How to Use Peppermint Oil

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There are few people who don’t like the smell of peppermint. This cross between spearmint and watermint is often called the “world’s oldest medicine.” [1] Peppermint oil is the product distilled from the leaves, stems, flowers, and bark of the plant. [2] Beyond its medicinal uses, peppermint oil can also provide relaxation. [3] You can use peppermint oil to aid your health and wellbeing and to relax your body and mind.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Peppermint Oil for Health Benefits

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  1. Applying 2-3 drops of peppermint oil on specific sections of your body may help reduce your fever. You can apply the oil directly or dilute it with a drop of almond or olive oil. Rub the peppermint oil on to one or several of the following areas:
    • Forehead and temples
    • Back of the neck
    • Back
    • Bottoms of feet
  2. Congestion can cause headaches and other discomfort. Breathing in steam with peppermint oil can help clear your sinuses of any congestion and relieve any discomfort or pain you have. Boil a pot of distilled water and remove it from the stove. Add a few drops of peppermint oil. Cover your head and the edges of the pot with a warm and moist towel. Inhale the steam deeply for a few minutes to help clear your sinuses. [4]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Use Peppermint Oil
    Much like your sinuses, your respiratory tract may get congested. Rubbing some peppermint oil on your chest can open up congested airways. [5] Use 2-3 drops of peppermint oil and rub it on your chest. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the peppermint oil with a drop of almond or olive oil. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Use Peppermint Oil
    Peppermint oil has long been used to ease the pain of tension headaches and, in some people, migraines. Breathing in or rubbing on peppermint oil may relieve your headaches within 15 minutes of application. [7] Apply 1-2 drops of peppermint oil to your temples, behind your jawbone, and/or across your forehead for relief. Dilute the peppermint oil with 1 drop of almond or olive oil if you have sensitive skin. [8]
  5. Taking a whiff of peppermint oil may quickly ease any nausea or vomiting you experience. [9] Open the bottle of peppermint oil and take a small sniff of 1-2 seconds. If you find that this helps relieve your nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness, consider boiling diffusing the scent through your home to maximize its effectiveness.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Use Peppermint Oil
    Peppermint oil can soothe skin irritations, burns, and dryness. Mix together 15 or fewer drops of peppermint oil with one ounce of carrier oil, such as almond or olive. Gently massage the mixture onto irritated skin.
    • Stop rubbing the peppermint oil mixture on to your skin if you feel any additional burning or irritation.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Use Peppermint Oil
    Peppermint oil is a great way to relax the body. If you are experiencing any joint pain, including from rheumatoid arthritis, massaging a bit of peppermint oil can quickly relieve your discomfort. Peppermint oil can also temporarily relieve pain or discomfort from overworked and strained muscles. Dilute 15 or fewer drops of peppermint oil with one ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond or coconut oil. Then rub this either directly onto painful joints or sore muscles for quick relief.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Relaxing with Peppermint Oil

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Use Peppermint Oil
    Massages can help relieve stress and relax you. Combining peppermint with your massage can relax you even more. [10] Mix 15 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil to minimize the risk of skin irritation. This can also moisturize your skin. Start by massaging your feet and work upward towards your head. Massage in a pattern such as circles or broad strokes that you find relaxing. Focus on your feet, legs, wrists or temples. [11]
    • Massage gently so that you don’t stimulate your circulation, which may make it more difficult to relax. [12]
  2. Let your body and mind relax as you soak in a bath infused with peppermint oil. This may also soothe other conditions such as sore muscles and joints or headaches. Fill the tub with water that is 37 and 39 degrees Celsius. [13] Mix 15 drops of peppermint oil with 1 ounce of carrier oil such as olive, coconut, or sweet almond. You can also use 15 drops of oil and 16 ounces of Epsom salts. Pour your oil mixture into the bath by holding it under the tap to distribute it evenly. Stay in the bath for 15-20 minutes. [14]
    • Dim the lights and use bath props such as pillows or a warm washcloth over your eyes to enhance your relaxation. Consider burning a peppermint oil candle to relieve tension.
  3. You might have sensitive skin and can’t apply peppermint oil. You can still enjoy the calming benefits of peppermint oil by spritzing your bed linens. This can relax you without irritating your skin. [15] Mix 30-40 drops of peppermint oil with 1.5 ounces of distilled water in a clean spray bottle. Add more peppermint oil if you want a stronger scent. Mist your sheets, comforter, duvet, or towels with the peppermint oil spray.
    • Avoid spraying too much because it might irritate your skin.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Use Peppermint Oil
    Spread the scent of peppermint oil with candles, humidifiers, and scent diffusers. These offer the same types of calming effects as baths, massages, or spritzes.
    • Purchase candles containing natural, pure peppermint oil and made of beeswax, soy or another vegetable-based wax. [16] Light candles for 30 minutes to help the scent circulate for a relaxing environment.
    • Use a scent diffuser to disperse your peppermint oil through the air. A humidifier or cold-air vaporizer can also diffuse the scent to relax you. [17]
    • Build your own diffuser by putting peppermint oil in a bowl of hot water. [18]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Peppermint Oil Safely

