The best-known member of the mint family, peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint. A favourite for kick-starting the morning, Freshskin’s premium peppermint essential oil is carefully steam distilled from the mentha piperita herb (instead of the lower-cost alternative – arvensis).

Peppermint essential oil originates from the Middle East and Europe and is one of the most widely used essential oils in the home and the medicine cabinet. Celebrated for a broad range of uses in day-to-day life, claims regarding the powers of peppermint oil vary from use as a deterrent to keep mice and insects from entering the home to relieving the symptoms of the common cold and sinusitis.

Aside from its perceived medicinal benefits, many people simply love to keep peppermint oil nearby for its crisp, unique fragrance. Thought to reduce feelings of stress, peppermint is often used by those who want to improve their focus and lower their anxiety levels.

Even in Ancient Greece and Rome, peppermint leaf was being used as a natural medicine, and it’s still one of the most popular essential oils today.

Peppermint essential oil benefits

Peppermint essential oil is believed to help with respiratory function, coughs and colds, itching, insect bites, IBS and other stomach problems, as well as headaches. It’s often used to freshen breath, to fight feelings of nausea and to reduce pain in the muscles.

Peppermint is also widely used by those who suffer from migraines and tension headaches, as many sufferers claim that inhaling the scent soothes their symptoms. This essential oil is also thought to help a wide range of skin conditions. It’s often used to reduce redness or to calm areas of irritation and itchiness.

As is the case with most natural remedies, there is limited research to confirm or disprove the health claims surrounding peppermint essential oil. As always we recommend doing your own research and speaking to a professional if you are considering using peppermint oil for anything more than its gorgeous invigorating fragrance.

Peppermint essential oil uses

If you like to blend essential oils to create your own combinations, peppermint is a great choice for blending. When using essential oils to try and relieve a headache, many believe that combining peppermint with the soothing scent of lavender essential oil can create an effective home remedy for the symptoms.

Many people use peppermint oil to improve their chances of a restful night’s sleep and combat insomnia. It’s often thought that the scent of peppermint helps to clear the airways and reduce snoring. Because peppermint oil is widely thought to be a natural muscle relaxant, there are also claims that this minty oil can have a soothing impact on the body.

Always speak to your doctor before using essential oils for an existing health issue, and we advise that you never replace medicine prescribed by your healthcare practitioner with essential oil.

Peppermint essential oil facts

Botanical name	Mentha piperita
Plant part	Herb
Extraction method	Steam
Colour	Clear transparent
Consistency	Light
Note	Top
Strength of aroma	Strong, penetrating
Aromatic scent	Characterised by a crisp, clean mint smell