How to Use Peppermint Essential Oil?
Oh peppermint, that fresh and cool scent, that delicious minty flavour. It seems that nowadays peppermint is just about everywhere; in your sweets, in hair care products, in air fresheners, chewing gum, toothpaste and candies to name a few. But this plant is more than just a refreshing scent or mouth-watering flavour, it has incredible health benefits for your body and mind. As a pure essential oil, peppermint has the power to soothe headaches and sore muscles, relive itching, alleviate feelings of nervous tension and stress. Peppermint essential oil will change your world for the better, and here’s how to use it.
Apply Directly To Your Skin
Peppermint essential oil is very fragrant and highly concentrated. On the skin, it is initially cool, but will tingle slightly and begin to gently warm where it has been in contact. Where you choose to apply the peppermint oil will depend on what you want to achieve. Sore muscles? You can gently massage into the affected area. Headache? Apply a few drops to your temples and along the back of your neck. Blocked nose or sinus infection? Rub onto your chest to help ease breathing. Applying directly to your skin and the affected areas will give your body the most impact and benefit.
While you can apply peppermint oil directly to your skin, it is strongly recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil. If you don’t dilute first, you risk causing skin irritation or a rash upon contact. Typically, you only need a few drops for every ounce of carrier oil, or you can buy it already diluted for topical application.
Inhale Your Essential Oils
Essential oil diffusers work magic! Simply apply a few drops of your favourite pure essential oil (or oils plural, for a delicious blend) with water, turn on and enjoy. The therapeutic aromatic benefits of essential oils are limitless. Peppermint essential oil in particular, can help alleviate stress, soothe a sore throat and clear away a blocked nose. If you don’t have an essential oil diffuser, no problem. Add a few drops to a necklace or bracelet, make a spray for any room and create your own at-home reed diffuser with reeds and a small container with the essential oils mixed in water.