62 Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil

The properties of peppermint essential oil include:

• Analgesic
• Antibacterial
• Anticarcinogenic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Antiviral
• Invigorating

Many factors affect the quality and purity of peppermint oil, including the variety of plants, the region it's grown in, growing practices (organic and sustainable or conventional), the harvesting (when and how), and the extraction methods used. Anywhere along the line, from planting and harvesting to bottling the oil, it can become contaminated with chemicals, by-products or miscellaneous foreign substances.
This is why it's important to know the methods and testing done by the essential oil company: to ensure that the following peppermint oil uses are effective, not just nice smelling or tasting.

doTERRA third-party tests not just some batches, but EACH AND EVERY batch for purity. Couple that with their strict guidelines for growing, harvesting and extraction and we've found their oil of peppermint, and every one of their other oils, to be surprisingly more potent and effective than any other brand (even those certified organic).

And doTERRA's peppermint essential oil has be shown to be far more potent than any others:  
Just one drop of peppermint from doTERRA is equivalent to over 25 bags of herbal tea! 

Peppermint Oil guide:

Alertness
Use oil of peppermint to wake up your senses first thing in the morning, or during the mid-day slump by using it aromatically or topically.

Antioxidant
Great for immunity, you can use it aromatically, topically or probably best yet, find empty capsules, add one drop of peppermint and create your own peppermint oil capsules. Or add a drop to a large glass of water.

Asthma
May help open the airways when used aromatically or by rubbing a single drop onto the chest.

Autism
Some parents have found it helps autistic kids balance strong emotions and increase positive feelings when used topically. Dilute one drop in 1-2 TB of coconut oil and dab a little on the chest. Avoid getting anywhere near the eyes.

Bacterial Infections
May help fight off infections when applied over the infection. Be sure you know your own skin sensitivity before apply to already sensitive skin.

Bell's Palsy
Peppermint has been shown to be supportive and regenerative of the nervous system when used topically and aromatically.

Brain Injury
Because of the links oil of peppermint has shown to the nervous system, it's also thought to be helpful with brain injuries when diffused or used topically.

Chronic Fatigue
Peppermint is uplifting and invigorating and will aid in increasing energy levels and alertness. Diffuse through the room or apply to the skin.

Cold Sores
Because of the antiviral properties (described above), oil of peppermint can be dabbed directly onto a cold sore. Only a small amount is needed!

Common Polyps
Use topically (which will allow the oil to be absorbed into the blood stream faster) or take internally, such as in self-made peppermint oil capsules.

Congestion
It's incredible at clearing the sinuses and breaking up phlegm. Inhaling from the bottle, diffusing through the room, using topically or even gargling in warm salty water for sinus drainage causing congestion in the throat.

Constipation
Dilute 1 drop of peppermint in a small dollop of carrier oil and massage the abdomen in a slow, clockwise motion.

Cooling to the body
Rub a small drop or dilute it in oil, or even a small spritz bottle to cool the body down during hot weather. Avoid close proximity with the eyes though!

Cramps
Massage the oil into the muscle with or without a carrier oil, depending on your own skin sensitivity.

Crohn's Disease
Oil of peppermint is incredible for all things digestive, including serious diseases. Take this oil internally, such as adding a drop to your water throughout the day, or massage into the abdomen for faster absorption to your blood stream.

Diarrhea
More peppermint oil uses for the digestive system include taking it internally or applying it topically to the abdomen in a counterclockwise direction to soothe the digestive system and help fight any infection with its anti-everything properties.

Dysmenorrhea (Pain during menstruation)
Gently massage oil of peppermint over areas of pain.

Endurance
Because peppermint oil uses for invigoration, using it aromatically may also increase endurance, alertness and increased body (and thus body) function.

Fainting
Peppermint may help revive anyone who has fainted with its strong (even eye-watering) aroma. Just hold the bottle under your nose and you'll see why.

Fever
Because of its antiviral, antibacterial and more properties, using this oil aromatically and internally is beneficial. The cooling affect it has may also help keep the fever from climbing too high.

Flu
Antiviral and antibacterial, its good for the immune system and can be used any way you'd like.

Gamma Radiation Exposure
No joke. Research published in 2004 by the Journal of Radiation Research found that it was possible to reverse the declines of critical antioxidants and enzymes in the liver and reduced oxidation in the tissues with peppermint oil. Uses include topically and internally. (And I have the strong urge to reference Hulk here but I'll refrain.)

Gastritis
Peppermint oil uses are best known for their soothing the digestive tracts and can be used topically and internally for gastritis.

Halitosis
The best way to use peppermint here is by adding a drop to your toothbrush or digesting a drop in a glass of water.

Headaches
Peppermint oil seems to increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels. use just a tiny dab over the source of the pain, being careful to avoid the eyes, or use aromatically through the room with a diffuser.

Heartburn
Although oil of peppermint can be taken internally, it's generally suggested to use it topically for heartburn by rubbing it into the chest.

Heatstroke
Rub topically on the back of the neck as soon as heatstroke may be a concern.

