Last Updated on June 4, 2022 by Renee’
Essential Oils are highly concentrated healing compounds. Peppermint Oil may be the most versatile essential
oil in the world along with Lavender Oil.
Peppermint Oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body which is why it is called “The Cooling Oil”.
Peppermint Oil uses & benefits have been documented as early as 1,000 BC and have been found in Egyptian pyramids.
On A Personal Note
My daughter woke up recently crying hysterically with her neck & shoulder in excruciating pain. I immediately realized she had slept on 2 pillows. I concluded that she was having muscle spasms, similar to having a cramp in your calf.
I found out that she had skipped her supplements for the past few nights that included magnesium. She has a Magnesium Deficiency as most of us do.
So I ran downstairs and got her Magnesium Supplements, Magnesium Oil & Peppermint Essential Oil. I gave her 
the magnesium supplements first because she couldn’t move. I told her to just try to relax & let the magnesium do its thing. After about 30-40 min. I rolled her over & massaged her neck & shoulder with peppermint oil for the pain. I let it absorb for a few minutes then rubbed the magnesium oil in. After about 30 min she was able to get out of bed. She could not have this before. She was still in a lot of pain but was able to move a little. I continued to do this every few hours until bedtime.
I wasn’t sure if the Peppermint Oil would work on the neck & shoulder pain but from everything I had read I was hopeful. I have used it for headaches & sinus & has worked great. So I put it to the test & was pleasantly surprised. My daughter is a believer now, for sure!
Ways to use Essential Oils
Here are 3 ways to use Essential Oils.
1- Aromatically – Inhaling or Diffusing with a Diffuser – Essential Oils have the ability to pass through your cells, into your cells & kill viruses.
2- Topically – Apply 1-4 drops to the painful area. To cover a large area, dilute with a carrier oil & apply. Rub it on the bottoms of the feet to get into the system more quickly (the soles of the feet are very porous). Also on the neck is a very common area. Essential Oils are transdermal. You can put them on your skin & get many internal therapeutic benefits. You can also apply a warm or cold compress to the affected area after applying Essential Oils.
3- Internally -Only certain oils & in a specific form. Be cautious when using internally.
*Make Sure you are using 100% Therapeutic/Medicinal Grade – A self-established claim or certification used to describe specific standards held in practices of farming & processing. There a lot’s of brands out there. Do your research & make sure you are getting the best quality oils.
Benefits & Uses of Peppermint Oil
1. ADHD & Focus
Diffuse or Inhale- Tip* spray on child’s shirt or put a drop on the tongue or under nose before studying or taking tests.
2. Muscle Pain Relief & Relaxer
Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil massage affected area.
3. Joint Therapy
Mix Peppermint Oil with Lavender Oil & apply it to joints.
4. Headaches
Dilute & rub a few drops on temples, forehead, back of neck &/or vita flex points for the brain.
5. Natural Bug Repellent
Mix with White Vinegar or Water (1 drop to 1 oz ratio) & spray around baseboards anywhere you want to prevent bugs, ants, roaches, mosquitos, lice, ticks, spiders, mice etc… If you use vinegar, make sure not to spray on plants. Vinegar kills plants. (natural weed killer).
6. Itch Relief
Mix with Lavender Oil to soothe & cool any itch.
7. Skin Health
Mix a few drops in body lotion or coconut oil & apply to skin/lips for a calming effect. Mix with Lavender Oil to help improve eczema & psoriasis.
8. Acne Treatment
Peppermint Oil is antimicrobial which makes it excellent for treating acne naturally. Apply directly to area or dilute if sensitive.
9. Sunburn Relief
Mix Peppermint Oil & Lavender Oil in Coconut Oil to soothe & hydrate the infected area.
10. Hair Growth/Thickener/Dandruff
Mix a few drops Peppermint Oil with Rosemary Oil into your favorite natural shampoo. Here is an article on Hair Regrowth using Peppermint Oil.
11. IBS treatment
Studies have shown that Peppermint Oil taken internally in capsule form has been proven to be effective at naturally treating IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
12. Bloating & Indigestion Relief
Rub a few drops on stomach & around navel area or put a drop in a glass of water & drink before each meal to prevent.
13. Reduces Nausea
Inhale &/or rub a few drops on the stomach area.
14. Cancer Treatment
Studies have shown that the compound menthol that is in Peppermint Oil inhibits prostate cancer growth. It also has been shown to protect against radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death.
15. Balances Hormones
Peppermint oil may have hormone balancing effects and be therapeutic for polycystic ovarian syndrome.
16. Colic Treatment 
Mix a few drops with coconut oil & apply it to the stomach & chest area.
17. Teething
Mix 1:1 ratio Coconut Oil & Peppermint Oil & rub on gums
18. Respiratory Benefits
Peppermint Oil acts as a decongestant & opens airways. Diffuse or mix with coconut oil, & eucalyptus oil & rub on the chest area. Helps with asthma & bronchitis.
19. Sinus & Allergy Relief
Diffuse &/or rub a couple of drops around the sinus cavity. (Be Careful not to get too close to the eyes)
20. Reduces Fever
Rub a few drops on the forehead, down the spine & on the bottom of feet
21. Breath Freshener
Mix with water & swish for 30 seconds or put under tongue followed by water.
22. Natural Energizer
Inhale &/or apply to wrists.
23. Reduces Cravings
Diffuse or Inhale to prevent cravings.
24. Food Flavoring
Add a drop to coffee or hot chocolate for a kick. Add to homemade chocolate chip ice cream to make mint chocolate chip ice cream.
25. Travel Sickness
Rub a drop on wrists to prevent nausea.
26. Natural Cleaner
Peppermint Oil is antibacterial & anti-fungal. Mix with lemon oil to wipe down surfaces.
*TIP: Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to children
What are Carrier Oils?
Because Essential Oils are so concentrated, you need to dilute most oils with a carrier oil. Dilution increases the surface area of absorption and with certain oils can prevent sensitivities.
Carrier Oils:
*For most people, it is recommended to do 10% dilution. That equals 5 drops of essential oil per 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil.
Precautions:
According to Dr. Josh Axe:
“The following medications carry a “moderate” potential for interaction with peppermint oil:
Neoral, Sandimmune, Elavil, Haldol, Zofran, Inderal, Theo-Dur, Calan, Isoptin, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Diazepam, Valium, Soma, Viracept, Cataflam, Voltaren, Ibuprofen/Motrin, Mobic, Feldene, Celebrex, Elavil, Warfarin/Coumadin, Glucotrol, Iosartan, Cozaar, Mevacor, Nizoral, Sporanox, Allegra, Halcion.
The following medications carry a “minor” potential for interaction with peppermint oil:
Over-the-counter and prescription antacids including Tums, Rolaids, Ripan, Bilagog, Amphojel, Tagamet, Zantac, Axid, Pepcid, Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium.
Natural supplement precautions:
Peppermint can reduce the absorption of iron when taken simultaneously. If taking iron supplements and peppermint oil, allow at least 3 hours between the two. Peppermint oil also increases the absorption of quercetin when taken at the same time; allow at least 3 hours between taking these together.”
How do you use Peppermint Oil? Let me know in the comments below!
*NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.
I have always heard sucking on a peppermint was good for upset stomachs and to help you concentrate. I never thought of just dabbing a little peppermint oil on the kids before a test. Thanks for the awesome idea!
You are welcome! Let me know how it works!