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  1. Peppermint oil may be too strong for you. Read the label of any peppermint oil you choose. This can alert you to contraindications and may prevent a bad reaction. Look for therapeutic grade peppermint oil with contraindications and other warnings. [19]
    • Reading the label of the essential oil closely. For example, you should see a warning about using peppermint oil if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Consider a different brand if you can’t find a label or the one you’ve chosen isn’t therapeutic grade.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use Peppermint Oil
    Peppermint essential oil is very strong and you should only sparingly use a “neat” or undiluted oil on your skin. Carrier oils decrease the strength of peppermint oil. They also moisturize your skin. Choose mild oils such as coconut, olive, avocado, and almond. Mix 7-15 drops of peppermint oil to each fluid once of carrier oil, depending on how strong you want the aroma. [20]
    • Avoid diluting your peppermint oil with water or other liquids.
  3. Since peppermint oil can be very strong, it’s important to ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin before you use it. Apply 1-2 drops on the inside of your elbow. Use the peppermint oil if you don’t notice any reactions after 24 hours. [21]
  4. Peppermint oil is generally safe for use. This is especially true if you do a patch test. However, you may still have a bad reaction to peppermint oil. If you notice any of the following signs of an allergic reaction, seek prompt medical attention: [22]
    • Redness or itching
    • Hives
    • Skin that is warm to the touch
    • Blisters
    • Scratchy throat
    • Swelling
    • Red eyes
    • Trouble breathing [23]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I use peppermint essential oil?
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Dr. Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant based in Delhi, India. She has over 14 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. Dr. Ritu also works as a business consultant in the life sciences domain. She has successfully executed 150+ small to large-scale custom consulting projects for both established and development-stage companies. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Expert Answer
    Peppermint oil is well-known as a cooling and refreshing essential oil. You can use the oil as a mood enhancer, and you can apply it topically for relief from muscle pain, headaches, itching, burning, and clogged sinuses.
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      Warnings

      • Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use peppermint oil if you have a medical condition.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Peppermint oil
      • Carrier oil
      • Scent diffuser
      • Candle
      • Spray bottle

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0401/p1027.html
      2. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/peppermint.html
      3. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html
      4. ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
      5. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html
      6. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/peppermint.html
      7. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0401/p1027.html
      8. ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
      9. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html
      1. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html
      2. ↑ https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/what-are-carrier-oils-definition-guide.php
      3. ↑ https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/essential-oils-sleep-insomnia.php
      4. ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/3318578/So-Mr-Prescott-how-hot-should-my-bath-be.html
      5. ↑ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-156070/The-good-bath-guide.html
      6. ↑ https://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/aromatherapy-bed-linen-spray-recipe-with-essential-oils.php
      7. ↑ https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/aromatherapy-candles-with-essential-oils.php
      8. ↑ https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-training/essential-oils-baby-sleep/
      9. ↑ https://naturaltransition.com/therapies-for-infants/aromatherpy-and-your-baby/
      10. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0401/p1027.html
      11. ↑ https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/diluting-essential-oils.php
      12. ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2015/07/27/debunking-dangerous-myths-about-essential-oils/
      13. ↑ https://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oils-and-the-detox-theory/
      14. ↑ https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To use peppermint oil, try rubbing 2 or 3 drops of it on your chest if you're feeling congested. Alternatively, if you have a headache, you can massage a couple drops of peppermint oil into your temple, jawline, or forehead. You can also sniff peppermint oil if you're feeling nauseous. Additionally, try mixing it with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and rubbing it into your skin to help with joint pain. To learn how to be safe when using peppermint oil, scroll down!

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