The Mint of Life

I love my essential oils and, of the many, Peppermint Essential Oil is one of the most used. I use on a daily basis I put it in my water, hair, diffuser, lotions/creams, homemade ice cream, tea, deodorant… I carry this oil everywhere I go.

History… Peppermint is a part of the Labiate family, the Mentha Balsamea Wild plant which is native to Europe, in moist areas of North America, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Recorded use of peppermint has been dated to about 23AD by the Romans and Greeks in their wines, sauces, sprays, and by physicians. The Bible mentions mint being used by the Pharisees to pay taxes in Matthew 23:23 (must be pretty valuable to be using it to pay taxes). There is also some evidence of the Egyptians using M. Piperita in the pyramids.

Potential Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil… The organic constituents compounds of peppermint essential aid in the healthy aging process, believed to aid in preventing cancer, increase oxygenation, act as antioxidants, and can reduce minor irritation. Peppermint Essential Oil has an effect on the digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems; muscles and bones, and skin. Historically peppermint has been used to soothe digestive tract, freshen breath, relieve colic, gas, headaches, heartburn, and indigestion.

Today… Peppermint essential oil is mostly used today to reduce stomach aches, sooth upset stomachs and digestive issues, freshen bad breath, relieve headaches, improve focus, boosts energy, sooth aching muscles, reduce fevers, increase oxygenation in muscles, aids in reducing asthma symptoms, bronchitis, soothe sore throats and fight infections, decrease inflammation and help with arthritis, fight flu and soothe symptoms, relieve itchy skin, and it also has antimicrobial properties. These are just some of a long list of uses for peppermint essential oil.

Peppermint is a part of my pre, intra, and post workoutregimen. Because peppermint has been clinically proved to increases oxygenation to the muscles, I add a couple drops into my stainless-steel water bottle. According to the Ancient Secrets of Essential Oils documentary, peppermint can improve your mental alertness, grip strength, endurance, ability to jump, and much more (in some cases 7%), because it increases oxygenation to the tissues. Peppermint is also used as a natural pain-killer or muscle relaxant. As part of my post-workout regimen I use my peppermint infused cream/ lotion to place over my body after taking a shower. This helps decrease soreness in my muscles, and I can feel the difference especially if I haven’t worked out in a while.

Since peppermint increases oxygenation and circulation to the tissues.

Because it increases oxygenation it mental awareness/ concentration, can increase mental clarity/ focus, and give you a natural energy boost simply by breathing in a few whiffs or adding it to your coffee, water, or tea. Try adding this to your morning coffee, it may even start to replace it. I add a couple drops to my hot chocolate on the way to work and drink it in my water.

If you have a problem with headaches, peppermint can be used. Because some headaches are caused by increased tension and since peppermint increases oxygenation to tissues and relaxes muscles it could help with headaches. According to a study conducted by Göbel, the use of peppermint and eucalyptus oil showed “significant effects on mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of headaches” (Source: Effects of Peppermint). Try placing the oils on the forehead and/or temples to relieve pain, you maybe surprised to helps.

Peppermint essential oil is also believed to have the ability to open airways and decrease congestion. I have mixed peppermint with eucalyptus and coconut oil and have rubbed it over my chest to decrease my congestion. You can also use this recipe as a home-made vapor rub.

When it comes to having an upset stomach, peppermint is my go to. Adding a couple drops to my tea or rubbing a drop over my stomach; helps decrease my nausea to almost nothing or to a tolerable level. In 2012, Clayton State University conducted a study which tested the use of peppermint oil in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting from the side effects of general anesthesia; according to Dr. Axe. Peppermint is thought to also calm the stomach and promote digestion. Some also use it to help with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, bloating, and indigestion. Another study showed peppermint essential oil resembled effects of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists which aids in calming the smooth muscle of vascular system… meaning it could calm your stomach.

When it comes to helping the skin, peppermint oil can aid in hydrating irritated skin and decreasing inflammation. Mixing peppermint oil with coconut oil (carrier oil) can be a homemade remedy for sunburn relief and help support healthy skin rejuvenation. Mixing peppermint and lavender oils with coconut oil (carrier oil) can aid in improving eczema and psoriasis.

Making a bug repellent which keeps bugs away and is non-toxic to you, which works, can be find. However, you can make one at home. By combining 1/2 cup of witch hazel, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 40 drops of essential oils (eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella, tea tree, rosemary, or peppermint) in a glass spray bottle. Another recipe I like to use is: 30 drops geranium, 30 citronella, 20 eucalyptus, 20 drops lavender, 10 drops rosemary, 1/2 cup water or vinegar, 1/2 witch hazel in a spray bottle; I even use this one on my dogs to keep fleas and ticks away. 

Peppermint essential oil like lavender is well-known and used throughout the world. It is on my top 5 list of daily used oils. Adding one or two drops to your water, a couple drops in a bath, diffuser, or cream lessens the amount of toxins you are exposed to and allows your body to begin healing and start taking the steps toward wellness. Remember to make small batches of your homemade products. When you mix an essential oil with into a products it has a 

Start your wellness journey, increase your awareness, and begin to slowly decrease toxins around you. Information is only the first step.

– Jasmine Hutchinson BSN, RN, PHN

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If you’re looking for places to purchase natural, organic products or essential oils, check out my organic products page for links (.

Disclaimer… This blog is intended solely to serve as a resource to health information and to provide you with basic information about the symptoms, cautions, safety concerns, natural remedies, DIY recipes, and nutritional concerns related to all aspects of health. This blog does not provide a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of any health condition or concern or even those aspects that are discussed in this blog. This blog is not intended to be–and you should not use it as–a substitute for medical advice or health care given by a licensed health care provider. Be sure to see a licensed health care provider to help ensure your health and the health and well-being of your family.