What Does Peppermint Oil Do For Aromatherapy?

Peppermint essential oil is a familiar, affordable, easily obtainable oil with diverse application methods and a broad range of functions in aromatherapy. It is highly aromatic and used in foods, beauty products and health supplements, as well as aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils such as peppermint oil for healing. You can have adverse reactions to an essential oil, so always consult your physician before use

Methods of Use

Many methods disperse peppermint oil in aromatherapy. The primary methods work through absorption, inhalation or both. The best method depends on personal preference, health condition and tolerance. Ask your physician before selecting a method of use.

Skin Application Techniques

Topical applications include peppermint massage oils, face oils, lotions, face masks, compresses and pure essential oils. The Commission E, German's herbal regulatory agency, recommends the topical use of pure peppermint oil only in small quantities. Three to four drops of peppermint oil are sufficient when applying peppermint oil directly to the skin; higher levels can cause skin irritation.

Inhalation Techniques

Steam showers, steam baths, steam saunas and candle diffusers use heat, water and a few drops of peppermint oil to create an aromatic mist. Adding a few drops of peppermint oil to water in a vaporizer releases a cool scented vapor. Electronic diffusers disperse peppermint's volatile oils without water or heat. Electronic diffusers propel air through the peppermint oil, forcing oil droplets into a chamber called a nebulizer, where the particles break into a delicate mist. This method disperses essential oils without damage to the chemical structure, thus protecting more of the oil's therapeutic value.

Benefits

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, topical peppermint oil cools and soothes skin irritations including hives, poison ivy and poison oak. Acne, nausea, intestinal gas and muscle pain also might respond to topical peppermint oil applications. According to Marcel Lavabre, the author of "Aromatherapy Workbook," topical and diffused peppermint oils have antiseptic, antispasmodic, decongestant, antidepressant and stimulant properties that can help in the treatment of infections, sinus congestion, colds, coughs, allergies, headaches, tiredness and depression. Although peppermint oil in small quantities is considered safe for most adults, always seek the advice of your health care provider before use.

Warnings

The quality and composition of essential oils and essential oil preparations varies. Select only high-quality ingredients when purchasing or preparing combinations. Never substitute peppermint fragrance or perfume oils for essential oils. Read the instructions and warnings on all labels.

According to the American Cancer Society, topical use and inhalation of peppermint essential oil in small quantities is safe for most adults. But there can be adverse reactions, including skin sensitivity, hives, allergies, gastric complaints, respiratory distress and respiratory failure in susceptible individuals. Avoid areas close to the eyes to avoid eye irritation. Avoid use with infants, young children, pregnant and nursing women. See Resources below for additional safety warnings. Always consult your personal physician before use.