Cool & Calm: The Top 10 Uses for Peppermint Oil
By Shannon O'Brien from Abundance Naturally
We all know the crisp, clean scent and cool, soothing taste of peppermint – there is a reason peppermint gum is so popular – but have you ever considered how many other ways you can use peppermint, and by this we mean peppermint oil. We’re highlighting the top 10 uses for peppermint oil to help you discover just how versatile – not to mention handy – this essential oil is. After this, you may just look at that pack of gum with a whole new level of appreciation!
The Top 10 Uses for Peppermint Oil
- Reduce nausea. We figured we’d start with the most well-known use. The next time you’re feeling sick to your stomach, add a few drops to a diffuser and relax.
- Clear your sinuses. If your sinuses are clogged, try steam inhalation to clear them. Boil a pot of water, then transfer it to a bowl, adding a few drops of peppermint oil. Immediately close your eyes, lower your face over the water, and drape a towel over your head. Inhale deeply for several minutes to reduce inflammation and open up airways.
- Relieve sore muscles. For a cooling, pain-fighting bath, mix 16 ounces of Epsom salt and 15 drops of peppermint oil into warm bath. Soak until the water begins to cool.
- Soothe skin irritations. Peppermint oil can be used to cool and soothe skin affected by burns, rashes, or dryness. Add 15 drops of peppermint oil to 1 ounce of your preferred carrier oil and massage into skin.
- Relieve a toothache. To ease toothache pain, apply 1 -2 drops of peppermint oil to a cotton swab, then apply it directly to the aching tooth to relieve soreness while disinfecting the area.
- Soothing foot soak. To relax sore and tired feet, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a foot bath or pan of warm water and soak feet for at least 10 minutes.
- Room refresher. To freshen up a room, add peppermint oil to a small decorative object and hang anywhere you want to freshen the air.
- Carpet deodorizer. Mix 20 drops each of peppermint and tea tree oil with 2 cups of baking soda. Sprinkle onto carpets, let sit for 15 minutes or more, then vacuum.
- Spider repellant. Spiders hate peppermint so simply place a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place it wherever spiders tend to get into your home.
- Homemade natural cleaner. Fill a 16 oz spray bottle almost to the top with water and add a teaspoon of both peppermint and tea tree oil. Shake well before each use. This is great for general cleaning all around the house.
Next to lavender oil, when it comes to the uses for peppermint oil, it may be the most versatile essential oil out there!
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