The plant family of mint takes its name from Greek Mythology. It is said that Pluto seduced the nymph Minthe who was then turned into a plant and trod into the ground by Pluto's wife. Pluto, apparently unable to turn her back into a nymph, turned Minthe into an herb instead, so that rather than being trodden, Mintha would continue to be appreciated and honored by people for years to come. Peppermint essential oil has many various uses, but has been known to uplift the Spirit, and in ancient times it was revered as a visionary herb known to bring on prophetic dreams. Peppermint has been used for ages as a flavoring in food, gums, toothpaste, medicines, and mouthwashes, but it has medicinal properties in its own right that many people may not be aware of.

The peppermint herb is actually believed to be a hybrid cross between two other types of mint: water mint and spearmint. It grows throughout North America and Europe and was indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Peppermint leaves can be used fresh or dried and added to teas. Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant. If you plan to take peppermint internally, you should be cautious however as one of the major constituents is menthol. Menthol doses over 1g per kilogram of body weight may be fatal. Concoctions that involve teas or a small amount of drops of peppermint essential oil do not come close to reaching this dosage of menthol, however. Peppermint essential oil on the skin should be diluted as the full strength oil will irritate skin, and should be used no more that 3 or 4 times daily as a tolerance effect may build up.

Peppermint essential oil used in small doses is generally safe for most adults. Possible side effects include heartburn and possible allergic reaction. Capsules with peppermint essential oil are generally coated to reduce the possibility of experiencing heartburn. It is always wise to share with your health care providers any alternative and complementary practices you use to manage your health, including the use of herbs and essential oils. If you regularly employ herbs or essential oils in your health care, you may want to consider working with a naturopathic doctor or someone who specializes in herbal medicines. The information provided here is not intended to diagnose or treat any conditions and is strictly meant for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before using peppermint essential oil internally if you are pregnant or nursing and avoid using in children without the guidance of a health care professional.

Peppermint Essential Oil for Stomach Problems, Indigestion, and Nausea

Peppermint essential oil can be used effectively to treat a variety of stomach and intestinal problems including nausea, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome.  It is used internally in very small doses – generally a few drops in water or hot water, or sometimes in capsules if the peppermint causes heartburn (a possible side effect).  Peppermint essential oil has been scientifically shown to improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.  When added with caraway oil, peppermint oil helps to relieve indigestion.  Inhaling a diffusion of peppermint will help with nausea and morning sickness.  In addition, inhaling peppermint essential oil with ginger and lemon also aids in treating motion sickness.

Peppermint Essential Oil to Aid Memory and Focus

Diffusing peppermint essential oil while studying has been shown to increase a person's ability to concentrate, focus, and remember things.  For this reason, it can also be used in a holistic treatment of depression which often impairs concentration, focus, and memory.  Peppermint is also effective at increasing alertness.  Adding a small cloth to the car vent with a few drops of peppermint essential oil will help you remain mentally alert while driving.  This is also effective for taking tests – especially if you've used peppermint to aid in your studies as research has shown that taking a test under similar conditions to studying increases further your ability to recall information.  Simply take a small tissue with a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the test with you to increase your focus, concentrate, and memory during the exam.

Peppermint Essential Oil and Migraines

Peppermint, diluted with a carrier oil and combined with lavender essential oil and massaged into the temples has shown to be effective in treating migraine headaches as well.  It is important not to use peppermint undiluted on the skin as it can irritate the skin, unlike lavender.  Peppermint used on the skin should be diluted at least 10 to 1 in a carrier oil.