Peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oils on the market; some of the uses can probably be guessed, but a lot of them are very surprising. Peppermint oil is so multifunctional that more and more scientific studies are being conducted to investigate all of its capabilities.
Coming from the peppermint plant, peppermint oil is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint and has a naturally fresh scent. Used for both oral and topical purposes, peppermint oil has many benefits for the body and has been documented as far back as 1,000 BC. It has also been found in several Egyptian pyramids, so I think it’s safe to say that they even figured out the advantages of peppermint oil all the way back then!
Peppermint oil is also used prominently for aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of plant extracts and essential oils in massage or baths. It is used to help a person feel better by either smelling the oil or massaging it into their skin. You can read more about aromatherapy and the effects of all of our essential oils in a previous blog post. Its antifungal properties are part of the reason why it has been well-known as a beneficial product for so many years. There are countless benefits of peppermint oil and in this article, we will hit on a few of the major and most common uses of it.
Peppermint Oil for Hair
Peppermint oil has been used around the world as a hair treatment for many years and is specifically known to aid in common hair concerns like dry scalp and hair loss. By itself, this essential oil can be a little harsh on sensitive skin and cause irritation, so please if you want to try some of the benefits below, try mixing it with a carrier oil like castor oil or almond oil to help tone down the intensity of it.
Adding a bit of peppermint oil to your conditioner will help stimulate your scalp and help get rid of dandruff. Dandruff is typically a result of a dry scalp so applying peppermint oil to your shampoo and conditioner will amplify the hydrating capabilities of these products and aid in eliminating dandruff. The fatty acids in the peppermint oil will help moisture, rejuvenate and soothe a dry, itchy scalp!
Peppermint oil can also be helpful in promoting hair growth. This is because peppermint oil can increase blood circulation and oxygen supply, so when it is applied to your scalp, it stimulates hair follicles. When hair follicles are stimulated and receive a larger supply of oxygen, the roots and follicles are able to grow at their full potential. To apply, please mix with a carrier oil to dilute the oil a bit and prevent skin irritation.
In addition to these awesome benefits, applying peppermint oil in any of these scenarios to your hair will also help prevent lice!
Peppermint Oil Uses for Skin
Peppermint oil is also commonly used as a body massage lotion because it leaves a cooling feeling on the skin due to the menthol in it. We suggest mixing the peppermint oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil to prevent skin irritation. This mixture will leave you feeling uplifted and invigorated while moisturizing your skin!
This same idea can be used specifically for foot massages or soaks. Peppermint oil is rich in fatty acids so this will help moisturize and refresh dry, cracked feet. With colder temperatures hitting, feet and skin tend to dry out more; Using peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil or lotion is a wonderful and natural way to help heal dry skin. You can also put a few drops of peppermint in a foot bath to soothe aching feet.
Fun Fact: You can mix a little peppermint oil into your lip balm or body lotion for a light cooling sensation!
Surprising Uses for Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has some apparent uses and benefits, but are you aware that there are many alternative purposes for it? Some of them are quite surprising! Peppermint oil can also be used to:
- Clean surfaces. Peppermint oil is full of natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Mix it with some water and tea tree oil and you have a natural disinfectant.
- Help with odor. Put a few drops at the bottom of your trashcan to help mask some of those unwanted odors.
- Stimulate alertness. Taking a small sniff of peppermint oil throughout the day will help keep you alert. This would be great for studying or at your everyday job.
Just to reiterate, peppermint oil has many wonderful benefits for your skin and hair, as well as numerous surprising uses. The benefits of peppermint oil have stemmed back thousands of years, which says something about the power of this product. Cococare’s 100% Natural Peppermint Oil can be applied for some of the uses above. Why not give it a try and see for yourself?
