30 Plus Peppermint Oil Uses for Hair, Beauty and Health

Indulge your love of peppermint oil with these 30 plus uses for peppermint in hair, beauty, and health.

Peppermint oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oil brands used for hair care, skincare, and beauty purposes.

I have featured it in several articles on the website; the most popular of this is The Proven Science Behind Peppermint Oil for Hair Loss Issues.

This article will be more general focusing on the multipurpose uses of peppermint oil in health, beauty, skincare, and household. I will also answer a few frequently asked questions about peppermint oil.

About Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is a plant in the same family as the water mint, forest mint, and spearmint family native to the Meditteranean.

However, peppermint is also grown in the US, Europe, and Japan. Currently, the US produces over 70% of the world’s supply of peppermint.

The scent of peppermint leaves is fresh, invigorating, and relaxing to the senses. Another versatile oil that shares these qualities is lavender essential oil.

The active compounds in peppermint oil are menthyl acetate, menthol, and menthone, which account for their potent properties.

How Is Oil Extracted from Peppermint?

Peppermint oil is made via steam distillation. This is the way most essential oils are extracted from plants.

The peppermint leaves are crushed fresh or partially dried then combined with a little pressure and steam to release the essential oil from the plant.

Interesting fact – manufacturers require about 250 pounds of peppermint leaves to produce 1 pound of peppermint essential oil.

30 Plus Ways to Use Peppermint Oil

Peppermint Oil Uses for Skin

Peppermint oil can be used as a natural fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.
Peppermint oil can be used for a relaxing body massage and to help soothe muscle and joint pains. I share some awesome recipes at 7 Amazing Homemade Body Massage Oil Recipes.
Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to your toner to control excess oil, provide a cooling effect and prevent clogged pores.
For fungal nail infections, mix 3 tablespoons of calendula oil with 3 drops of peppermint oil. Apply to infected areas and massage until absorbed.
Do your own pedis at home? Add a few drops of peppermint oil and lavender oil to your foot bath and soak for 10 minutes.
Mix a few drops with calendula oil and massage onto bugs and insect bites for some relief.
You can also combine peppermint oil with the carrier oils HERE for relief from sunburn.

Peppermint Oil Uses for Health

A few drops of peppermint oil can be added to a diffuser for a soothing and calming effect on nerves. This can also help improve your mood and focus.
Adding a few drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam can help clear a congested chest and stuffy nose.
Peppermint oil can be used for the treatment of issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion. However, you should speak with your physician before using peppermint oil internally.
If you suffer from motion sickness, mix 2 tablespoons of calendula oil with 5 drops of peppermint oil and rub a small amount onto the insides of your wrists.
Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bath as you are running it. This will provide some relief for stressed-out and overworked muscles.
When you have a headache, place a few drops of peppermint oil onto a cold compress and apply it to your head.
Alternatively, you can dilute the peppermint oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or argan oil and massage it into your temples and forehead.
Peppermint oil can freshen breath and improve oral health. Add 1 drop to your toothpaste before brushing.
You can also add 2 drops to a glass of room temperature water and rinse your mouth with it after a meal or brushing your teeth.
Did you know peppermint oil can help curb the need to snack? Diffuse on your office table to prevent unhealthy cravings.
For those that suffer from menstrual cramps, mix coconut oil or calendula oil with 2 drops each of peppermint oil and lavender oil and massage onto your stomach for relief.
Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your shower gel for an invigorating pick me up in the morning.
Peppermint oil can provide temporary relief to a toothache. Dilute 2 drops with a mild carrier oil like grapeseed oil or castor oil and dab on the painful tooth.

Peppermint Oil Uses for Hair

Peppermint oil’s anti-fungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, make it a great treatment for hair loss-related issues such as bald spots and thinning areas.
Peppermint oil can alleviate scalp issues like dandruff and inflammation. You can add a few drops to your regular moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner for instant relief.
Add a few drops to your hair spray for use after braiding and installing a weave to help relieve itching. You can find a simple recipe at DIY Anti-Itch Braid Spray.

