Peppermint is a hybrid species of spearmint and water mint (Mentha aquatica). It’s no secret that its essential oil is one of the most popular and potent oils in the world.

Peppermint essential oil is versatile and can be used internally, topically, and aromatically in the treatment of a wide range of health concerns, including, digestive problems, extreme fatigue, muscles aches, allergy symptoms, and to improve both hair and skin health.

Studies have shown that peppermint contains significant antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It also acts as a potent antioxidant, possesses anti-tumor activity, has pain-killing effects, displays anti-allergenic potential, soothes the gastrointestinal tract, and even freshens your breath.

Health Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil

Let’s take a deeper look at the top health benefits of this minty goodness.

Aids Digestion

When taken in capsule form, peppermint essential oil can naturally treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), relax intestinal muscles, reduce spasms in the colon, and alleviate bloating.

You can cure indigestion by incorporating the oil into your food or drink. Peppermint essential oil also contains carminative properties, making it effective for treating a stomach upset.

Reduces Nausea

Peppermint essential oil is a good cure for nausea. The diluted form of the oil can be applied on the forehead or inhaled to deal with the effects of nausea and give a soothing feeling. Due to its anti-inflammatory abilities, the oil can also reduce the pain of a migraine when applied topically.

Supports Oral Health

Peppermint oil eliminates bacteria and fungus that can result in cavities or infection. To freshen your breath and prevent toothaches, simply add a drop of peppermint oil to your conventional toothpaste or under the tongue before drinking water. This is one of the best ways to boost oral health and fight off harmful germs in the mouth.

Alleviates Headaches and Migraines

The oil improves circulation, soothes the gut, and relaxes the muscles. It can also help relieve headaches and migraines. Simply sprinkle a few drops of the oil on a handkerchief or dab it on your wrist and inhale to get rid of headaches and migraines.

Acts as a Natural Relaxant and Painkiller

Peppermint essential oil is a natural painkiller and muscle-relaxant. It also has a soothing and energizing effect and can improve memory when inhaled. It can also be used to boost physical performance in workouts or sports.

After a long day, you can use peppermint oil as a remedy for pain and stress. Simply apply some drops of peppermint oil on your body before taking a bath. The oil has an energizing and cooling effect on the body.

Contains Antifungal and Antiviral Properties

When applied topically, the antifungal properties of this essential oil can prevent fungal nail infections. As an anti-viral agent, peppermint oil can also treat serious ailments like cancer and tuberculosis and even lower the risk of infections and outbreaks.

Good for the Skin

Unhealthy skin is the nightmare of most women; it is enough to spoil their mood! This is because skin problems like acne and eczema can be stubborn and hard to treat, even with standard skin products.

However, incorporating a few drops of peppermint essential oil into your daily beauty routine is one of the best ways to achieve healthy skin. The menthol in the oil has a cooling effect and keeps the skin radiant as well.

Peppermint essential oil can help treat those annoying zits on your face. Unlike conventional treatments for acne, the oil might be slow in showing its effects, but it is very safe and is effective for clearing certain skin conditions. It does this by controlling the secretion of excess oil, unclogging pores, and preventing breakouts.

The essential oil can refresh your skin when used in combination with other sharp ingredients like sugar to make a facial scrub. This minty genius also acts as a toner and can give you a clear and blemish-free skin.

Improves Hair Health

It does not matter if you have a dry or oily scalp, peppermint oil can work for anyone! Owing to its astringent properties, the oil helps to stabilize the secretion of sebum and soothes the scalp. Interestingly, regular application of this oil would not make your scalp and hair feel greasy.

Peppermint oil also has a PH balance formula that is beneficial for any kind of hair and scalp problems. It contains moisturizing properties that help in the treatment of dandruff and dry scalp. It also prevents itching.

This oil has amazing moisturizing properties, so you can mix it with other carrier oils like olive, lavender, jasmine, or almond oil. You can apply the mixture on your hair and wait for at least 30 minutes before washing it off.

With its stimulating properties, peppermint oil can easily go through the scalp surface and boost the hair follicles. It promotes blood circulation, thereby encouraging hair growth. It makes the hair roots stronger by giving them the needed nourishment.

Improves Blood Circulation

Once the vapor reaches the nerve, peppermint essential oil has a stimulating effect that improves the circulation of blood. It enhances the pulse rate and provides oxygen to all the organs of the body. This helps to boost metabolism and lower the risk of diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The oil is also very beneficial for preventing complications in glucose level imbalances in diabetics.

Clears the Respiratory Tract

Peppermint oil is made of menthol, which can unclog the respiratory tract and cure nasal congestion. It is an expectorant that provides immediate relief from cold, cough, bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis.

Indeed, inhaling the diffused oil can help clear your sinuses, relieve a itchy throat, open your airways, clear mucus, and reduce congestion. Peppermint essential oil is actually one of the best oils for colds, cough, the flu, asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, and many other respiratory problems. The compounds present in peppermint oil possess antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties, making the oil helpful for combating infections that result in symptoms that affect the respiratory tract.

Cures Urinary Tract Infections

Peppermint essential oil can treat urinary tract infections, as it reduces the frequency and severity of UTIs.

Repels Insects

Unlike human beings, bugs and insects like mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas, ants, and spiders find the smell of peppermint oil unpleasant and deadly. To get rid of insects or even mice, simply mix peppermint oil with witch hazel or any other essential oil. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray when necessary. You can also apply a few drops of peppermint oil to the skin or your clothes.

Side Effects of Peppermint Essential Oil

Generally, the use of peppermint essential oil in small quantities is considered to be safe. However, there are people who suffer allergic reactions after using the oil. These reactions may include mild skin irritations like itching or soreness. It is advisable to carry out a patch test to find out if your skin is sensitive to the essential oil before using it.

These allergic reactions are largely due to the presence of menthol in the oil. Making use of large quantities can cause skin damage.

Since pure peppermint oil is very concentrated, it is better to mix it with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.