Peppermint oil is extracted from the stem, leaves and flowers of the peppermint plant, a flowering perennial hybrid cross between the water mint and spearmint plants. Menthol, a pain-relieving compound, is one of the active ingredients in the volatile oil that makes up peppermint. Peppermint oil has a variety of alternative medicine uses in addition to edible use as a food and beverage flavoring. Consult your physician before using peppermint oil to treat any medical condition.
Cooking and Flavoring
Peppermint oil has a strong minty taste and pungent aroma, which makes it an ideal accent in cooking. The oil is more potent than cooking with ground leaves or stems so less is best if you are attempting to add flavor without overwhelming your taste buds. To cook or flavor foods with peppermint oil, dilute one drop of the oil with 4 oz. of liquid like water, rice milk or honey to maintain the flavor without overloading your mouth with mint. Add peppermint oil to homemade salad dressing, baked goods or tea.
Oral Care
Gingivitis is a dental disease that causes inflammation and infection of the gums and tissues that support your teeth. It is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque bacteria. Careful oral hygiene, including a dental cleaning, are the primary treatments for this disease. As part of a comprehensive plan of care, make a mouthwash with peppermint oil to treat gingivitis. Combine a drop of sage oil, peppermint oil, chamomile and clove oil in half a glass of water and swish slowly three times a day, recommends the University of Michigan Health System. Consult your physician before using peppermint oil to treat gingivitis or as a mouthwash.
Reduces Indigestion, Nausea and Bloating
Indigestion is an uncomfortable sense of fullness you feel during and after a meal that may also result in burning pain of the upper abdomen, bloating and nausea. Indigestion is different than heartburn, which is caused by stomach acids rising into your esophagus, but the symptoms may feel similar. Peppermint oil combined with caraway and fennel in enteric-coated capsule form may relieve these symptoms. As an alternative, you can mix three to five drops of peppermint oil in one glass of water and drink this before each meal to prevent indigestion from occurring.
Headache and Pain Relief
Peppermint oil may serve as an effective pain reliever for mild discomfort from tension headaches, low back pain or muscle pain. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, use a 10 percent peppermint oil preparation on the temples three times a day for headache relief. To treat back or muscular pain, use the topical method in combination with eucalyptus several times a day or as needed. Peppermint oil as a moderate to severe pain reliever may not be as effective. Consult your physician before applying topical peppermint oil to your body for pain relief.
Side Effects and Interactions
Although peppermint oil is natural, it can have side effects when used in excessive doses. Follow all package labeling instructions for use and consult your physician before using peppermint oil as a medicinal agent. Side effects include allergic reactions, triggering menstruation or skin rash. Do not use peppermint oil if you are taking medications to treat stomach acid or digestive disorders. Peppermint oil may lower your blood sugar and should not be taken if you are on diabetic medications or blood pressure medications.
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