Peppermint Oil is very intense and is far more concentrated than most other steam distilled essential oils. This is something to be aware of if you don’t like strong oils.
The aroma of Peppermint Essential Oil is minty fresh, familiar and pleasant to most.
Peppermint Oil is very intense and is far more concentrated than most other steam distilled essential oils. This is something to be aware of if you don’t like strong oils.
At low dilutions, it is fresh, minty and quite uplifting. It’s popular because it can be of help in many ways.
Like Basil, Peppermint (Mentha piperita) comes from the Lamiaceae botanical family. The leaves, flowers/ buds are steamed distilled to produce the essential oil.
Peppermint Essential Oil smells intensely minty. Its aroma is reminiscent of peppermint candies, but it is more concentrated and is more intense in fragrance than Spearmint Essential Oil.
Chemical Constituents of Peppermint Oil:
Menthol, Menthone, Menthyl Acetate, Neomenthol,1,8-Cineole,Menthofuran
Peppermint Essential Oil Uses:
- Asthma
- Colic
- Exhaustion
- Flu
- Digestion
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Nausea
- Scabies
- Sinusitis
- Vertigo
Menthol induces a cooling sensation, and the use of Peppermint Oil (at a low dilution) in a body mist or even in the diffuser can help to cool you down.
Menthol is also known to help ease bloating in the stomach, tension headaches, migraines and muscular aches and pains.
Therapeutically peppermint oil is also used in improving mental function, and reducing stress.
Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Version) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014)
Peppermint Essential Oil Safety Information
Though it is a very useful oil, it must be used in low dilution as it may cause more harm than good if used in high potency.
It is a low risk as a mucous membrane irritant.
They recommend a maximum of 4% strength be used for skin and state that it should be avoided in cardiac cases (irregular heartbeat).
Do not apply near the face of infants/children.
This essential oil poses a higher risk of causing skin irritation and sensitivity when used in the bath. Avoid using it in the bath, even if it is solubilized/diluted
Source: Tisserand and Young
In summary, Peppermint oil is a fantastic panacea for headaches, tummy aches and bloating, nausea and migraines in particular. It is also instantly invigorating if you are feeling blah. Just make sure you use it judiciously – in low dilutions – or ask a professional to blend some for you.
Safety Information in the use of essential oils:
- The oils are best when formulated by a professional as they could have some side effects. Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy/ Ayurveda practitioner.
- If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy/ Ayurveda practitioner.
- Use extreme caution when using oils with children.
- Consult a qualified aromatherapy/ Ayurveda practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, or if you have medical issues or are taking medications.
