Peppermint essential oil has many interesting virtues against everyday problems but also against other more serious ones. In addition to being tonic, it is excellent for digestion. It is also recommended against nausea, gastroenteritis and difficult digestion. She will be your friend the day after the party! And finally, talking about Peppermint is inconceivable without mentioning migraine: it effectively calms it and provides a pleasant sensation of cold on the painful areas. Latin name: Mentha x piperita L. var piperita. Distilled part: Tops
This article was updated on 20/02/2023- Properties of Peppermint essential oil
- In case of hepatopancreatic insufficiency
- Against Nausea, Vomiting, Travel Sickness
- In case of a difficult day after the holiday
- In case of headache, migraine
- Against Tartar, dental plaque
- In case of Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatism
- In case of nasopharyngitis, cold, sinusitis
- In case of Neuralgia, Sciatica
- In case of dental neuralgia, dental pain, toothache, pulpitis
- Against Bloating, Flatulence
- Other famous applications of Peppermint essential oil
Vigilance! The power of this essential oil reminds us that it should not not be used lightly. Although all ways of use are possible, it is prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women, babies and children under 6 years old. It also presents many other contraindications and precautions for use to be aware of in order to use it safely.
The use of Peppermint essential oil requires the approval of a doctor for people with asthma and epilepsy, in cases of high blood pressure or other serious cardiovascular problems, liver problems, cholelithiasis, inflammation of the gallbladder, hormone-dependent disease or cancer, G6PD enzyme deficiency, or for long-term use.
Peppermint essential oil is irritating to the skin, so it is best to dilute it between 10 and 15% if applying over a large area (10-15% essential oil and 85-90% vegetable oil). For children aged 7 to 15, it is recommended to dilute it to 5%.
It should not be used on damaged or irritated skin. Contact with eyes should be absolutely avoided. In the event of an accident, rinse using vegetable oil, as water is of no use.
Not to exceed 3 drops of essential oil per day. Not recommended in cases of gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, bile duct obstruction (cholecystitis). An excessive dose ingested may cause breathing difficulty, convulsions or epileptiform syndrome and may have a stupefying effect. It can be slightly nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic after ingestion in high doses and/or over a long period.
It is preferable not to diffuse Peppermint essential oil pure, and to dilute it between 10 and 15% in other essential oils.
Menthol could facilitate the penetration of anti-inflammatories and anesthetics, and disrupt the effectiveness of certain heart medications. When in doubt, do not combine them.
The use of this essential oil also requires special attention when taking antacids or antiulcer drugs, in treatments with a low therapeutic margin, in people taking multiple medications or when taking a homeopathic treatment.
Peppermint essential oil contains few allergenic biochemical components: limonene (≤ 5%).
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction).
Peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated in menthol, menthone, 1,8-cineole and isomenthone. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
local analgesic ++++ (menthol):
peppermint essential oil is a “cold effect” painkiller. The menthol it contains specifically activates the TRPM8 cold receptors involved in the perception of pain, thus causing an instant “cold effect” and local anesthesia, hence its effectiveness in cases of muscle pain, strokes, neuralgia and pain. head.
tonic, general stimulant +++ (menthol):
general stimulant, Peppermint essential oil tones the entire body in cases of fatigue. Neurotonic, it improves alertness, concentration, memory and learning but also sports performance. Although the mechanisms are not clearly determined, increased vascularization in the brain and stimulation of the central nervous system via nicotinic receptors responding to acetylcholine could be the origin.
antispasmodic +++ (menthol):
peppermint essential oil limits digestive spasms by acting on the sphincter of Oddi and on the contractions of the smooth muscles of the digestive system (bloating, stomach cramps, post-operative nausea). Its antispasmodic action is also beneficial in cases of muscle cramps.
antibacterial ++ (menthol):
peppermint essential oil is an effective antibacterial against many strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus responsible for pulmonary diseases, E. coli responsible for digestive and urinary diseases, E.coli. The menthol it contains has the particularity of inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It would alter the plasma membrane, thus modifying its permeability and causing a leak of cellular material.
antiviral++ (menthol):
the antiviral action of Peppermint essential oil is mainly due to menthol. Its action has mainly been studied on the herpes virus, whose replication it inhibits.
antifungal ++ (menthol):
peppermint is active on many fungi, including those causing lung infections, skin infections and candidiasis such as Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum gypsum, Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Epidermophyton stockdale, Candida diversity, but also those that can be found in food. Note that the fungicidal action of menthol depends on its functional structure. Depending on these structural differences, the interaction with cells and therefore the impact on the development of fungi will be different. Peppermint essential oil contains mainly L-menthol, one of the most effective isomers of menthol.
