Ten Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil

By Caryn Gehlmann

Peppermint essential oil is definitely a favorite here at essential 3, but no one is a bigger fan than Denise Bresg, our Operations Manager and Private Label Liaison. I interviewed her recently on a few of her favorite ways to use Peppermint oil. Between the two of us, we came up with ten uses for Peppermint oil. I’m betting there are a few ideas we share on how to use this versatile oil that you never have thought of before…

Before we get started, why is Peppermint such a superstar among essential oils? For one thing, unlike Lavender, which has lovers and a few haters, almost everyone likes the fresh, uplifting aroma of Peppermint. (If you don’t, that’s okay too, listen to your nose! Spearmint is a mellower option if Peppermint packs too big of a punch for you.)

But beyond the pleasant aroma, there are many physical, emotional, and mental health benefits of peppermint essential oil. Some of the most extensive research studies on peppermint oil have focused on IBS and other GI conditions, with positive results. There are even more studies on how peppermint helps with headache pain, itchy skin, and more.

Let’s get started with our interview with Denise, our e3 Peppermint essential oil expert!

Tell us a little about your background. 

I worked in the Manufacturing industry at Darex Corporation for 16 years, working in assembly, shipping and sales. That’s where I met you, Caryn!  I remember you always said, “Someday I’m going to start my own business, and you can come and work for me.” So in 2016, I began working here at Essential 3. This was the beginning of my fascination with aromatherapy and how smell affects the body. I studied at Aromahead Institute and went on to become a certified clinical aromatherapist.

I know you’re a big fan of peppermint, can you share with us a few ways you like to use it? 

Yes, my very favorite essential oil! I use it in many different ways, here are a few favorites:

#1 Peppermint Essential Oil Foot Soak

• • ½ cup Epsom Salts
• • 5-15 drops Peppermint  (Add oil drops according to personal preference)

Fill a basin with cool water. Mix the Peppermint into the Epsom Salts and then swirl it in the water. Soak for 15-20 minutes while you watch your favorite TV show or read the latest on our blog post. It’s refreshing and cooling! Your “barking dogs” will thank you.

#2 Peppermint Aromatherapy Inhaler

I use an aromatherapy inhaler, which is basically a small personal diffuser. I keep it in my purse ready to go with Peppermint essential oil, so I have the smell with me always. I can’t get enough of peppermint. I find it gives me a gentle lift if I’m tired or feeling a little overwhelmed. 

#3 Peppermint Essential Oil Roll-on

I also like to make a diluted roll-on with Peppermint essential oil that I can rub on my wrists, chest, and the back of her neck. Since Peppermint can be sensitizing it’s important to use in a 1-5% dilution. (It’s also an essential oil you want to  avoid during pregnancy and nursing and with children under 3 years of age.)

#4 Peppermint Upset Tummy Blend

• 2 drops Peppermint
• 2 drops Cardamom
• 2 drops Ginger
• 2 drops Clove Bud
• 5 drops Mandarin Red
• 3 drops Black Pepper

Combine with 1 ounce lotion or carrier oil

I love this blend when I’m experiencing indigestion and heartburn. Mix and shake oils well with the lotion or carrier oil, and massage a dime-sized amount into your abdomen for relief. Be sure to follow the flow of the colon. 

#5 Peppermint Oil Ant & Mice Deterrent

I sprinkle it straight from the bottle around the outside of my house. It helps to keep ants and mice away without using any toxic chemicals.  

Thanks, Denise! You have inspired me to think of all the ways I like to use Peppermint too. Let’s keep the list going…

#6 Peppermint Oil Cooling Spritzer

Mix 20-30 drops of Peppermint essential oil with 1 ounce of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting it into the eyes. Keep your spritzer in the fridge to create a wonderfully soothing and cooling spritzer on hot summer days.

#7 Peppermint Rub for Headaches

• 10 drops Peppermint
• 10 drops Carrier Oil or Lotion

Mix the ingredients and massage into your forehead, behind your ears, and/or at the hairline of the back of the neck. A 50/50 ratio works for immediate, acute relief. However, this is something you only do on occasion, not on a regular basis which can cause sensitizing. Make sure to read safety guidelines and avoid peppermint during pregnancy and nursing, and don’t use with children under 3 years of age.

# 8 Peppermint Essential Oil Bug Bite Soother

Combine 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil with 1 teaspoon of aloe vera or carrier oil and spot treat the area using a Q-tip to apply.

# 9 Flea and Insect Repelling Dog Shampoo with Peppermint

• 4 drops Clary Sage
• 2 drops Citronella
• 8 drops Peppermint
• 4 drops Lemon

Add these oils to 8 oz of all-natural shampoo base and your dog will smell amazing to you but not so much to fleas and insects.

# 10 Peppermint Sinus Soothing Blend

• 10 drops Peppermint
• 12 drops Lemon
• 10 drops Lavender Spike
• 8 drops Eucalyptus Smithii

Put a few drops in a diffuser or in an aromatherapy inhaler and use it whenever you need to clear your sinuses. You can also put a few drops on a tissue.

It was fun exploring these ten ways to use Peppermint essential oil with Denise. Do you have additional ways you like to use Peppermint? We’d love your feedback, and if you’d like to learn how to confidently mix your own blends, make sure you have, and use our free workbook, The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils.