The Ultimate Guide to Peppermint Essential Oil

Essential Oils 101: The Premium Starter Kit Series Peppermint Edition

I decided over the next few weeks to focus on an educational series about the Premium Starter Kit. Whether your Premium Starter Kit just arrived or you have been wondering if it’s for you, this blog series will be for you. There’s significant value in understanding how to use the Premium Starter Kit because it will truly bring support to everyone in your family and will be a place to slowly eliminate toxins from your lifestyle.

Several of my personal testimonies shared within my blog posts and other media outlets often make mention of the Premium Starter Kit, not only do I discuss how much my life changed by getting started with Young Living by ordering the kit but these are still the essential oils used in my life everyday.
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Switching to an essential oil lifestyle didn’t happen overnight but when my kit arrived in the mail, I chose to give essential oils a try immediately. I made an effort to learn as much as possible about the starter kit oils. I still regularly refer to my desk reference for uses of my oils!

A few words on safety when using Essential Oils

1. It is always, and I mean always, a good idea to consult your desk or pocket reference when using essential oils.

2. If using oils with animals, please consult the animal reference guide. This is a great tool that we use almost daily with our dogs!
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3. For pregnant or nursing mothers, and for use with babies and children, please consult this guide.

4. Please consider speaking with your appropriate healthcare professional prior to the use of any oils. Please see our disclaimer for more information. 

How to use Peppermint Essential Oil

What a great place to start with Peppermint. It has a distinct smell and probably one of the most notable effects of any oil when applied topically. For those of you who don't know, when applied topically it creates an intense cooling sensation. When used aromatically, you will notice an invigorating aroma that brightens the senses and is intensely uplifting. 

Peppermint is one of the starter kit oils that really does not have a specific season. Rather, it gets used year-round. Many of the oils in the starter kit behave this way. For example, a non-starter kit oil such as Christmas spirit is best used-you probably guessed it already-during the holidays and winter months. Peppermint, and many other starter kit oils, are not limited to seasonal use. That is yet another great benefit of using a starter kit when first getting into using oils.

Peppermint Essential Oil
I have to say that I think there is nothing like the intensely fresh scent of Peppermint. This essential oil packs quite a punch. When used topically it can cool you down. When using aromatically, it can really energize you and open you up! It is a very robust and potent oil with invigorating characteristics.

Further, there is even Peppermint Vitality which is specially formulated to be ingested. The entire Vitality essential oil lineup from Young Living (the ones with the white labels) are manufactured as dietary grade thereby able to be swallowed. 

Before I get started, please remember it's important to have your own resources and literature for using Young Living Essential Oils. Before using any essential oil please look into the safety and know proper use, and most importantly when there are special considerations such as pregnancy, children, or dogs.

I always encourage my friends to grab a Desk Reference Book or Animal Desk Reference, as soon as they get their Premium Starter Kit. Please be aware that Peppermint is an essential oil to use with caution if expecting a child, there are certain times when Peppermint should be avoided when pregnant. Also, keep peppermint away from the eyes or you will be very irritated (Quick tip: If you happen to get Peppermint around your eyes you can use a carrier oil such as coconut in an effort to dilute it and get rid of the intense sensation. Please use caution!)

I highly recommend reading these if expecting a child:

• Gentle Babies: Essential Oils and Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Childbirth, Infants and Young Children or Bloom
• Betsy Bosom's Baby Book: A Girlfriend's Guide to Using Essential Oils from Bellies to Babies (Lucy Libido)

A little known concept called "Layering"
Layering is when you apply essential oils on topically to your body, one essential oil at a time You would do this instead of using a roller with them already blended. There is a lot of technique to layering and I learned a lot about it when reading Vitality: The Young Living Lifestyle.

• Peppermint essential oil is a driver, meaning if I want other oils to go deeper to location, I will layer Peppermint essential oil on top.
• Peppermint is a great essential oil to use with the layering technique after a workout. I use the Sore No More Essential Oils and apply in this order, on location: Panaway, Copaiba, Lavender, then finish with Peppermint.