For the best carrier oils to combine with for effective hair care and recipes, read The Proven Science Behind Peppermint Oil for Hair Loss Issues.

Peppermint Oil Uses for Cooking

Peppermint oil can be used as a flavoring agent in homemade sweets such as chocolate and candy canes. A few drops are more than enough.
Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to a smoothie or juice for a refreshing kick.
Do you like drinking infused water? Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to the infuser to improve respiratory functions. Read Best Water Infuser Recipes for Weight Loss.
Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a latte, mocha, tea, or hot chocolate for a memorable experience.

Peppermint Oil Uses for Household

Peppermint oil is a natural deterrent for common household pests and insects. Mix white vinegar with water and 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil in a spray bottle and use as required.
You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to your DIY cleaner. It will give your home a fresh scent in addition to extra protection with the oil’s antifungal, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
A few drops of peppermint oil in potpourri can elevate the atmosphere in any room.
Soak 2 cotton balls with a mix of peppermint oil and lavender oil and keep at the bottom of a trash bag. This will keep trash smelling pleasant until you throw it out.
For small household irritants like mice, spiders and ants put a few cotton balls soaked with peppermint oil in their favorite area and they will disappear.

FAQs About Peppermint Oil Uses

Can You Put Peppermint Oil Directly on Your Skin?

It’s not a good idea to use peppermint oil directly on your skin. Essential oils are very strong. Always dilute with a suitable carrier oil before applying directly on the skin.

Can You Ingest Peppermint Oil?

Yes, when added to a recipe as mentioned above or mixed in with something else but do not ingest peppermint oil undiluted.

In all cases, if you have a serious medical condition, consult with your physician before you start ingesting peppermint oil.

Is Peppermint Oil Dangerous?

Peppermint oil is only dangerous when used incorrectly. If used as directed, then you shouldn’t have any problems with it.

Can Peppermint Oil Regrow Hair?

Yes, peppermint oil can regrow hair in combination with other essential oils and certain carrier oils.

I’ve featured it prominently on the website several times. Have a look at the Hair Loss Archives for more information.

What is the Difference Between Peppermint Oil and Peppermint Extract?

Peppermint oil is derived from peppermint leaves via steam distillation while peppermint extract is made by diluting peppermint oil in alcohol or soaking peppermint leaves in alcohol.

Peppermint oil is pure and therefore stronger than peppermint extract.

It should be used in minor amounts while peppermint extract can be used in higher amounts.

Can you substitute one for the other? For skincare, haircare, and health purposes, I would recommend sticking with pure peppermint oil.

For cooking and household purposes, you can use peppermint extract instead if you prefer.

How Do I Dilute Peppermint Essential Oil?

Peppermint essential oil is diluted with water or suitable carrier oil.

It can also be diluted with whatever product you’re adding it to for hair care and household use.

What Other Essential Oils Can I Blend with Peppermint Oil?

My favorite essential oils to blend with peppermint oil include lavender essential oil, tea tree essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, lemon essential oil, and rosemary essential oil.

Related Content

What Carrier Oil Can I Blend with Peppermint Oil?

My favorites are calendula oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, emu oil, castor oil, pumpkin seed oil, and burdock root oil.

Related Content

What Are the Side Effects of Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint oil is well tolerated for topical applications but will cause skin irritation if used incorrectly. Peppermint oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil.

If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch test before you start using and start with 2 – 3 drops only.

Additionally, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use peppermint oil or similar without the knowledge of their primary care physician.

If you have any serious medical conditions, you should consult with your doctor before you start using peppermint oil.

Peppermint Oil Recommendations

There are a great many brands of peppermint oil on the market but some stand out for consistent quality.

My top peppermint oil recommendations include:-

This post contains affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.