antiparasitic ++ (menthol):
peppermint essential oil is an intestinal antiparasitic which mainly acts against shigellosis, an acute gastroenteritis.
anti-inflammatory ++ (menthol):
peppermint essential oil, and particularly menthol, prevents the production of pro-inflammatory substances such as prostaglandin PGE-2, interleukin-IL-1-β and leukotriene LTB-4. This anti-inflammatory action has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.
cholagogue, choleretic ++ (menthone):
it facilitates the evacuation of bile towards the intestine (cholagogue) and the secretion of bile by the liver (choleretic). Although the mechanisms are not clearly established, Peppermint could stimulate the activity of certain receptors and enzymes involved in the synthesis of bile acids and the regulation of bile acid production.
But also these secondary properties:
Efficiency: ++++
For adults and adolescents, upon advice and medical monitoring. Orally, 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil on a neutral support to put under the tongue, 3 times a day, until back in shape. Do not exceed 1 week of use.
Reserved for ages 6+, on advice and medical monitoring. Apply 4 drops of the mixture to the solar plexus and 4 drops to the kidneys. To be renewed 3 times a day, during periods of low blood pressure. Do not exceed 1 week of use.
More details : essential oils against hypotension.
Efficiency: ++++
For adults and adolescents. Orally, 2 drops of Peppermint on a sugar to mix in an infusion, after the meal, as soon as necessary in a single dose.
Reserved for ages 6+. On medical advice, place 3 drops of the mixture on 1/4 piece of sucking cane sugar or in a teaspoon of olive oil morning and evening before meals for a maximum of 3 weeks.
Source: Baudoux, D. (2017). Aromatherapy - 100 essential oils. Dunod.
Efficiency: ++++
For adults and adolescents:
From 6 years old. In a bottle, mix:
Place 2 drops of this mixture in the palm of your wrists or on a handkerchief. Breathe as soon as problems appear up to 5 times a day.
Source: Couic-Marinier, F. & Frély, R. (2019). Essential Oils – The Complete Guide for the Whole Family. SOLAR.
Efficiency: ++++
For adults and adolescents. Orally, 1 drop of Peppermint EO on a neutral tablet to let melt in the mouth occasionally.
Reserved for ages 6+. Place 1 to 2 drops on a neutral tablet, let the tablet soak in for a few minutes and let it melt gently in the mouth. To be used occasionally.
More details : essential oils against bad breath.
Efficiency: ++++
For adults and adolescents:
Efficiency: ++++
For adults and adolescents. Through the skin, 2 drops of Peppermint in a vegetable oil massage on the temples and forehead, as soon as necessary. For sensitive skin, dilute 2 drops of essential oil in 8 drops of vegetable oil. (Watch your eyes!)
Reserved for ages 6+. Apply 4 drops of the mixture topically to the pain area as needed, up to 3 times a day for 2 to 3 weeks. If the pain persists, take a break for a week and consult your doctor.
More details and other users: essential oils against migraines and headaches.
Efficiency: ++++
For adults and adolescents. For occasional use, 1 drop of Peppermint EO directly on the toothpaste before brushing.
Reserved for ages 6+. As a mouthwash, madd 3 to 5 drops of the mixture to a glass of water. After brushing your teeth, gargle for a few seconds to emulsify the mixture in your mouth before spitting it out.
More details : Limit plaque and tartar with essential oils
Efficiency: +++
For adults and adolescents. Through the skin, mix 1 drop of Peppermint in 9 drops of vegetable oil (Arnica for example) applied to the painful area.
To relieve rheumatic pain, Peppermint essential oil will be very effective, but if you have some on hand, Peppermint essential oilLemon Eucalyptus will be better! Cutaneously: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area until improvement.
Efficiency: +++
For adults and adolescents. Through the skin, mix 1 drop of Peppermint EO in 9 drops of vegetable oil (Calendula for example) applied to the painful area.
For children over 6 years old. It is recommended to dilute Peppermint essential oil to 5% (i.e. 1 drop of essential oil for 18 volumes of vegetable oil).
In case of itching or an insect bite, Peppermint essential oil is good, but the essential oil of Lavender Aspic is even better! Cutaneously: 1 pure drop on the pimple, as quickly as possible after the sting appears. To be renewed every 1/4 hour, if necessary.
Reserved for ages 6+. Apply 1 to 2 drops of the following mixture to the bites every 3 minutes until improvement, then 3 times a day until completely healed.
