20 Benefits of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint - vibrant yet cooling, revitalizing while calming. Along with lavender oil, peppermint oil may be the most versatile oil in the field of beauty. There are very few body health, and mind issues that this oil cannot help heal. We've identified the top 20 skin care benefits of peppermint oil, and curated a list of easy DIY recipes for you to try at home.
Peppermint is considered a hybrid mint because it’s a cross between spearmint and watermint; Think Labrador retriever and poodle = labradoodle. Originally developed in the Middle East and parts of Europe, peppermint has become one of the most common widespread plants all over the world.
It has an aroma that is very distinct, with almost medicinal like qualities. The herb has purplish green leaves that can be eaten directly from the plant and you’ll immediately be able to identify what it is. It’s been used for centuries in for medicinal purposes, natural healing and culinary arts. Peppermint is making a mark in the beauty and cosmetic industry for its impressive ability to be effective in many aspects regarding hair, skin and health.
What's in Peppermint?
- Peppermint contains a whole host of vitamins and minerals: Vitamins A and C, potassium, manganese, copper, magnesium, omega 3-fatty acids and iron.
- Because it also contains menthol, anesthetic properties formed from organic compound, it can be used to soothe aches and pains.
- The added benefits of its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial characteristics make peppermint one of the most capable essential oils on the market.
Benefits of Peppermint Oil
1. Brighten your complexion
The menthol in peppermint helps to cool the skin and also brighten dull skin.
Simply add a few drops to a favorite product in your skin care regimen and watch the difference take place.
2. Exfoliator
In combination with other ingredients, peppermint can be used as an exfoliating face scrub that will leave your skin feeling cool, fresh and bright.
3. Control breakouts
Even the smallest of blemishes can leave us feeling self-conscious. Use peppermint oil to camouflage the redness and swelling before applying your makeup. Peppermint can help to control excess oil, so introduce it to your skin care regimen if you have acne prone skin and you may be surprised at the difference it makes.
4. Hydrates your scalp
Do you have a dry, itchy scalp? The moisturizing properties of peppermint oil can really make a difference in your scalp hydration. It’s also cooling, so it can be used to soothe the irritable itch.
5. Stimulate hair growth
The peppermint oil can penetrate beneath your scalp directly to the hair follicles to be stimulated. The increase in blood circulation helps to boost your hair’s natural growth and strengthens your hair from the roots.
6. Relieve headaches
Have you ever heard of rubbing a few drops of peppermint oil on your temples to naturally relieve headaches? It actually works! You can also just inhale peppermint to help drive that headache away.
7. Stress and pain reducer
After a long day, a few drops of peppermint oil in a hot bath or rubbing some peppermint oil mixed with carrier oil on your body can help to relieve the stress you’re carrying around with you. Apply a few drops to your fingertips and gently massage the back of your neck or around your collar bone and feel the stress melt away.
8. Breathe better
Again, the powerful ingredient, menthol, can be used to get relief from a nagging cough or cold, asthma, bronchitis or sinusitis. Rub cold peppermint oil on your chest to assist with nasal congestion.
9. Reduce infections
As an anti-viral agent, oil from the peppermint plant can be used in treating tuberculosis and cancer. It also helps to reduce the chance of additional infections.
10. Nail fungus
Yes, even nail fungus. Apply peppermint oil to fingernail fungus and it will work to destroy the fungus.
11. Keep your mouth fresh
If you’re looking for a way to boost your breath from bad to good, add a few drops of the peppermint oil to your regular toothpaste. It helps to fight bacteria, promote oral health and prevent toothaches through it antiesthetic properties.
12. Eliminate urinary tract infection
If you haven’t ever had a UTI, count yourself lucky. They are awful, extremely painful and super annoying. Using peppermint oil can reduce symptoms of UTIs while also helping to prevent future ones.
13. Nausea remedy
If you’re someone who gets motion sick very easily, peppermint is a go-to when you start to feel the uneasiness settling in your gut. By applying diluted peppermint oil on your forehead or the back of your hand to inhale, the effects of nausea will subside.
14. Blood circulation
The stimulating effects of peppermint can increase blood circulation upon contact with the nerve. Your pulse rate increases and brings added oxygen all over your body. It’s used to prevent conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s, boost metabolism, and control glucose levels in patients with diabetes.
15. Keep bugs away
Peppermint is a repellent for most insects, so keep it stocked in your medicine cabinet for those summer nights. (see recipe for insect repellent below)
16. Soothe sunburn
Make a sunburn spray to use after a day in the sun to help soothe over exposed skin. (see recipe for sunburn spray below)
17. Silky, shiny hair
Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your shampoo and it will soften your hair while also making it more shiny and silky.
18. Minimize pores
If you feel like your pores are larger than you’d like them to be, give peppermint oil a try. The astringent properties help to reduce oiliness and tighten your skin making your pores smaller!
19. Moisturize lips
Make your own lip balm at home using peppermint oil and you’ll find the cooling effects of peppermint very soothing and moisturizing for dry, chapped lips. (see recipe for peppermint lip balm below)
20. Rosacea treatment
If your skin feels red and overheated from rosacea, using a peppermint mist can help to soothe your skin and reduce redness naturally. (see recipe for rosacea face mist below).
Watch this video from Dr. Josh Axe to recap on the many uses and benefits of peppermint oil:
DIY Peppermint Oil Recipes
As you can see, the benefits of using peppermint oil are extensive. Now it’s your turn to find out exactly how peppermint works for you. We’ve collected some tried and true recipes using peppermint that will help to soothe, moisturize, relieve, promote, clear and brighten your skin. Implement some of these recipes into your beauty/skincare regimen and enjoy the effects.
