Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint has a bright, clean, fresh, minty smell which is very penetrating. This is a very powerful oil and when using it on your skin - must be diluted. It will leave a burning/tingling sensation when used in concentration.

In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is one of the oils described as 'cephalic' - which means that it stimulates the mind and aids clear thinking and improved concentration. Physically it helps clear congestion.

Peppermint is:
  • analgesic
  • antiseptic
  • anti-spasmodic
  • astringent
  • carminative
  • expectorant
  • nervine
  • stomachic
  • vasoconstrictor
  • digestive
  • decongestant
  • anti-inflammatory
  • anti-infectious
  • anti-fungal
 Traditionally used for:
  • headache
  • migraine
  • painful menstruation
  • fever
  • asthma
  • colds
  • sinusitis
  • chronic bronchitis
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • palpitations
  • neuralgia
  • muscle spasms
  • ringworm
  • toothache
  • bad breath
  • laryngitis
  • arthritis
  • hypotension
  • lethargy
  • hysteria
  • mental fatigue
  • depression
  • nervous stress
  • shock

This oil blends very well with rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, grapefruit, cypress, chamomile, spearmint, black pepper, geranium and basil.

For Migraines:
  • 3 drops Peppermint
  • 8 drops Lavender

Mix these essential oils in 15ml carrier oil. Gently rub a couple of drops into the temple area - carefully avoiding the eyes.

You can also make a compress using a washcloth dipped in a bowl of ice water to which a few drops of peppermint oil have been added. Squeeze out the water then lay the cloth across the forehead. Renew the compress often.

 For a stuffy nose:
  • 5 drops Peppermint

Drop the oil onto steaming hot water in a small bowl. Cover the head and shoulders with a towel and hold the face over the steaming vapours. Be careful to hold the face at least 12 inches/30cm away from the water.

Relax and breathe these vapours deeply for about 3 minutes.

Peppermint is generally considered safe after the first trimester of pregnancy.

For a refreshing and reviving morning bath - add 3 drops peppermint oil to the water. It's a great stimulant to get the day going and is invaluable when traveling to a new time zone and getting into the new day.

And since we're traveling - if your feet are tired after a day of walking around viewing everything - try a footbath. Hot or cold water can be used (whichever you need/prefer). Just add 3 drops of peppermint to the water, then sit back, relax and enjoy.

Those legs are tired and aching from all the extra activity. Massage this blend into the aching legs :

  • 15 drops Rosemary
  • 10 drops Lavender to 4 tablespoons of carrier oil.

If the muscles are aching from too much work, this is another lovely blend to try.

  • 5 drops Juniper
  • 4 drops Rosemary
  • 4 drops Lavender
  • 1 drop Lemon to 3 tablespoons of carrier oil.

Unfortunately an upset stomach can often be a part of our travels. This blend - applied over the stomach area - will ease vomiting and nausea:

  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 4 drops Peppermint
  • 3 drops Chamomile to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.

Make your own "Pick me up" shower gel by adding this to a dollop of the unscented gel:

  • 1 drop Rosemary
  • 2 drops Petitgrain
  • 1 drop Grapefruit

If you're a nursing mom - these 2 blends may be of interest to you. Both are applied 3 times daily to the breasts, carefully avoiding the nipples, and making sure it is after a feed. Be sure to wash the breasts before the next feed.

To increase milk supply:
  • 3 drops Fennel
  • 2 drops Lemongrass
  • 1 drop Clary Sage in 4 teaspoons of carrier oil
 To decrease milk supply:
  • 2 drops Cypress
  • 3 drops peppermint
  • 2 drops Sage in 4 teaspoons of carrier oil