Use for Energy & Mental Clarity*
I use Peppermint for when I need to get moving because Peppermint is uplifting, refreshing, and invigorating.

• I apply a drop on the back of the neck, in the morning, during the school day or when needed to get work done.
• I also create a diffuser blend or roller blend at times when you need your body to wake up.
• Can be added to the diffuser to help promote feelings of focus and clarity*. Perfect when I am working on my graduate work!

Wake Up Diffuser Blend:
Add a few drops of Peppermint essential oil to the diffuser with Lemon and Citrus Fresh
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Rise & Shine Roller:
In a 5 ml roller bottle, combine 10 drops Peppermint, 10 drops Lemon, and fractionated coconut oil. *I apply my Rise & Shine roller to my spine, bottom of my feet, or behind my ears. Do not apply roller on areas of skin that will be exposed to sun due to photosensitive properties.

Alleviate Feelings of Increased Pressure*
My husband and I use Peppermint essential oil to support occasional head tension in a variety of ways.

• I apply 1 drop Peppermint Vitality to my thumb and press to the roof of my mouth (vitality only).
• ​We both like to  put a few drops of Peppermint essential oil in our palms and breathe deeply, about 5 times or longer if needed.
• I apply to my forehead, temples, and back of neck often, specially in the spring and summer. When applying Peppermint essential oil to the temples, remember to use caution and avoid around the eyes. If irritation occurs, I put carrier oil on the irritation with a paper towel. 
• ​​I apply my Head & Muscle Soother for convenience when on the go to my temples, forehead, and back of the neck or vita-flex points.

Head & Muscle Soother Roller:
In 5 ml roller bottle, add 5 drops peppermint, 5 drops copaiba, 5 drops panaway, and 5 drops Valor, then fill the rest with carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil.

Seasonal Support

• I add Peppermint essential oil with Lemon and Lavender in a variety of recipes for seasonal support.
• I like to combine these essential oils to the diffuser while getting ready in the morning
• I apply a seasonal support roller blend behind ears, on feet, and spine and in areas that are not exposed to the sun.
• To learn more about seasonal support, please read The 8 Essential Oils for Spring Seasonal Support

LLP Diffuser Blend:
Add a few drops of Peppermint, Lemon, and Lavender to the diffuser

LLP / Pollen Buster Roller:
In 5 ml roller bottle, add 5 drops peppermint, 5 drops copaiba, 5 drops lemon, and 5 drops lavender, then fill the rest with carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil.

LLP Vitality Capsule:
Use a “00” gelatin capsule, open the capsule and  in one half fill the capsule with the number of desired drops:

• 1-3 drops of Lemon Vitality
• 1-3 drops of Lavender Vitality
• 1-3 drops of Peppermint Vitality
• 1-3 drops of Copaiba Vitality
• Fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil

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Breathing is Fun

• I really enjoy putting a few drops of Peppermint essential oil in the diffuser with Raven, Lemon, and Eucalyptus. 
• I like to put a drop on the back of the tub during my shower to create a spa-like experience at home.

• ​I apply a drop of Peppermint essential oil on my chest before a workout or to help stay above the wellness line.
• I use Peppermint essential oil in many roller blends and other DIY recipes, such as a chest rub or sugar scrub.

Breathe Easy Roller:
In a 5 ml roller, add 5 drops Raven, 5 drops Peppermint, 5 drops Frankincense, 5 drops Copaiba and fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil. I apply this to my chest and behind my ears.

Wellness Chest Rub Recipe 1:

• Peppermint, Raven, Thieves, and Eucalyptus essential oils.
• ¼ cup Shea Butter
• ½ cup solid Organic Coconut Oil

*Follow the chest rub recipe directions on our Spring Seasonal Support post

Breathe Easy Chest Rub Recipe:
For this easy chest rub recipe requires no melting down, simply add Peppermint, Raven, Lemon, Eucalyptus or Thieves essential oil to hardened coconut oil and then blend with a hand mixer to make a chest rub. I like to keep in a cool area so that it doesn’t melt.  


