If there's one essential oil that everyone should own, it's peppermint oil. If you are just starting out your collection of essential oils, peppermint should be the first one on your list. Peppermint oil is ideal for soothing digestive troubles, making DIY toothpaste and oral rinse recipes, as well as a multitude of other uses. Since you are already familiar with the scent of peppermint because of its ubiquitous presence in thousands of products around the world, there is no doubt that you’ll think of endless possibilities for peppermint essential oil in your own home.
The Origin and Source of Peppermint Essential Oil
It may surprise you to learn that peppermint is actually a hybrid plant that came from watermint and spearmint. The peppermint plant grows natively in Europe and the Middle East, but its wide popularity and cultivation has yielded commercial crops throughout the globe. In many parts of the United States, for example, peppermint can be found growing wild in backyards. The peppermint plant is an herbaceous perennial that only grows to about 12 inches at full height. Peppermint has natural pesticide components in its chemical makeup, as well as menthol and menthone, which make it ideal for oral cleansers and rinses. Aromatically, peppermint has been reported to relieve the symptoms of stomach upset simply by gently inhaling the essential oil.
Characteristics of Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a bright and refreshing scent. Many people find comfort in the concentrated scent of peppermint essential oil, and have found relief from stress, anxiety, or stomach difficulties from overeating a heavy meal.
The same pleasant fragrance that we enjoy from smelling peppermint makes it a natural pest repellent when used in the pantry or in vegetable gardens.
Using Peppermint Essential Oil at Home
There are many uses for peppermint essential oil in your everyday life, including homemade products for your bathroom and kitchen. Keep a bottle of peppermint essential oil in your bedroom for use as instant aromatherapy during late night stomach upsets, one in your kitchen to keep pests away, and one in your bathroom medicine cabinet for inclusion in DIY toothpaste recipes.
Use as a Pest Repellent
Kitchen pest dislike the smell of peppermint. Peppermint essential oil contains a naturally-occurring pesticide that also works to keep pests at bay. To use as a pest repellent, get a small bottle with a plastic cap. (An old prescription medicine bottle is good.) Puncture a few holes in the top. Fill the bottle with water and put in about 5 drops of peppermint essential oil. Label the bottle and leave in the pantry to deter pests.
Use as a Room Mister
Fill a small spray bottle with filtered water. Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Mist guest rooms, kids’ rooms and the kitchen for a refreshing, light scent that will invigorate and freshen.
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