Top 5 Peppermint Oil Uses

It’s no surprise that peppermint is one of the most popular essential oils at Zenbelle, considering there are probably thousands of peppermint oil uses. Mentha x piperita, as it’s known by its scientific name, is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint that has been used since roughly the 1700s. As is common in the Mentha (mint) genus, it contains menthol, though it’s arguably one of the most mentholated of all.

GC/MS testing indicates pure peppermint oil is 40.7% menthol and 23.4% menthone, with small amounts of menthyl acetate, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), limonene, beta-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene as well. This is an important distinction because it’s these compounds that are associated with many of its benefits and a lot of what you’ll find on the market today is not pure. Companies often add fillers or impurities that decrease the amount of these natural compounds present or break them down, resulting in a less potent, and sometimes dangerous, mix. For that reason, the following peppermint oil uses only apply to 100% pure GC/MS tested peppermint oil, like Zenbelle offers.

Aromatherapy Peppermint Oil Uses

If you’re using a single-room ultrasonic diffuser, 3-4 drops of essential oil is enough for a pleasant aromatherapy experience. However, when you’re using something with a strong scent or a mentholated option like peppermint oil, it’s better to start off with a small amount, such as 1-2 drops, to see how your body responds before adding more.

1) Pain Reduction

Researchers have tested peppermint oil as a pain reducer repeatedly. In one instance, they found that it reduced pain while having an intravenous catheter placed. Other researchers compiled findings on multiple forms of pain and found aromatherapy helpful in general, but further noted peppermint was beneficial for those experiencing a specific type of pain post-stroke. It made our list of essential oils for headaches and migraines too.

2) Anxiety Reduction

Often used to relieve anxiety, peppermint aromatherapy has been shown to help in the most stressful situations. One study found it helpful during childbirth, another said it can help keep test takers calm, and the aforementioned study involving catheterization indicated it was beneficial for those patients too.

3) Nausea and Vomiting Relief

Peppermint aromatherapy is used in labor and delivery a lot to reduce pain and anxiety and many women swear by it during pregnancy to relieve nausea as well. Although the research surrounding this showed marginal benefit at best, research involving patients in hospice and palliative care indicated it can be helpful to settle stomachs.

4) Enhanced Focus

Interesting research has been done on how peppermint influences your brain. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic say “Peppermint candy will improve concentration, alertness, and stimulate the brain,” benefits which they attribute largely to the scent.

5) Cold and Sinus Relief

Remember those gooey, messy chest rubs containing menthol that your mom used to slather you with while you were sick? Although doctors acknowledge little research exists on whether they work or how, there is enough evidence that they can help improve cold symptoms and quality of sleep while you’re sick, and therefore still recommend this time-tested home remedy.

Bonus: Other Peppermint Oil Uses

Moving beyond aromatherapy, peppermint oil is often used in massages or personal hygiene products like lotions and shampoos for the invigorating scent and feeling. It also appears in oral health products and breath fresheners because of it’s refreshing scent and taste. Equally, research indicates it can be an effective antibacterial agent, which means it could potentially stop cavities in their tracks. To that end, it may be helpful cleaning around the house. Researchers at Cornell say it’s “effective at controlling mites, mosquito larvae, and various other pests,” too, further noting that “because of its history as a flavoring agent, peppermint and peppermint are considered safe when used properly.”

Get 100% Pure Peppermint Oil from Zenbelle

At Zenbelle, we believe quality is essential. Everything you find in our online shop is GC/MS tested for purity, so you’re always getting the potent compounds Mother Nature created with no fillers or additives. We have everything you need to get started with aromatherapy, from 100% pure peppermint oil through high-quality ultrasonic diffusers. Visit our online catalog to shop the full collection.