Peppermint Essential Oil
Cooling, Clarifying & Invigorating for Skin, Scalp, and Senses
Peppermint essential oil, Mentha piperata, steam distilled from the leaves of Mentha piperita, is one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies. Peppermint leaves have even been discovered in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1000 BC. Used throughout ancient Greece and Rome for digestive complaints, headaches, and general vitality, peppermint remains one of the most versatile essential oils.
Rich in naturally occurring menthol and rosmarinic acid, peppermint offers strong antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. These constituents also give the oil its instant cooling sensation and its ability to refresh skin, soothe irritation, and invigorate the senses.
Skin Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint acts as a natural astringent that helps tighten pores, balance oil production, and refresh oily or congested skin.
Peppermint oil is great for oily skin. Its antibacterial properties can help calm acne-prone skin, reduce redness, and discourage breakout-causing bacteria.
When used topically in a properly diluted massage oil, salve, or balm, peppermint stimulates blood flow to the skin, delivering both cooling and warming sensations. This thermal effect may help ease:
- muscle tension
- inflammation
- headaches
- minor aches and pains
Peppermint has also traditionally been used as a cooling chest rub to support easier breathing during seasonal congestion.
Peppermint for Hair & Scalp
Peppermint is a favorite in natural hair care for its refreshing, stimulating effect on the scalp. The cooling menthol content improves microcirculation, helping nourish the hair follicles and support healthy growth. It can also help:
- reduce dryness and itchiness
- calm irritation
- decrease dandruff
- refresh oily or congested scalps
The result is a cleaner, healthier-feeling scalp environment and hair that feels more vibrant and invigorated.
Aromatherapy Properties
Peppermint’s crisp, cooling, intensely fresh aroma enlivens the senses and awakens both mind and body. It is known to:
- increase mental alertness and focus
- improve concentration and memory
- awaken and refresh the senses
- boost energy and motivation
- ease mental fatigue, apathy, and irritability
- reduce feelings of stress and low mood
- help clear the head and open the breath
Menthol’s soothing effect on the airways can also promote easier breathing during seasonal congestion or allergies.
Some researchers believe that peppermint oil relaxes the gastric muscles, so it is commonly used for motion sickness and nausea. Inhaling the scent may help settle the stomach; some also find relief by applying a small amount (properly diluted) behind the ears.
Peppermint is a natural go-to for tension headaches. If you are prone to headaches, keep some on hand in your purse, briefcase, or at your desk. When diluted in a carrier oil, you can apply it to the temples, forehead, back of the neck, or over the sinuses. Its cooling action, combined with improved circulation, can help ease pressure and discomfort.
Pregnancy and Children: We do not provide information on the safety of essential oils during Pregnancy or for use in Children because the available information is very ambiguous and often contradictory. If you’re interested in using essential oils during pregnancy or with young children, please do your own research and consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional before use.
Precautions: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition, or have any medical concerns regarding yourself or your family, consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use. For external use only. Keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.