Clarifying Peppermint Face Wash
- 8 oz. distilled water
- ½ Tbsp. unscented glycerin soap
- 5 drops lemon oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- Glass container with pump
- Shred glycerin soap depending on amount of face wash you plan to make.
- Bring water to a boil on the stove and remove from heat.
- Add glycerin until well dissolved.
- Let contents cool.
- Add essential oils and fold in to soap mixture.
- Store in glass container with pump.
Peppermint Exfoliating Face Scrub
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 tsp. table salt
- 4 drops of peppermint essential oil
- Mix the ingredients together in a small, plastic bowl.
- Gently scrub your face in a circular motion until well distributed. (Be sure to avoid the area around your eyes. Peppermint will burn if you get it in your eyes.)
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Follow with your favorite daily moisturizer.
Peppermint Face Serum
- 2 oz. carrier oil
- 20 drops peppermint essential oil
- Glass dropper bottle
- Combine ingredients in small, glass dropper bottle.
- Roll between your palms to distribute ingredients evenly.
- After washing your face, apply a drop of serum to your forehead, each check and chin.
- Gently massage in circular motions until absorbed.
- Store bottle in cool, dark place for preservation.
Peppermint Sugar Body Scrub
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- ½ mild oil (coconut, olive or grapeseed oil)
- 8-10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- Stir ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Scoop ingredients into glass jar for airtight storage.
- Use scrub by scooping a small amount into the palm of your hand and apply to the skin.
- Scrub gently in a circular motion.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Follow up with your favorite body oil or moisturizer.
Peppermint Facial Toner
- ½ distilled water
- 1 tsp. witch hazel
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- Pour ingredients together in small spray bottle.
- Apply cap and shake well.
- After thoroughly washing your face and patting it dry, mist on toner by spraying 6 inches away from your face with eyes closed.
- Follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
Peppermint Acne Gel
- ¼ cup aloe vera gel
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
- After mixing, combine ingredients in a small, airtight jar.
- To use, apply with cotton swab to effected areas to soothe and help heal breakout.
Peppermint Clay Mask
This is an excellent oil absorbing face mask for those with oily skin.
- 2 Tbsp. grated cucumber
- 2 Tbsp. green clay
- 5 ml. diluted peppermint oil
- Combine cucumber and oil together and whisk until well mixed.
- Add green clay to oil mixture and mix well.
- Apply paste to your face avoiding the area around your eyes.
- Allow the mask to dry completely before removing with warm water.
- Process can be repeated up to 2 times per week.
Peppermint Facial Steam
- Add a few drops of peppermint oil to dish of boiling water.
- Place towel over head to maximize steam.
- Steam infused with peppermint oil will unclog your pores and soothe skin.
Scalp Hydration
- 2 Tbsp. carrier oil like almond or olive oil
- 6 drops peppermint essential oil
- Mix oils together and apply to your hair.
- Cover hair in shower cap and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Follow with regular washing/conditioning routine.
Oily Hair Treatment
- Mix 7-10 drops of peppermint essential oil to your shampoo bottle (per 8 oz. bottle).
- Use shampoo as per usual.
Peppermint Hair Growth
- 3 oz. liquid coconut oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- Combine ingredients in small, glass dropper bottle.
- Apply cap and roll between your palms to mix ingredients.
- Massage several drops of oil mixture on your scalp for 2-3 minutes.
- Follow with regular washing/conditioning routine 1-2 hours after oil application.
Soothing Sunburn Spray
Also used to soothe skin irritations like rosacea.
- 1 oz. aloe Vera gel
- 1 oz. distilled water
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- Pour ingredients together in small spray bottle.
- Apply cap and shake well.
- Spray mist on sunburned area several times a day for faster healing and relief.
Peppermint Insect Repellent
- 12 oz. witch hazel
- 15 drops citronella essential oil
- 15 drops lemon grass oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- Combine witch hazel and assorted oils in a glass spray bottle.
- Seal and shake well.
- Spray repellent when exposed to mosquitos or other insects.
Peppermint Lip Balm
- 2 ½ Tbsp. shea butter
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1 ½ tsp. rose water
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- Small blender
- Lip balm container
- Add all the ingredients to the small blender.
- Blend to until ingredients form a cream like formula
- Transfer cream formula to lip balm container.
- Set container in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for added soothing effect.
Peppermint Toothpaste
- 3 parts baking soda
- 1 part coconut oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- Combine ingredients in small, airtight container.
- Dip your toothbrush in the paste and brush your teeth.
- *It will not be foamy like other toothpastes, but it’s a great natural alternative to clean, healthy teeth.
Carrier Oils
Not sure which carrier oil to use? Here are some hints:
Oily Skin: Jojoba oil, argan oil or grapeseed oil
Acne Prone Skin: Sesame oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil or evening primrose oil
Sensitive Skin: Sunflower oil, jojoba oil, rose hip seed oil, avocado oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil.
Dry Skin: Sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil or avocado oil.
Aging Skin: Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, tanamu oil or apricot kernel oil.
Normal: Apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil.
Because of the versatile nature of peppermint essential oil, it is easy to find. Fragrance oils or oils with synthetic ingredients are not recommended. For more recipes using essential oils, check out these anti-aging recipes or these recipes for dark circles, or check out our naturally formulated skin care products:
Try it out!
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