When it comes to an all-round essential oil for supporting the mind and body, crisp, refreshing Peppermint Oil is an aromatherapy must-have.
What makes Peppermint Oil so therapeutically perfect? In this article, we explore the many benefits, popular uses and considerations when looking to buy an authentic Peppermint Oil in Australia.
Table of Contents
What is Peppermint Essential Oil?
The Two Types of Peppermint Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita)
- Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Arvensis)
What is Peppermint Essential Oil Good For?
Popular Ways to Use Peppermint Essential Oil
- Peppermint essential oil as a topical application
- Peppermint essential oil via inhalation
- Peppermint oil in a diffuser
Can You Use Peppermint Essential Oil in Food?
Considerations When Using Peppermint Essential Oil for Health
What Is Peppermint Essential Oil?
Crisp and refreshing in smell and powerfully therapeutic for the mind and body, Peppermint Oil is one of the most popular essential oils on the planet.
With its refreshingly minty scent, Peppermint Oil provides a pleasant aroma in any space. Yet its magic goes way beyond its smell, with powerful properties said to help treat an abundance of illnesses, health conditions and bacteria.
Part of the mint family and rich in menthol, a natural decongestant, Peppermint Essential Oil fights hard against common colds and respiratory issues. It contains analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, all beneficial to overall health. It keeps insects and rodents at bay and provides resistance against bacteria in the home. Yet, perhaps the most powerful use of this invigorating oil is to kick-start tired minds and replace mental fatigue with razor-sharp focus.
Peppermint Oil is available in different variants, some derived from the Peppermint plant and others from its botanical cousin, Corn mint.
The Two Types of Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita)
Derived from the leaves of the Indian Peppermint plant, which are steam distilled to extract their natural oil, this Peppermint Oil type is considered the truest due to its origins. It is naturally lower in menthol than Mentha Arvensis, and has a lighter mint smell, refreshingly sweet like candy canes. Offering multiple benefits for physical and mental health, Mentha Piperita finds itself used in many home-made health and cleaning remedies.
Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Arvensis)
This oil is derived from steam distilling the leaves of the corn mint plant, a herb not too different from true Peppermint. As it’s naturally very high in menthol, it is often dementholised to reduce the potency, resulting in an oil akin to Peppermint and with similar benefits – an effective kick-start for tired minds and a treater of colds, inflammation and more. Mentha Arvensis has a crisp, minty herbaceous aroma that clears congestion and awakens the senses; great to diffuse or apply topically.
Mentha Arvensis and Mentha Piperita types of Peppermint Oil are also available in organic versions. Manufacturers use the same steam distillation process to produce the oil while adhering to strict farming and production rules, meeting the requirements of an organic product from seed through to bottled oil. Lastly, after being approved and certified throughout the production process, the oil is certified locally as ACO (Australian Certified Organic).
What Is Peppermint Essential Oil Good For?
There are thought to be numerous Peppermint essential oil benefits, from fighting common colds and coughs to keeping your home free from bacteria.
Here are the more notable ways people use Peppermint Oil as part of a healthy lifestyle:
Reduces mental fatigue and stress
The pace of modern life leaves many of us exhausted, making everyday tasks challenging. Peppermint is said to invigorate the mind, which is great for removing mental fatigue and increasing focus and concentration.
Relief from cold and flu symptoms
Colds can occur at any time of year, disrupting daily routines and nightly rest. Peppermint, with its rich menthol content, acts as a natural decongestant and is an excellent aid for overcoming cold and flu symptoms quickly and effectively while boosting the immune system.
Fights respiratory issues
As well as being a decongestant, the menthol in Peppermint loosens mucus from the lungs to ease chesty coughs. Its antispasmodic properties also support asthmatics, reducing symptoms like coughing and wheezing.
Reduces inflammation
Headaches and body pain happen to everyone for one reason or another. With analgesic properties, Peppermint Essential Oil helps to relieve inflammation, stimulate blood circulation to reduce muscle and joint pain, and alleviate headaches & migraines.
