Top 10 Essential Oils: #4 Peppermint

Peppermint leaves

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) is also one of my top five favorite oils, without question! For centuries, peppermint has been used to soothe digestive difficulties, freshen breath and relieve colic, gas, headaches, heartburn and indigestion. It is from the Labiate (mint) family and is steam distilled from leaves.

Peppermint properties include:
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Anti-carcinogenic
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Invigorating

I have used it to diffuse during the day as well as by my bed to help ease fatigue and congestion. One of my favorite methods to get rid of congestion is by putting 1-2 drops in the palms of my hands, rubbing them together and then making a funnel with one hand and inhaling deeply and slowly until the smell is gone (ie the oil has evaporated). See the picture for details on this method. I have also used it recently quite often when having allergy troubles – I put a drop on my tongue and hold it to the roof of my mouth for about 20-30 seconds. That, in combination with layering lavender on the bridge of my nose and sinuses, seems to really help me.

Other common ailments include: Alertness, Antioxidant, Asthma, Autism, Bacterial Infections, Bell’s Palsy, Brain Injury, Chronic Fatigue, Cold Sores, Colon Polyps, Congestion, Constipation, Cooling (Body), Cramps/Charley Horses, Crohn’s Disease, Diarrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Endurance, Fainting, Fever, Flu (Influenza), Gamma Radiation Exposure, Gastritis, Halitosis, Headaches, Heartburn, Heatstroke, Hernia (Hiatal), Herpes Simplex, Hives, Hot Flashes, Huntington’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, Indigestion, Irritable Bowl Syndrome, Itching, Jet Lag, Lactation (DECREASE milk production), Memory, Migraines, Motion Sickness, MRSA, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscle Aches, Muscle Fatigue, Myelin Sheath, Nausea, Olfactory Loss (Sense of Smell), Osteoporosis, Paralysis, Rhinitis, Scabies, Sciatica, Shock, Sinusitis, Surgical Wounds, Swollen Eyes, Tennis Elbow, Throat Infection, Typhoid, Ulcer (Gastric), Varicose Veins, Vomiting…wow: that’s a LOT!

Common ways to use Peppermint EO:
•Topically: Apply 1 drop of Peppermint Essential Oil to the base of your neck 2 times daily. Also, dilute it in olive oil (or another carrier oil) and apply it around your nostrils. *NOTE: Do not apply this oil in full strength around nostrils as it will sting the sensitive tissues of the nostrils.
•Diffuse: Diffuse Peppermint Essential Oil by your bed and throughout the day. Follow directions of diffuser being used.
•Inhalation: Apply 1-2 drops in palm of your hand, rub your hands together and cup them over your nose. Inhale deeply 4-6 breaths. Also, you can place 2-3 drops on cotton ball, secure it in a zip lock bag and take it with you. Inhale 4-6 breaths as needed.
•Internally: Place 1-2 drops under the tongue or in a beverage. Take in capsules.