Peppermint essential oil comes from a plant that is part of the mint family. It has a pleasing smell and can be beneficial in many different ways. When you decide to use peppermint oil in your essential oil practice, it is important to understand the variety of ways it can be used and even some of the history behind it.
According to folklore, the Roman god Pluto cheated on his wife Persephone with a nymph named Mentha and because of this, Persephone crushed Mentha into the ground. Apparently, Pluto was so upset that he could not bring his lover back that he turned her into a peppermint plant so she would smell sweet even if someone was to step on her again. As with many stories, this one is left up to the person’s imagination. There is always a story to be told with essential oils from their use to their history. I find it all very fascinating. I hope you do too!
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What are the Uses of Peppermint?
Peppermint, both as a plant and as an essential oil, has a variety of uses. Historically speaking, it can be a wonderful help with digestive issues such as gas and indigestion. It is also used to aid in the treatment of heartburn. These are all great, but many people love to use it to freshen their breath. Just a drop of peppermint essential oil on the tongue (therapeutic grade only), or some mint leaves chewed up in the mouth will give you kissable breath and a clean feeling in your mouth! It sounds great just reading it, right?
There are different systems of the body that peppermint can aid. Now keep in mind, these claims have not been evaluated by any governing body and are for informational purposes only, but it is still fun to learn about the possibilities, isn’t it? It’s thought that this wonderful oil can help with not just the digestive system, but also the respiratory system to help open up your breathing and even the muscles and skin. I can personally attest to the skin help, and boy does it feel wonderful on your face in the morning. It wakes you right up!
Other uses of this great oil include morning sickness, cooling of the skin and as a water flavoring if you want an almost instant pick me up. Peppermint essential oil is also wonderful as a mild stimulant above and beyond the pick me up I mentioned a moment ago. Make a list of how you would like to use peppermint and see if they fit. Heck, make a list of ailments you might have and see if peppermint could potentially help you. It can be fun and eye-opening.
Scientific Research on Peppermint Essential Oil
There’s some research with regards to peppermint and its properties. Just as with many essential oils, the research is minimal but it’s there. Some studies say that this particular oil can be used to combat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as well as very basic information that it may also help with indigestion. Peppermint is generally regarded as safe for use in small doses in most people by scientific research and GRAS by the Federal Drug Administration of the United States.
There are some cautions with the use of peppermint oil. While you can take it without much risk, it is not well suited to infants. It’s also not recommended in large doses if you are pregnant or nursing.
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A Final Note
Peppermint essential oil, like many essential oils, has not just a wide variety of uses but is also a wonderful compliment to your current health and wellness regimen. I recommend it for a variety of different reasons, not the least of which is my personal experience with it. It is uplifting and fun. This oil can be the life of the oil party when used correctly.
Some of my favorite ways to use this oil include diffusing it, inhaling it for a swift pick-me-up at the 3 PM slump, and also as a breath freshener. It is simple yet powerful. In fact, some say that just one drop of this oil is equivalent to 27 cups of peppermint tea that you brew in a cup. Can you imagine that?!
Always tell your healthcare provider if you are going to incorporate peppermint oil, or any other essential oil into your life. It is important to know if there will be any adverse reactions to current medications you may be on. That said I would encourage you to look at the uses of peppermint oil not only mentioned here but in a wide variety of books on essential oils.
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