Acts as a natural insect repellent
If you want a natural repellent against creepy crawlies, look no further than Peppermint Oil. Menthol in Peppermint repels spiders, wasps, bees, and mosquitos – even rodents - and is, therefore, a good friend to have, particularly to people living in Australia!
Works effectively as a household cleaner
For fans of natural cleaning remedies, Peppermint Oil is a perfect solution. The antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties of Peppermint Oil make it an effective disinfectant for household floors and surfaces. Its fresh and minty aroma also works well as a natural deodoriser.
May help settle nausea
Peppermint Essential Oil contains antispasmodic properties which are known to relax the gastric muscles. As such, it is said that inhaling Peppermint Oil can help to prevent nausea.
Can improve skin conditions
Not so widely known is how Peppermint Essential Oil can improve irritated skin. In particular, people suffering from acne have reported how Peppermint Oil's antiseptic, antibiotic and analgesic properties have improved their condition.
Popular Ways to Use Peppermint Essential Oil
We recommend using Peppermint essential oil topically or in a diffuser.
Here are some popular ways to enjoy the various benefits of Pure Peppermint Essential Oil.
Peppermint Essential Oil as a topical application
To enjoy the cooling effect of Peppermint Oil on the skin, dilute it into a Carrier Oil and apply it to the skin using one of the following methods:
More popular ways to enjoy Peppermint Oil include:
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- As a bath soak
Help relieve headaches, inflammation and muscle pain by diluting a few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil in a warm bath. - As a natural cleanser
To enjoy Peppermint Oil’s antiseptic and antibacterial benefits, dilute a few drops in your favourite Carrier Oil or moisturiser and apply it to the skin. - As a homemade vapour rub
Mix Peppermint Oil with Coconut and Eucalyptus Oil to help relieve congestion and blocked sinuses.
- As a bath soak
Peppermint Oil via inhalation
To help relieve congestion or cold and flu symptoms, add a few drops of Peppermint Oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for soothing relief and decongestion.
Peppermint Oil in a diffuser
For those wanting to experience the uplifting benefits of Peppermint Oil via inhalation, add a few drops to your aromatherapy diffuser and allow its refreshing aroma to fill the space.
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Add water to the diffuser basin
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Add 3-10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (depending on the volume of your diffusers reservoir)
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Start your diffuser and immediately enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Peppermint Oil
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Topical Dilution Guidelines
AWO recommends the following for healthy adults:
- General Use: 1 – 3% dilution (2 – 6 drops per 10ml Carrier)
- Facial Application: 1% dilution (2 drops per 10ml Carrier)
Can You Use Peppermint Essential Oil in Food?
Peppermint tea is among the most popular herbal drinks consumed globally and is said to improve digestion and concentration. As a flavouring, Peppermint finds its way into many foods, including ice cream, confectionery items and chewing gum.
With this in mind, it’s easy to appreciate why consumers think pure Peppermint Essential Oil is a safe additive to food and home cooking - but this is far from accurate.
As with any Essential Oil, ingestion is never a given and should only be considered under the strict guidance of a health professional. What's more, this is only the case with certain oils; most products in stores or online are not approved for ingestion and, therefore, should not be consumed under any circumstances.
Our advice is to use Peppermint Essential Oil for therapeutic purposes only, via a diffuser or topically, and never ingested.
Considerations When Using Peppermint Essential Oil for Health
- Peppermint Oil is a complex compound. We recommend you follow our dilution guidelines when using Peppermint Oils to avoid adverse reactions.
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When using Peppermint Oil on the skin, we recommend trying a small patch test before applying your oil freely.
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Never consume Peppermint Essential Oil orally.
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The menthol content in Peppermint Oil can cause it to crystalise in cooler temperatures. If this happens, place your bottle in a cup of warm water and allow the heat to return your oil to its liquid state.
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Always look for Peppermint Oil with the Latin (botanical) name on the label – Mentha piperita or Mentha arvensis - and ‘Peppermint 100% Pure Essential Oil’ for authenticity, stored in a dark glass bottle. Once purchased, store it in a cool, dry place away from children and animals.
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Buy your Peppermint Essential Oil in Australia from a trusted supplier like AWO.