13 Common Ailments You Can Treat With Peppermint Oil

Peppermint (Mentha piperita), like lavender, is another incredibly versatile essential oil! Known as one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, scientists have researched its effects on the liver and respiratory system, as well as its ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. The fragrance of peppermint is purifying and stimulating for the mind, which makes it a great natural pick-me-up. Here are some common ailments that may benefit from treatment with this essential oil:

1. Indigestion/Diarrhea 

Place 4-6 drops of peppermint oil in the palm and rub over the stomach and around the naval to relieve indention, gas and diarrhea.

2. Heartburn 

Add a drop of peppermint oil to herbal tea (with agave or honey to emulsify/blend the oil and the tea) to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.

3. Nausea 

Massage several drops of peppermint oil on the abdomen, or place 2-3 drops in hands, gentrly rub together, cup palms and deeply inhale to relieve nausea.

4. Travel sickness

Rub 4 drops of peppermint oil on the chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness. I always carry it with me while flying or during long train and car rides!

5. Hiccups 

To stop hiccups, apply a drop of peppermint oil on each side of the fifth cervical vertebra (up three notches from the large vertebra at the base of the neck).

6. Inflammation (unbroken skin)

Massage several drops of peppermint oil on an area of injury or chronic inflammation.

7. Bruising (unbroken skin) 

Apply peppermint oil immediately to an injured area (not broken skin) — bruised shin, hit on the foot or hand — to relieve pain. If skin is broken, apply around but not on the open wound.

8. Fever 

Rub several drops of peppermint oil on the bottom of the feet to reduce fever.

9. Itching 

Apply a drop of peppermint oil topically on unbroken skin to stop itching.

10. Poison Ivy/Poison Oak 

For poison ivy or poison oak, apply peppermint oil directly or dilute with vegetable mixing oil (coconut, sesame, etc).

11. Headache 

To relieve a headache, rub a drop of peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck.

12. Trouble with alertness/concentration 

Place 2 drops of peppermint oil on the tongue and rub another drop under the nose to improve alertness and concentration. Diffuse in your office or home.

13. Congestion

Place a drop of peppermint oil on the tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold. Diffuse in your room.

Peppermint is one of my favorite essential oils — never leave home with out it!