It’s no secret that doTERRA essential oils are a staple in our household. You can read here about my journey in getting started with oils and why we chose this particular brand. My goal with sharing the oils is not to build a business, but to help others who are interested in using or learning more about incorporating them into their lives. There are tons of sellers and blogs out there peddling tons of different products, including essential oils. I know because I’ve navigated many of them looking for good opinions and information. I’ve found that you tend to see very similar copy over and over with the same salesy pitch. Me writing yet another version of that wouldn’t provide any additional benefit. I want to share my personal experience with these little lovelies as a mother, wife, and woman looking for simple ways to improve my and my family’s quality of life. I will offer some basic stats as a way of introducing you to the oil, but all opinions will be honest and my own.
Peppermint was one of the first oils that I ordered. It came along with lemon and lavender in the Beginner’s Trio. I highly recommend this kit if you’re looking to ease your way into the world of essential oils, but don’t want to spend too much or overwhelm yourself. The larger kits were definitely alluring, but also intimidating as I was new to this whole voodoo aromatherapy idea. I also was in my mid twenties and couldn’t spend my car payment on something that, at the time, seemed frivolous. This was in the spring of 2014 and each of the three oils in the “frivolous” Beginner’s Trio Kit has been a staple in my house ever since.
Historical Uses of Peppermint:
Peppermint leaves and peppermint oil have been used for health purposes. The oil is much more concentrated.
Dried peppermint leaves were discovered in Ancient Egyptian pyramids that dated back to 1000 B.C.*.
The ancient Greeks and Romans utilized it as a stomach soother*.
During the eighteenth century in Western Europe, peppermint was a folk remedy for ailments such as nausea, vomiting, menstrual disorders, morning sickness, and respiratory infections*.
Modern Uses of Peppermint:
Taken as a dietary supplement for digestion issues**
Taken internally in a glass of water or a veggie capsule for digestive issues
Used aromatically or applied topically for head and neck tension
Applied topically for muscle aches
Promotes healthy respiratory function when taken internally
Diffused for an uplifting and energizing scent
Peppermint has a high concentration of natural pesticides and can be used for organic gardening*. It can also repel mosquitoes and spiders for more mainstream household use.
How We Use Peppermint:
PLEASE NOTE: Not all essential oils are safe for consumption. doTERRA created a testing system for their brand that they’ve coined “CPTG” (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade). You can read more about this here. I personally have only consumed doTERRA’s oils and can not vouch for any other brands. Always be aware of how to dilute the oils to make them safe for applying topically. Read more about this here. Peppermint is not gentle enough (even after diluting) for use on babies.
Heartburn: Tim has been plagued with heart burn and reflux for many years. When he feels it coming on (or knows he’s eaten a trigger food) he’ll drop three drops of peppermint on the back of his tongue. I gave him this as an option after we first bought the oil four years ago and it has been his go-to relief ever since. He keeps a bottle on his nightstand, in his car, and at the office.
Aromatically in the Diffuser: Peppermint is diffused daily in my house. I blend it with a citrus oil such as lemon or grapefruit first thing in the morning for an awesome energizing scent.
Tension Relief: If Tim is having a stressful day at work, he likes to apply it topically to his temples and the back of his neck. Peppermint creates a nice cooling sensation that can be refreshing when dealing with whatever the day throws at you.
Breath Freshener: One drop of peppermint oil on your tongue is quite potent until you get used to it. However, it works better than any gum or mint that I’ve found. I love keeping these beadlets in my purse for this purpose.
Topically for Tension and Nausea: Technically you should dilute peppermint with a carrier oil before putting it on your skin. However, I’ve used it enough to know that I’m not sensitive to it. I usually just flip the bottle over onto the tip of my finger and apply on my temples and neck and rub around my belly button for nausea or stomach ache. Peppermint is not gentle enough (even after diluting) for use on babies.
I’d love to hear how you and your family utilize this awesome oil! I’m more than happy to answer any questions you may have! I speak from my personal experience and am far from an expert, but I will help in any way that I can. Please see my disclaimer regarding health topics.
Learn more about doTERRA’s Peppermint Oil here or check out my doTERRA page for more information on ordering or becoming a member.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
*The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 2nd Ed,, Thomas Gale, 2005
**https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil