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For Cooling Purposes

• When going out the door on a hot day or heading on vacation to somewhere warm, I always take Peppermint. It’s a travel essential, specially for the summer. I like to apply Peppermint on the back of my neck or on the spine to support body temperature.
• ​I use Peppermint to support my temperature by applying to my spine and bottom of my feet.

Facilitate Natural Digestive Support*
One of the first ways that I found out how quickly essential oils work was using it for gastrointestinal system comfort*, promoting healthy bowel function*, and to enhance healthy gut function*.

• After big meals (especially around the holidays), I apply a drop or two of Peppermint right to my belly to help with sensations of stomach discomfort.*
• I apply Peppermint to my tummy when support is needed to speed up or slow down the process. *
• When I eat the food that brings that familiar burning sensation, I put  a drop of Peppermint Vitality under my tongue.*
• ​Traveling, boating, roller coasters not really your thing? I inhale right from the bottle or apply peppermint right on my belly during these times, make sure to use proper dilution.*
• I find that Peppermint essential oil works perfectly with Digize essential oil for stomach support*.

Tummy Roller: 
In a 5 ml roller bottle, add 10 drops DiGize, 10 drops Peppermint, and fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil. I apply this blend right onto my stomach or on bottom of feet.

Tummy Vitality:
Use a “00” gelatin capsule, open the capsule and in one half fill the capsule with the number of desired drops:
1-3 drops of Peppermint Vitality
1-3 drops of Digize Vitality
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May Help to Freshen Breath*
Peppermint essential oil is great to use to keep things fresh.

• I add a drop to my water
• I add a drop on my thumb and swipe my tongue.
• I usually have a Fresh Breath Spray that I keep in my purse, but I even make a Fresh Breath spray for my puppies!

Breath Spray Recipe:
In a 5 ml spritzer spray bottle, add 10 drops Peppermint vitality and distilled water. I stick this in my purse so that I have something fresh at anytime.

Dog Breath Spray:
In a 2 oz spray bottle, add 10 drops peppermint vitality and distilled water, maybe a little salt or fractionated coconut oil to help as a carrier in the spray.

• With two dogs in our home that we love, at most times we have dogs in our faces. Nothing is worse than that horrible dog breath, this spray will help keep it fresh but also support their digestive system. Please consult with your veterinarian or animal health professional prior to usage! You may also consult your animal desk reference.

Support and Sooth Sensations of Muscular Tension 
Peppermint is often used in DIY recipes for soothing qualities*.

• I apply peppermint directly to areas that need attention- dilute with carrier oil if too intense. Avoid the eyes! Consult with your physician if you have concerns. 
• I use the Sore No More Roller on areas such as the lower back after a long day of standing
• For a refreshing bath, I add 10 drops of Peppermint essential oil to a cup of Epsom salt and let it soak for about 15 minutes before pouring the salts into the water. You could also do this in the shower by placing the same items in the back corner of the shower.
• I like to use in a refreshing massage. Peppermint provides a unique cooling sensation.

Sore No More Roller: (this is a fan favorite!)
In a 5 ml roller bottle, add 5 drops Panway, 10  drops Peppermint, 5 drops Copaiba. I apply directly to muscles, apply to temples or base of the skull to soothe tension.

Sore No More Bath Salts:
In a 4 oz glass jar, combine 5 drops Peppermint, 5 drops Panway, and 5 drops Copaiba with epsom salt. Let this sit for 15-20 minutes before using the bath salts in the water.

Peppermint Massage Serum:
In a 2 oz dropper bottle, add about 20 drops of Peppermint essential oil and fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil. Then its a premade mixture ready for when you need you use it for a back massage.

