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Peppermint oil is a jack of all trades. It’s medicinal and works wonders to combat nausea, relieve soreness in joints and muscles, clear sinuses, stimulate hair growth, and improve gastrointestinal discomfort.
Before you rush off to add this versatile oil to your cart, however, there are some key factors to keep in mind, including the peppermint oil’s smell, consistency, organic certification, whether it’s cruelty-free, and what you plan to use it for. Some peppermint oils are mostly intended for therapeutic use, while others are food-grade, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Regardless of what you initially choose to do with peppermint oil, once you have it, you’ll probably return to it for other needs, from aromatherapy to using it as a natural cleaning product for your home. If you want to make an informed purchase, keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of peppermint oil. When you’re ready to buy, consider one of our top picks.
Peppermint oil’s scent will vary, depending on whether or not it’s refined. Most of us are accustomed to refined peppermint oil’s smell, which is in toothpastes, mints, and menthols. This is a much simpler menthol scent compared to true unrefined peppermint oil, which smells more complex, with nutty, creamy undertones beneath the menthol. The smell difference may surprise you if you’re used to commercial peppermint smells. As long as the oil doesn’t smell rancid, it’s good to use. When it comes to color, peppermint oil can vary from clear to pale yellow. Its consistency is rather watery.
Your peppermint oil should have only one ingredient listed — which is, of course, peppermint oil. Keep an eye out for “100% Organic” or the USDA Organic symbol on the bottle’s label. Organic certification guarantees that the peppermint plant grew in healthy chemical-free soil.
Peppermint oil is extracted from the peppermint plant, which is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint. Though native to the Mediterranean, the plant has thrived in Europe, North America, and Japan for centuries. The plant’s medicinal properties are far and wide, from pain relief to digestive assistance.
For medicinal purposes, you can apply peppermint oil to the forehead to naturally relieve headaches or on the abdomen to relieve stomach upset or indigestion. For sinus or cold relief, try diluting the peppermint oil with eucalyptus oil. (It’s generally recommended that you use a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, to dilute the peppermint oil.)
Essential oils are not meant to be ingested orally and can be toxic in large doses. We recommend a food-grade peppermint oil extract or peppermint oil capsules instead.
If you plan to use peppermint oil medicinally, make sure it’s USDA grade and organic. For the animal advocates, it also doesn’t hurt to make sure the oil is cruelty-free.
For skin: Peppermint oil is antimicrobial, meaning it has properties that kill microorganisms. Some report success with peppermint oil as an acne treatment. You can try using diluted peppermint oil as a spot treatment.
For scalp: Your scalp can benefit from the oil, too. Maybe you’ve already noticed all the hair creams, shampoos, and conditioners that list peppermint oil as an ingredient. That’s because the essential oil combats itching, dryness, and dandruff thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Peppermint oil can be a bit much to apply directly onto the scalp, but you may add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner bottle.
Like medicinal peppermint oil, look out for the USDA label and organic label on the bottle.
Inexpensive: Oils that are less than $10 will come in small quantities, even as little as 10 milliliters. This is a perfect amount if you’re testing the oil out but don’t want to commit to a large size. Bottles nearing $10 will contain at least a half ounce of peppermint oil.
Mid-range: A $10 to $20 bottle of oil, if it’s high quality and certified organic, will probably contain one to four ounces. Keep an eye out for dark amber bottles, which help to preserve the integrity of the oil. Oils in this price range are more likely to include the USDA label, too.
Expensive: A bottle of peppermint oil that costs $20 or more is less common. If the oil is imported from afar, that may explain the high price. Or if it’s sold in a quantity above eight ounces. Otherwise, you should have no trouble finding an oil well below this price point.
Q. What’s the difference between peppermint and mint?
A. Mint is a broad term that describes the Mentha plant family. Other mint plants include orange mint, spearmint, and pineapple mint.
Q. What are the side effects of ingesting too much peppermint oil?
A. Excessive peppermint oil usage may result in heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, or an allergic reaction. Remember that peppermint oil, like all essential oils, is highly concentrated. It should be ingested minimally or diluted with a carrier oil.
Q. Will peppermint oil harm my pets?
A. Peppermint oil can potentially irritate your pet’s skin or, if ingested, cause severe gastrointestinal comfort. Check with your veterinarian before using peppermint oil on your pets.