Hernia (Hiatal)
According to Modern Essentials, you can also use this oil topically over the site of any hernia.

Herpes Simplex
Apply topically (diluting according to your own sensitivity) to any outbreaks for the antiviral effects.

Hives
Can decrease itching when applied topically to the site. I recommend diluting 1 drop of oil in 1-2 tsp of coconut oil to soothe the skin.

Hot Flashes
Peppermint oil uses include a wonderful cooling affect. Use topically or adding to a spritz bottle, avoiding contact with eyes.

Huntington's Disease
Peppermint oil is supportive and may be regenerative to the nervous system. Diffuse aromatically or use topically and frequently.

Hypothyroidism
According to Modern Essentials, you can use peppermint topically or aromatically to support a healthy thyroid function.

Indigestion
Soothe the digestive system by taking oil of peppermint internally, massaging into reflex points and over abdomen in a clockwise direction or diffusing in the air.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
It's suggested to add 1 drop of oil to each glass of water you drink throughout the day. You may also massage it into reflex points or over the stomach.

Itching
Peppermint oil uses include soothing itching skin. I'd recommend diluting it in a small amount of coconut oil and gently massaging it into the affected areas.

Jet Lag
Rub into the soles of your feet for invigoration and grounding.

Lactation (Decreasing Milk Supply)
Massage a small diluted amount into the breast 1-2 times a day.

Memory
Oil of peppermint is mental stimulating. Use while you're studying or working on stressful projects to increase mental processes.

Migraines
Massaging a small amount over the areas of pain can increase blood flow and relieve pain with its analgesic properties. You can also diffuse it through the room if the aroma is too strong otherwise.

Motion Sickness
Add a drop to car seats or on a small cloth to rest on the dashboard for driving. Add a drop to shirt collars or hankies for boats, planes, etc.

MRSA
This staph infection is known to not respond to antibiotics, but applied topically peppermint oil's antibacterial properties can help fight infection.

Multiple Sclerosis
This central nervous system disease can benefit from the regenerative properties of peppermint when applied topically and inhaled aromatically.

Muscle Aches
Massage oil of peppermint into aching muscles for a cooling, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving affect.

Myelin Sheath
Peppermint oil uses include aromatic benefits, but massaging the oil into the area of concern can promote proper function, and maybe even healing.

Nausea
Use in the same manner described above for motion sickness.

Osteoporosis
Massage into the areas of concern for relief of pain and inflammation.

Paralysis
Gently massage topically and or use aromatically to support and heal the nervous system.

Rhinitis
Decrease inflammation, clear the sinuses, open airways and and soothe irritation by inhaling oil of peppermint or massaging a very small amount around the sinuses, careful to avoid the eyes.

Scabies
Relieve itching and promote healing by gently massaging diluted peppermint oil into the affected area.

Sciatica
Massage the oil over the hips, starting from the center of the sacrum and moving outward.

Sense of Smell (Loss)
Peppermint is incredibly invigorating to the senses. Inhale directly from the bottle, or diffuse through the room.

Shock
Wakes up the senses and invigorates the mind. Diffuse or inhale directly or massage into the chest, shoulders and neck.

Sinusitis
Inhale directly, or massage a very small amount over the sinuses.

Surgical Wounds
Dilute with water and spritz over wounds as they heal to prevent infection an soothe any itching.

Swollen Eyes
Dilute and apply very carefully to the tissues around the eye, but avoid direct contact within the eye.

Tennis Elbow
Massage oil of peppermint into the tendons around the elbow to decrease inflammation and relieve pain.

Throat Infection
You can diffuse, but the most potent peppermint oil uses include massaging a drop into the throat and chest, gargling with warm salt water and adding a drop to each glass of water throughout the day.

Ticks
Drop 1 drop on the tick and wait a few minutes. The tick will eithr back out or fall off easily. Use lavender essential oil on the tick bite to fight infection.

Typhoid
Diffuse aromatically, use in homemade cleaning solutions, massage it into feet and consume in water or peppermint oil capsules to fight infection.

Ulcer (Gastric)
This has been my husband's favorite of peppermint oil uses. He religiously adds a drop to all his water and has found great relief. It can also be massaged into the stomach to be quickly absorbed into the blood stream.

Varicose Veins
Very gently massage peppermint oil with lemon, lemongrass and cypress starting from the lower legs up (always toward the heart) 1-2 times a day.

Vomiting
Take oil of peppermint internally with water or honey, or diffuse or inhale until it can be taken internally.

Other possible peppermint oil uses include: soothing colic, freshening breath, easing gas, and all manner of digestive problems, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, menstrual irregularity, depression, anger, physical or mental fatigue, food poisoning, hysteria, liver problems, nervous system conditions, elevating senses, toothaches, tuberculosis, poison ivy/oak and cooking.

Edible peppermint oil uses include: Candy making; baking; homemade toothpaste or mouthwash; a natural water, juice or tea flavoring. I've been wanting to try a homemade lemon or limeade with a drop of oil of peppermint. It sounds so refreshing for hot summer months!