The peppermint plant has been used for centuries for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Peppermint contains menthol, which is a natural cooling agent. Menthol is known for its ability to cleanse and freshen, making peppermint a popular ingredient in many products.
I absolutely love this refreshing oil and we go through a lot of it in our house! Check out 10 of my favorite ways to use this versatile oil:
1. Relief for Head and Neck Tension
Just a drop or two of peppermint rubbed on the temples and down the back of the neck can work wonders to relieve tension and pain. The cooling sensation of the menthol goes to work quickly, helping to take the edge off of the pain and provide soothing relief!
2. Freshen Breath
Just 1 drop of peppermint on the tongue can create a super fresh mouth! One drop of peppermint is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea, so you don’t need much! It makes the perfect breath freshener to store in your purse.
3. Tummy Tamer
Peppermint has long been used for its soothing benefits on the digestive system. When you have indigestion or an upset stomach, a drop of peppermint oil on your tongue or in a glass of chilled water can help calm a queasy stomach. It’s also great for pregnant mamas suffering with nausea during their pregnancy!
4. Add Flavor to Recipes
Peppermint oil makes the perfect addition to recipes to add delicious and refreshing flavor. Try adding a drop to your iced-tea for a cooling summertime beverage or add a drop to your hot cocoa or coffee for a peppermint mocha. One of my favorite ways to use it is in my Paleo Peppermint Fudge – it’s sooo good!
5. Stimulate Your Scalp
Peppermint oil is a wonderful addition to shampoo and hair rinses, because the menthol helps to increase blood flow to the scalp, which is super important for healthy hair growth. Try adding a drop or two to your shampoo for a wonderfully tingly sensation! Or try it in my Healthy Hair Rinse – using this hair rinse once or twice a weak helps to remove build-up, gently exfoliate the scalp, and balance the pH levels on your scalp (all very important for healthy hair growth).
6. Soothe Tired Feet
Been on your feet all day? Are they sore and achy? Rubbing a drop or two of peppermint oil on the soles of your feet will quickly help to provide soothing relief. It will also help your feet to smell fresh, which is an added bonus!
7. Repel Insects
Peppermint oil’s strong menthol content makes it perfect for repelling insects (particularly spiders), which don’t like the strong scent. Try placing several drops on a cotton ball and placing in corners of your house wherever you’ve seen insects. You’ll love how refreshing your house will smell, but bugs will hate it! This is a much safer option than toxic chemical bug repellants!
8. Energize Your Day
Peppermint oil is very uplifting and stimulating, which makes it a great oil to use when you’re feeling tired and lethargic. I love to combine it with wild orange oil – the citrus and mint combo never fail to get me motivated! Try diffusing 3 drops of each, or add 5 drops of each to a 5 ml rollerball and top with fractionated coconut oil. Rub on bottoms of your feet and pulse points to stimulate your senses and boost your energy!
9. Soothe Your Skin
With summer right around the corner, you’ll want to have peppermint oil in your natural medicine cabinet to help soothe overexposed skin. The menthol naturally helps to cool the warm sensation that comes from skin that has been in the sun too long, and it also helps with the redness. Try this nourishing recipe the next time you’ve gotten too much sun!
10. Open Your Airways
Peppermint oil is great for using when your nose is stuffy and you feel congested. Try rubbing a drop or two directly on your feet or rub a drop between your palms, and then cup your hands around your nose while inhaling deeply (make sure to avoid the eye area).
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