Long cultivated for its medicinal applications, peppermint essential oil is known for a host of aromatherapy, mood elevating, and healing oil. Among common healing oils, versatile and effective peppermint essential oil stands out as a refreshing and invigorating experience that can provide fast and natural relief.

Headache Relief

Peppermint is a popular healing oil that can be applied topically to naturally and medicinally treat a number of ailments. The energizing fragrance of peppermint is a common mood elevation and focus aid, but when diluted in a suitable carrier oil it can also be applied topically to treat the symptoms of tension and stress headaches—even dreaded migraines.

Dilution of essential oils is an important part of safe and effective use. ‘Neat’ or undiluted oils should never be used directly on skin—especially broken skin. Directly out-of-the-bottle peppermint oil may have significant healing properties, but it will also irritate skin if applied neat. Essential oils aren’t water soluble either, so consequently they must be diluted with a carrier oil to be used safely and comfortably.

Scalp Health

Peppermint oil isn’t just a headache remedy; it can also relieve the symptoms of dandruff and promote hair growth. Add 20 drops of pure oil to every 8 drops of unscented natural shampoo for an organic dandruff shampoo that really works.

Pain Relief

One of the properties of pure peppermint oil that makes it such an effective healing oil is that it has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also soothing and produces a cooling effect on skin. This makes peppermint a great way to cool down sensitive sunburns and soothe hot and damaged skin. A soothing warm (not hot) bath with a dose of peppermint essential oil in the water will aid in relief of burned skin and will additionally sooth tired muscles.

To take advantage of the ache and pain soothing effects that peppermint offers a salve can be made by adding pure essential oil to a suitable carrier oil. Olive oil, coconut oil, or peanut oil are all medium weight oils that are easy to find and make great carrier oils, but for a more sheer experience consider lightweight sweet almond oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil.

If you’re suffering from something a little more severe than your run of the mill daily sprains and strains, consider trying a peppermint infused cold compress. To make a healing essential oil cold compress with peppermint oil, add 2 drops of pure oil to a pint of cold water. To ensure that the water is as cold as possible, add several ice cubes and allow them to do their work. Soak a thick cloth in the chilled water, then apply it to the affected area. The icy cold combined with the soothing cooling sensation the peppermint provides will work alongside peppermint’s analgesic properties to provide lasting relief for swelling or sharp strains and sprains.

Oral Health

Used internally, peppermint’s antibacterial and healing properties make it an excellent additive to mouthwashes, toothpastes, and mouth rinses. It protects teeth and gums while leaving breath smelling fresh.