roots so that all hair is soaked. Let sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing and proceeding with a neutral shampoo to clean up the remaining oil :

45 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil Complete
15 drops of Peppermint essential oil
1 tablespoon of borage vegetable oil
3 tablespoons of castor oil

More details or other users: essential oils to stimulate hair growth.

Peppermint or Himalayan Spikenard ?

Peppermint essential oil is useful for promoting hair growth, although Himalayan Spikenard essential oil is generally more recommended: 1 drop of Himalayan Spikenard in a nut of shampoo before each wash.

Other famous applications of Peppermint

The essential oil of Peppermint is used in many occasions, in particular related to its antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory but also cholagogue and choleretic properties. For most of the following uses it will be effective, but not necessarily the best essential oil. We therefore indicate the best substitute for Peppermint for the following different problems.

Aerophagia

Peppermint effective but... It is best to use cardamom essential oil: orally, 1 drop in a teaspoon of olive oil or honey 3 times a day.

Intestinal worms

Peppermint effective but... It is better to use Cinnamon essential oil: orally, 1 drop on a carrier, combined with 1 drop of Lemon essential oil (liver protector). Let melt in the mouth, 3 times a day until improvement. Do not exceed 5 days of use.

Cystitis, Urinary tract infection

Peppermint effective but... It is better to use Mountain Savory essential oil: dermally, dilute 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil in massage on the lower abdomen, 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days.

Herpes, Shingles

Peppermint effective but... It is better to use Niaouli essential oil: dermally, 2 pure drops directly on the herpes, every 2 hours, until the herpes disappears.

Renal colic

Peppermint effective but... It is better to use the Green Ledon essential oil: by skin, dilute 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil, to be applied to the kidney, 2 to 3 times a day.

Tendinitis

Peppermint effective for its cold effect but... It is better to use Gaultheria essential oil, which has a "warming effect": dermally, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to be massaged on the painful area.

Painful periods, Dysmenorrhea

Peppermint effective but... It is better to use Tarragon essential oil: dermally, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to massage on the painful area.

Dry cough

Peppermint effective but... It is better to use the essential oil of Cypress of Provence: orally, 1 drop of Cypress of Provence in a teaspoon of honey to melt in the mouth, 4 times a day until the cough disappears.

Constipation

Peppermint effective but... It is better to use Ginger essential oil: orally, 1 drop pure in a teaspoon of olive oil, before meals, for 3 days maximum.

How to recognize a good essential oil of Peppermint?

Botanical characteristics

Latin name: Mentha x piperita L.
Botanical family: Lamiaceae
Part used : flowering tops
Country of origin: India, Hungary.

Physical characteristics

Density at 20°C: 0.898 à 0.918
Refractive index at 20°C : 1.459 à 1.465
Rotational power at 20°C : -30 à -14
Flash point: 66

Organoleptic characteristics

Appearance: clear mobile liquid
Color: colorless to greenish yellow
Odor: sweet, minty, characteristic.

Biochemical characteristics

menthol: 32 à 49 %
menthone: 13 à 28 %
1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): 3 à 8 %
isomenthone: 2 à 8 %
menthyl acetate : 2 à 8 %
menthofuran : 1 à 8 %
neomenthol: 2 à 6 %
limonene: 1 à 3 %
β-caryophyllene: 1 à 3.5 %
Pulegone : 0.5 à 3 %
trans thuyanol-4 : 0.5 à 2 %
octanol : 0.1 à 0.4 %

The different essential oils of mint

Peppermint, Spearmint, Fieldmint, Lemonmint, Pouliot Mint, Longleaf Mint, Sweet Mint ? Which essential oil for which use?

Although they belong to the same Mentha genus, these 4 species are quite different and their essential oils are therefore not the same. For more information, find out how to tell the difference between mint essential oils!

PEPPERMINT Organic essential oil

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