Source: Festy, D. (2018). My essential oils bible. Leduc.s
Efficiency: +++
For adults and adolescents:
In adults or adolescents. In a 10 mL bottle, add:
Apply 10 to 20 drops of this mixture to the chest 2 to 3 times a day for 1 to 5 days.
Source: F. Millet. (2013). The great guide to essential oils. Marabout Edition.
In case of cold, Peppermint essential oil is effective, but the essential oil ofEucalyptus Radiata undoubtedly remains the benchmark! 2 pure drops under the tongue, or in a herbal tea (previously mixed in a teaspoon of honey or sugar), 4 times a day for 2 days. Inhaled: 1 deep breath directly above the opened bottle, 4 to 6 times a day.
Efficiency: +++
For adults and adolescents. Through the skin, mix 1 drop of Peppermint EO in 9 drops of vegetable oil (St. John's Wort for example) applied to the painful area.
If you suffer from neuralgia or sciatica, Peppermint essential oil is effective, but Peppermint essential oilLemon Eucalyptus is even better! Cutaneously: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area until improvement.
Reserved for ages 6+. Apply 4 to 6 drops of this mixture to the painful area. Repeat 3 times a day until relief (without exceeding 3 consecutive weeks of use).
For more details : essential oils against neuralgia and sciatica.
Efficiency: +++
From 6 years old. Par local route, prepare a mixture of 5% Peppermint essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (15 drops of HE in 9.5 mL of HV). Apply 1 to 2 drops of the mixture directly to the gums up to 2 times a day for up to 5 days.
Peppermint is effective against gingivitis, butessential oil of Tea Tree remains more appropriate. Prepare a mixture of 10% Tea Tree essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (1 mL or 30 drops of HE, in 9 mL of HV). Apply 3 to 5 drops of the mixture to the gums up to 3 times a day for 5 days.
For adults and children over 6 years old. Apply a few drops of the mixture to the gums up to 3 times a day for a maximum of 5 days.
More details: How to use essential oils in case of gingivitis?
Efficiency: +++
For adults and children over 6 years old. By local route, prepare a mixture of 10% Peppermint essential oil in Nigella vegetable oil (30 drops of HE, in 9 mL of HV). Apply a few drops of the mixture to sore gums up to 5 times a day.
Peppermint essential oil is effective in relieving a toothache, but peppermint essential oil Clove remains the benchmark in this field. For adults and adolescents, put 1 drop of Clove on a cotton swab soaked in edible vegetable oil. Apply to painful gums.
More details and other users: How to relieve a toothache with essential oils?
Efficiency: +++
From 6 years old :
Orally: 1 drop of Mint essential oil on a neutral support (sugar, breadcrumbs, neutral tablet, teaspoon of oil or honey, etc.), occasionally. Do not exceed 3 drops per day. Take a break after 5 days of use.
From 10 years old. In 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil add the following essential oils. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction. Normally 1 single application is sufficient.
Source: Festy, D. (2007). 100 massages with essential oils to heal (Health/fitness) (Health guides (Leduc.s)). THE DUKE.
Against bloating and flatulence, the essential oil of Peppermint can be useful, but the essential oil of Cardamom is even more effective: 1 drop of Cardamom in a teaspoon of olive oil or honey, swallowed 3 times a day for adults and adolescents.
Efficiency: +++
From 6 years old. Through the skin, dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil (Arnica oily macerate for example) to apply before and after physical exercise.
If you suffer from muscle pain, Peppermint essential oil is effective, but Peppermint essential oil Wintergreen Lying or Scented is even better! Cutaneously: 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area until improvement.
From 6 years old. Massage the following mixture onto the painful area, 3 times a day for 3 days:
Source: Dufour, A. (2022). The Leduc guide to essential oils for the whole family. THE DUKE.
Efficiency: +++
From 6 years old. In an empty bottle, mix:
Apply this mixture to the roots of the hair, massaging delicately with the pads of the fingers, and leave for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with shampoo. This oil bath can be used once a week for 1 month.
Reserved for adults and adolescents. Apply sufficient quantity to hair starting from the ends and working up to the roots so that all hair is soaked. Leave for about 30 minutes before rinsing and using a neutral shampoo to clean out the remaining oil:
More details or other users: essential oils to stimulate hair growth.
Peppermint essential oil is useful for promoting hair growth, although Himalayan Spikenard essential oil is generally more recommended: 1 drop of Himalayan Spikenard in a dab of shampoo before each wash.
Peppermint essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory but also cholagogue and choleretic properties. For most of the following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Peppermint for the following different problems.
Peppermint effective but… It is better to use thecardamom essential oil : orally, 1 drop in a teaspoon of olive oil or honey 3 times a day.
