Peppermint . . . it brings to mind thoughts of candy canes and little peppermint candies. Some may think of tea, but how often do you think of bug repellent or muscle rub? Peppermint oil, although it is used to make wonderful sweets, also has a lot of other great uses.
Not restricted to just being used orally, you can make mouthwashes and topical rubs along with items to be used around the home. Peppermint oil is extremely versatile. Check out these 7 ways to use it.
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1. Spider repellent. For an all-natural way to repel spiders, Herbs & Oils World places 10 to 15 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle full of water. Spray this around the perimeter of the inside of the house to keep the spiders away.
2. Muscle rub. For those sore muscles, Dr. Axe uses peppermint oil. He combines 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup beeswax, 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper and 2 teaspoons ginger in a double boiler on the stove. Melt these together and stir. Once these are thoroughly combined, add 15 drops of peppermint oil and 15 drops of lavender oil.
3. Sinus. Dr. Axe says to place peppermint oil in a diffuser so that you are inhaling it. The oil helps to open the sinuses and alleviate the sinus headache.
4. Indigestion. For people who suffer from indigestion, WebMD states that enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules seem to help alleviate symptoms from indigestion and stomach spasms. Taking non-enteric-coated peppermint oil will actually make problems worse.
5. Tension headache. WebMD reports that studies show using peppermint oil for tension headaches shows promise. Apply the oil topically to the temples, forehead and wrists to find relief.
6. Mouthwash. According to Mercola, peppermint oil is useful in killing bacteria in the mouth, thereby preventing bad breath. You can make your own mouthwash by combining 1/2 cup water, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 drops tea tree oil and 2 drops peppermint oil. Keep this in a Mason jar to use.
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7. Stress. The smell of peppermint tends to be very relaxing, so Mercola says to place the peppermint oil in a diffuser to help manage your stress.
Have fun experimenting with this popular essential oil!