Updated 27 January 2024
Botanical characteristics
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Mentha
- Part used: Aerial parts, plant
- Country of origin: Hungary, India, France, United States
Precautions for use
Vigilance! The power of this essential oil reminds us that it should not be used lightly.
Although peppermint essential oil can be used by all routes of administration, it is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under 6 years of age.
It is also similar to oestrogen and is contraindicated in people with epilepsy.
It contains very few potentially allergenic components, with less than 4% limonene and linalool.
Other precautions
Cutaneous use:
- Peppermint essential oil is irritating to the skin, so it is best to dilute it between 10-15% when applying to large areas (10-15% essential oil and 85-90% vegetable oil).
- For children aged 7-15 years, a dilution of 5% is recommended.
Diffusion:
- Do not diffuse pure peppermint essential oil, it should be diluted between 10 and 15% in other essential oils.
Contraindications:
- Do not use this essential oil for prolonged periods without the advice of a therapist.
- An excessive dose may cause respiratory distress, convulsions or epileptiform syndrome and may have narcotic effects.
- May be mildly nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic if taken in high doses and over a long period of time.
- May cause jaundice in people with G6PD enzyme deficiency.
- Peppermint essential oil should not be used in people with cholelithiasis, gall bladder inflammation, severe liver disease, hypertension or significant cardiovascular problems.
- Avoid contact with the eyes! Irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes. In case of contact, wash the eye with vegetable oil, water is not effective.
Allergenic components:
Peppermint essential oil contains few allergenic biochemicals.
- Limonene (≤ 5%)
- Linalool (≤ 0.5%)
Note: It is best to test the essential oil before use (two drops on the crease of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check for a reaction).
Authorised users
How to use
Risks of use
Properties
Peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated in menthol, mentone, 1,8-cineol and isomentone. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
- Local analgesic
- Tonic, general stimulant
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
- Antiparasitic
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cholagogue, choleretic
But also those secondary properties:
- Expectorant
- Uterotonic
- Enterotonic
- Anti-catarrhal
- Mucolytic
- Progestogen decongestant
Indications
- Hypotension
- Rheumatism
- Insect stings
- Itchy skin
- Constipation
- Cystitis
- ENT Infection
- Intestinal worms
- Renal colic
- Hepatic insufficiency
- Hepatitis
- Indigestion
- Aerophagia
- Aerocolia
- Motion sickness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bad breath
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Asthenia
- Various types of fatigue
- Hot flushes
- Migraine
- Headache
- Shingles
- Neuralgia
- Sciatica
- Pain after physical shock
Directions for use/usual dosage
- Bad breath: 1 to 2 drops diluted or swallowed on a neutral medium, 2 to 3 times a day.
- External complaints: as a topical ointment, diluted to a maximum of 5% in a vegetable oil (in synergy), or 1 drop of pure EO as a topical ointment to relieve pain (bites, etc.).
- Emergency anaesthesia for a bite: a few drops rubbed locally to relieve the pain before treating the haematoma with, for example, Italian helichrysum EO or, failing that, true lavender or bay laurel.
- Gum and toothache: 1 to 2 drops in a localised massage.
- General and digestive stimulant (indigestion, nausea, flatulence): a trace on the tongue or on a neutral surface (possibly on a sugar cube), 2 to 3 times a day.
- Nausea, motion sickness: same + inhale 1 to 2 drops on a handkerchief.
- Colds: same as above to unblock the nostrils, more effective with honey (the size of a pea on the tongue to unblock the nostrils "from behind").
- Headache: a smear on the temples, behind the ears and on the forehead to relieve the headache (be careful not to touch the eyes!), or you can massage the neck with a mixture of peppermint and lavender.
- Insect bites: immediately, 1 to 2 drops applied topically.
- Hiccups: 1 drop of Mint EO on each side of the 5th cervical vertebra.
Find out more
This essential oil was clinically studied in Italy in 2007 on 24 people suffering from functional colopathy (irritable bowel syndrome) and it was found that 225 mg (in the form of gastroresistant capsules) taken twice a day, 1 hour before meals, significantly improved the symptoms associated with this syndrome after 4 weeks.
Dr PENOËL recommends it as part of an emergency kit. N.B.: It is important to respect physiological doses. This tonic, fresh and stimulating EO "spices things up", but as with spices, don't overdo it. Nor should it be used in the evening before going to bed.
Field Mint, Poison Mint, Green Mint and Nana EO are more delicate and should only be used by therapists.