Peppermint Essential Oil

October 11, 2009

Written by Traci

Peppermint Essential Oil

Do your feet and ankles swell, ache or feel like they’ve taken too much abuse? My feet experience these feelings often and Peppermint essential oil has been the best remedy I’ve found.

Peppermint (latin name Mentha x piperita) is an amazing plant with many therapeutic properties that help heal physically and emotionally. First, I’ll talk about my favorite use of peppermint with Himalayan pink salts in a foot bath. Peppermint increases circulation and reduces swelling with it’s anti-inflammatory effects. It is also a great analgesic which means simply that it provides pain relief for your tired and achy feet. Peppermint is also cooling which feels amazing on ragged worn out feet.

Let’s talk about upset tummies and stomach aches. Peppermint is excellent for nausea or stomach cramping and helps alleviate those uncomfortable digestive feelings quickly. Add one drop to a squirt of lotion and rub on your belly.

Colds, Congestion & the Flu. With the winter season upon us and all the talk about getting flu shots it is the perfect time to bring out the peppermint. As a decongestant (breaks up the mucous), expectorant (helps to get all that mucous out), and immune support, Peppermint will help you get thru the cold & flu season. The pain relieving qualities of peppermint are essential here as well providing relief from headaches and tension commonly associated with colds and the flu.

Cleaning with Peppermint essential oil is a safe alternative to all the chemical products on the market with an added benefit of supporting your immune system. Peppermint is an antiseptic fighting germs and infections. It is also antimicrobial killing and inhibiting the growth of viruses and bacteria. A fresh, bright, uplifting and clean scent. Check out the recipe at the end of this blog. It’s very simple and you don’t need many supplies.

Safety Considerations

• There are some essential oils that have safety concerns that you should be aware of. Peppermint is one of those oils. Please read the following safety issues before using Peppermint essential oil.
• Do not use Peppermint with children under the age of 5.
• Use caution if you have sensitive skin and do a patch test to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
• Peppermint is not recommended in a full bath, best to use it in a foot bath. It can cause skin irritation and be irritating to the eyes.
• Use in small amounts. A little goes a long way. One drop in a foot bath is plenty.
• As with all essential oils, never put them on cats and use extreme caution when using them with other animals. Cats have a unique and sensitive metabolism. Reports have shown cats livers can not process and dispose of them properly building up toxicity.
• People with high blood pressure should use caution when using Peppermint. 5 to 6 drops per 1 ounce of oil or salt is the maximum amount advised and never apply it neat or undiluted.

Make sure there is enough ventilation (open a window) when using essential oils.

• All Purpose Cleaning Spray
• 16oz Water
• 1 T. Vinegar
• 1 t. Corn Starch
• 15 drops Peppermint
• 20 drops Lemon
• 20 drops Lavender

Put all ingredients in a PET plastic spray bottle. Shake before each use.

A Note on Choosing Essential Oils:

There are many essential oils on the market that have been cut with cheaper chemicals to make them more cost effective. I encourage you to buy from a reputable supplier and do a little homework. Essential oils that are GC/MS tested are preferable as they provide proof that there are no adulterants.

You can find Peppermint Foot Soaks and peppermint essential oil in my online store.

I am not a doctor and do not suppose to be one. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness. It is for educational purposes only and my pleasure to share my experiences and research with you.
Have you ever used Peppermint essential oil? What essential oils do you like? What aromatherapy products do you use at home? What are your favorite plants?