We all know the unmistakable scent of peppermint. While you might associate this herb’s aroma and taste with the holiday season, it’s been used year round for millennia for its many medicinal and cosmetic benefits. With its comforting fragrance and variety of uses, I find myself adding peppermint essential oil to my products quite often. Here are six reasons why I can’t get enough of this oil:
6 Reasons Why I Love Peppermint Essential Oil
- It Helps Relieve Muscle Aches: Peppermint essential oil is a natural way to ease away pain (including headaches) and help tense muscles relax. Studies have even shown that herbal preparations that include peppermint oil are associated with pain relief in patients with fibromyalgia.
- It’s Great for the Scalp and Hair: Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with your daily dose of shampoo or conditioner for an in-depth hair treatment. Its scent will help energize you (more on that later) as well as improve your scalp health. Its antiseptic properties can reduce scalp problems like dandruff and lice, and when used regularly this oil can even help your hair grow thicker and much more healthy.
- It’s Energizing: Peppermint oil is nature’s energy drink. Just take a few whiffs and you’ll feel yourself perking right up. I love keeping a little peppermint oil on hand when I know I have a late night ahead. It keeps me alert and focused without bombarding me with sugar, caffeine, or other stimulants.
- It Reduces Itchiness: If you ever get into a patch of poison ivy, peppermint oil can make all the difference. Combine it with lavender oil to create a cooling, soothing, and aromatic anti-itch treatment.
- It Keeps Bugs Away: You can use peppermint oil as a natural way to keep ticks, ants, spiders, mosquitoes, lice, and other nasties away. Use it as part of a natural flea and tick treatment to keep your pets insect free (and smelling great). *The ASPCA recommends checking with a veterinarian before using peppermint oil on on around cats.
- It’s Easy on the Stomach: If peppermint is known for one thing, it’s known for its ability to calm the stomach. If you suffer from nausea, a few drops of peppermint essential oil can help to ease your discomfort. Rub a drop or two behind your ears or add some to a diffuser for gentle, natural relief. Peppermint tea is equally good for the stomach, and makes a great remedy for bloating and indigestion.
Peppermint Essential Oil Contraindications
Peppermint essential oil is generally well tolerated and is safe for all ages. Because there isn’t a large body of research on the impact of taking larger dosages, it’s recommended that pregnant and nursing women moderate their intake. If you have an allergy to peppermint, do not use this essential oil. Skin irritation is uncommon but possible. If you notice irritation after using a product that contains peppermint essential oil, stop using it immediately.
These Benefits are Just the Beginning
There’s so much to love about this fragrant and easily accessible essential oil. What do you use peppermint for? Let me know in the comments below!