​It is great for Baking and Cooking (Vitality only)
Peppermint Vitality is an essential oil that I love to use in the kitchen for sweats.

• Basically, I add about 3-6 drops Peppermint Vitality to any brownie or cookie recipe. I simply add the drops to the recipe while stirring all ingredients together. When adding vitality essential oils into recipes in the kitchen, I make sure I am using essential oil safe cooking pans and bowls.
• I most often add 5-6 drops of Peppermint Vitality to double chocolate, chocolate chip cookies or peppermint brownies. I love chocolate and peppermint but cooking with the vitality oils makes things simple.

May Help with Certain Food Desires
I have found that these three- used in a capsule or in my water- can help me deter from unwanted foods*. Instead I combine: Peppermint, Lemon, and Grapefruit Vitality oils. 

"Food Desires Trio" Vitality Capsule:  

• Use a “00” gelatin capsule, open the capsule and  in one half fill the capsule with the number of desired drops:
• 1-3 drops of Peppermint Vitality
• 1-3 drops of Lemon Vitality
• 1-3 drops of Grapefruit Vitality
• Fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil 

DIY Skin Care
I specifically like adding peppermint to my DIY Lip Balm and my DIY Sugar Scrub. I use it because Peppermint is so invigorating thereby adding a nice sensation to the lips. It also helps when gently exfoliating the skin on your legs and arms when used in a DIY sugar scrub. Bonus tip: You can add a little lavender to the lip balm or sugar scrub. 

Peppermint Sugar Scrub
I have been making sugar scrubs for a long time now, they are super easy to put together and a very effective, natural, way to provide support! Sugar scrubs can be used on the entire body from heels to lips with various essential oils. I simply add this self-care step to my shower routine and I am amazed by the results of a product that is so easy to make. 

Ingredients for Sugar Scrub:

• Young Living Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils
• 1 1/1 cup organic sugar (brown or white sugar OR use sea salt as an alternative)
• ¼ cup carrier oil such as Coconut Oil, Grape seed Oil, or Almond Oil

Directions for Sugar Scrub

Peppermint Lip Balm:

• I like to use Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils
• 1 Tablespoon Grape Seed Oil or Almond Oil
• 1 Tablespoon solid Coconut Oil
• 1 ½ Tablespoon Beeswax
• 1 Tablespoon Shea Butter
• 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Butter
• Double Broiler (or use a pot of water and with a glass measuring cup)
• Pour mixture into lip balm tubes or lip balm tins to harden 

Directions for Essential Oil Lip Balm

​All Around The House:
​Add a drop or two onto your wool dryer balls to freshen up the laundry.

• Put a few drops on a cotton ball or create a spray to use  in the corners of the kitchen or house to keep away outdoor annoyances that like to come around unwanted areas, such as door frames, counter tops, doormats.  
• Create a DIY room spray with 2 oz jar, add 10 drops of peppermint, 10 drops of lavender, a little witch hazel, fill the rest with distilled water.
• When you don't even want to address the piles of laundry you have around the house, the dirty dishes in the sink, and the other 20+ items in your to-do list, just turn to peppermint! Put a couple drops into your diffuser and it will help kick your butt into gear.

Related Essentially Well Posts: 

• Young Living Essential Oil Enrollment Promotion
• New and Improved Essential Oil Premium Starter Kit 
• Everything You Need to Know About Lavender

Please feel free to comment and let us know how you are using peppermint.

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​As always, if you are new to essential oils and do not have any of your own, consider a premium starter kit from Young Living. This is widely regarded as the simplest way to get started with essential oils. When signing up for your first kit, you will have the opportunity to choose one of our leaders. This is an important step as they will provide you with ongoing support for the lifetime of your Young Living journey at no added cost to you! You can do this simply by visiting the our team page and selecting the individual you would like as your direct upline.

Further, by signing up as a member you will also receive tons of additional promotions such as saving 24% off retail pricing on future purchases of Young Living products.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. Please see our disclaimer.