Peppermint essential oil, Mentha piperita*, is steam distilled from the plants leaves.

Peppermint belongs to
the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) botanical family.
*Be sure you check the label for the botanical name. If it does not say Mentha piperita then it is not Peppermint.
Some vendors sell Cornmint (Mentha arvensis) under the name Peppermint. Cornmint is a less expensive oil
and does not have the same profile as Peppermint. So check those labels!

Main chemical families: Monoterpenols (40%), Ketones (30%)

Dilution Guidelines
Essential oils are concentrated substances and must be diluted before using. The general rule of thumb for
diluting essential oils is 2% dilution for adults (2 drops essential oil per 1 tsp carrier) and 1% dilution for children
(1 drop essential oil per 1 tsp carrier). For more information read: Properly Diluting Essential Oils.
Peppermint essential oil has a maximum topical dilution of 5.4% due to menthofuran and pulegone content and
their potential for hepatoxicity. Source: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand.

Therapeutic Properties of Peppermint Essential Oil

Therapeutic Property

Definition

Health Concern

Body System

analgesic

relieves pain

headache

nervous

sore throat

digestive

toothache

skeletal

ache

muscular

IBS

digestive

anti-inflammatory

relieves inflammation

antibacterial

inhibits bacterial growth

bacteria

skin

antiemetic

relieves nausea, vomiting

nausea

digestive

vomiting

digestive

antihalitosis

freshens breath

bad breath

digestive

antifungal

inhibits fungal growth

fungus

skin

antimicrobial

inhibits microbial growth

bacteria, fungus, virus

skin

antioxidant

inhibits oxidation

free radical damage

skin

antipruritic

relives itching

itching

skin

antispasmodic

relieves cramp, spasm

cramp

muscular

spasm

muscular

antiviral

combats viruses

virus

lymphatic

astringent

constricts skin

wrinkles

skin

carminative

relieves digestive bloating

intragastric pressure
(bloating)

digestive

cephalic

relating to the head

mental fatigue

nervous

choleretic

stimulates bile production

low bile production

digestive

circulatory stimulant

stimulates circulation

poor circulation

cardiovascular

decongestant

relieves congestion

congestion

respiratory

emmenagogue

stimulates menstruation

low menstrual flow

reproductive

expectorant

promotes drainage of
respiratory congestion

cough

respiratory

febrifuge

reduces fever

fever

lymphatic

immunostimulant

stimulates immune system

low immune system

function

lymphatic

lipophilic

skin penetration enhancer

nervine

nerve tonic

cooling

stomachic

stimulates digestion

skin
nerves

nervous

stress

endocrine

dyspepsia (indigestion)

digestive

poor appetite

digestive

sudorific

promotes perspiration

skin

vermifuge

destroys and expels intestinal

intestinal worms
worms

digestive

Scientific Research Citations

Peppermint oil is effective in relieving abdominal pain for those suffering with IBS. Source: PubMed.
The menthol in Peppermint oil was found to have antifungal properties. Source: PebMed.
Peppermint oil has antimicrobial properties. Source: PubMed.
Peppermint oil useful antispasmodic for elderly patients. Source: PubMed.
Peppermint oil has antiviral properties that can be suitable against recurrent herpes infection. Source: PubMed.
Peppermint oil relaxes smooth muscles and can provide relief of colonic spasm when given via enema. Source:
PubMed.
Peppermint oil and caraway found to have favorable results for dyspepsia (indigestion). Source: PubMed.
Topical application of Peppermint oil can relieve pruritus (itching), irritation, and inflammation. Also can be a
skin sensitizer. Source: PubMed.
Peppermint oil diluted to 10% as effective as 1,000 mg acetaminophen for headaches. Source: PubMed.
Peppermint oil may be helpful for treating tension headache. Source: PubMed.
Peppermint oil can be used short-term to treat IBS. Source: PubMed.
Enteric-coated Peppermint oil may relieve IBS symptoms. Source: PubMed.
Peppermint oil reduces intragastric pressure (bloating). Source: PubMed.
Peppermint oil can help with low bile production, as it stimulates bile fluid secretion. Source: PubMed.
Peppermint oil may reduce the perceived level of mental fatigue. Soruce: PubMed.
Suggestions for Using Peppermint Essential Oil for Health Concerns

Please note our disclaimer (in blue box at bottom of post) before using any of the information provided in
the images below.
Dilution Note: For some of the suggestions below you can increase dilution up to 5% (per max. dilution
guideline for this EO) if needed. See our dilution chart here: Properly Diluting Essential Oils to calculate
desired dilution and adjust amount of product you are making. Always use the lowest dilution that
provides results.
Carrier suggestions: coconut oil, and for pain-relieving blends I personally use arnica lotion, or arnica
massage oil. Read more about carriers here: What Carriers to Use.
For diffuser suggestions, I personally have and love the SpaVapor.

Dietary Uses
Used as a food flavoring. Replace 1 teaspoon peppermint extract with 1 drop Peppermint essential oil in recipes.
Personal Care Uses
Can be used in soap, toothpaste and mouthwash recipes.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Notes

Peppermint essential oil may decrease lactation. Use with caution if breastfeeding.
Interesting Facts
Peppermint essential oil takes 100-120 minutes to be absorbed through the skin. Source: The Illustrated
Encyclopedia of Essential Oils.
It takes 1,000 pounds of mature plants to create 1 pound of Peppermint essential oil. Source: A Complete Guide
to Understanding and Using Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty.
Our 3rd Party Testing of Peppermint Essential Oils
We tested 13 essential oils from 12 companies and found 10 samples to be Not in Compliance with ISO
standards. Two of the 10 also contained a synthetic additive, ethyl vanillin.
Read more: 3rd Party Test Results for Peppermint Essential Oil.

Lea Harris is a Certified Aromatherapist with Advanced Graduate training from Aromahead Institute in July
2013, but she is not a doctor. Please consult a trained aromatherapist or your doctor before using any of the
suggestions on this website, as the user's age and health conditions must be taken into account before using.
The information contained in this website is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a
substitute for professional medical advice.