Peppermint effective but… It is better to use thecinnamon essential oil : orally, 1 drop on a support, combined with 1 drop of lemon essential oil (liver protector). Let it melt in the mouth, 3 times a day until improvement. Do not exceed 5 days of use.
Peppermint effective but… It is better to use themountain Savory essential oil : via the skin, dilute 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil by massaging on the lower abdomen, 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
Peppermint effective but… It is better to use theniaouli essential oil : via the skin, 2 pure drops directly on the herpes, every 2 hours, until the herpes disappears.
Peppermint effective but… It is better to use thegreenland Ledon essential oil : via the skin, dilute 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil, to apply to the kidney, 2 to 3 times a day.
Peppermint effective for its cold effect but… It is better to use thewintergreen essential oil, which has a “heating effect”: cutaneously, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to massage on the painful area.
Peppermint effective but… It is better to use thetarragon essential oil : via the skin, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to massage on the painful area.
Peppermint effective but… It is better to use thecypress essential oil from Provence : orally, 1 drop of Cypress de Provence in a teaspoon of honey to melt in the mouth, 4 times a day until the cough disappears.
Peppermint effective but… It is better to use theginger essential oil : orally, 1 pure drop in a teaspoon of olive oil, before meals, for 3 days maximum.
Peppermint, Spearmint, Field Mint, Lemon Mint, Pennyroyal Mint, Long Leaf Mint, Sweet Mint? Which essential oil for which use?
Although they belong to the same genre Mentha, these 4 species are very different and their essential oils are therefore not the same. For more information, discover how to differentiate essential oils from Mints !
Average grade: 4.6 ( 2004 votes)
Publication: Tayarani-Najaran, Z. & al. (2013). Antiemetic activity of volatile oil from Mentha spicata and Mentha x piperita in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. ecancermedicalscience, 7(290).
Publication: Hur, M., Park, J., Maddock-Jennings, W., Kim, D.O., & Lee, M.S. (2007). Reduction of mouth malodor and volatile sulfur compounds in intensive care patients using an essential oil mouthwash. Phytotherapy Research, 21(7), 641–643. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2127
Publication: Ansari, M., Vasudevan, P., Tandon, M., & Razdan, R. (2000). Larvicidal and mosquito repellent action of peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil. Bioresource Technology, 71(3), 267–271. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0960-8524(99)00079-6
Publication: Mimica-Dukić, N., Bozin, B., Soković, M., Mihajlović, B., & Matavulj, M. (2003). Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of ThreeMenthaSpecies Essential Oils. Planta Medica, 69(5), 413–419. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2003-39704
Publication: McKay, D.L., & Blumberg, J.B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research, 20(8), 619–633. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1936
Publication: Lane, B. & al. (2011). Examination of the Effectiveness of Peppermint Aromatherapy on Nausea in Women Post C-Section. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 30(2), 90–104. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898010111423419
Publication: Göbel, H., Schmidt, G., & Soyka, D. (1994). Effect of Peppermint and Eucalyptus Oil Preparations on Neurophysiological and Experimental Algesimetric Headache Parameters. Cephalalgia, 14(3), 228–234. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1994.014003228.x
Publication: Asao, T. & al. (2001). An easy method for the intraluminal administration of peppermint oil before colonoscopy and its effectiveness in reducing colonic spasm. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 53(2), 172–177. https://doi.org/10.1067/mge.2000.108477
Publication: Anupam et al. (2013). An overview on Menthae Piperitae (Peppermint oil). International Journal Of Pharmaceutical, Chemical And Biological Sciences. https://www.ijpcbs.com/articles/an-overview-on-menthae-piperitae-peppermint-oil.pdf
Publication: Lobstein, Annelise; Couic-Marinier, Françoise (2016). Peppermint essential oil. Pharmaceutical News, 55(558), 57–59. doi:10.1016/j.actpha.2016.06.021
Publication: Pan, R. (2012, December 1). Central Mechanisms of Menthol-Induced Analgesia. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/343/3/661.short
Publication: Caro, DC (nd). Characterization of New TRPM8 Modulators in Pain Perception. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/22/5544
Work : Baudoux, d. (2017). aromatherapy. dunod.
Work : Festy, D. (2018). My bible of essential oils: Complete guide to aromatherapy. Leduc.s éditions.
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Dufour, A. (2022b, March 9). The Leduc guide to essential oils for the whole family. THE DUKE.
Work : Millet, F. (2015). The great guide to essential oils. Marabout.
Work : Couic-Marinier, F., & Frély, R. (2019). Essential oils: The complete guide for the whole family. SOLAR
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This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.