Hello and welcome to my letter M post in the #AtoZChallenge. My theme for the challenge is aromatherapy and today, I’ll be talking about minty essential oils. The most well-known oils in this category are peppermint and spearmint. I don’t own spearmint, though I want to someday. I do own peppermint essential oil and also field mint (also known as corn mint), which is very similar.
Peppermint essential oil is far stronger than most other essential oils. Though it is generally safe to use peppermint essential oil in massage and skincare products, you should very much dilute it into a carrier oil. I, for one, prefer to use at most 0.2% peppermint essential oil. This means two drops of essential oil in a 100ml bottle of carrier oil. Don’t use peppermint essential oil in a bath or in whole-body massages. Field mint is somewhat safer to use.
Besides concentrated peppermint essential oil, there also are peppermint extracts, which are less concentrated. You can also buy enteric-coated capsules, which contain a tiny amount of peppermint oil in a special coating.
Peppermint can be used to lessen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The menthol in peppermint supposedly helps block calcium from moving across the intestinal membrane, thereby lessening symptoms of intestinal spasming, which are the main cause of IBS-related discomfort and pain.
Peppermint essential oil, when inhaled, may also be able to reduce indigestion and nausea. However, it may actually contribute to reflux, so do consult your doctor when you experience persistent heartburn or acid reflux.
Minty essential oils, along with eucalyptus essential oil, are well-known for their refreshing properties and can be used to relieve cold symptoms.
Spearmint essential oil, unlike peppermint, is safe to use on children. It is also more skin-safe than peppermint. It doesn’t have as strong an aroma, but still is refreshing. It can be used to stimulate the senses and clear the mind.
Spearmint essential oil blends well with many different oils, including citrus oils such as bergamot and orange, lavender, ylang ylang, etc. It has a unique combination of uplifting and stress-reducing properties.
Peppermint oil blends well with oils like lemon and eucalyptus. It is more stimulating and energizing than spearmint.
Do you like the smell of peppermint? If you’ve tried spearmint, do you like it?
A Multitude of Musings 
I have a peppermint roll-on that’s blended with lavender and a few other things, and I put it on my temples when I have a headache.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds great! Indeed, I read somewhere that peppermint essential oil is also thought to help with headaches.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve noticed it seems to help with mild headaches.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome, I’m glad you found something that helps.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I grow peppermint in my garden (specifically, chocolate mint — which has chocolaty overtones). I love that it is a hardy, perennial plant — and use it to make tabouli salad in the summer months and dried, as a refreshing tea, in winter. I should also try growing spearmint, which is not as intense — perhaps this year, now you’ve given me the idea. https://mollyscanopy.com/2021/04/margot-moose-and-ancestral-connections-atozchallenge/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s so interesting. I’ve never tasted chocolate mint. So glad I inspired you to try growing spearmint.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Peppermint anything is a favorite here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome. I personally don’t like peppermint candies or tea, honestly generally the taste of peppermint, but I do like its smell.
LikeLike
My Body shop foot cream has peppermint in it. It really relaxes my aching feet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true, peppermint can definitely help with relaxing muscles and joints.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s something I turn to when I’m tired.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve also seen peppermint in foot balms.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would like to get this oil. I heard it is helpful for headaches.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it may be. I’d say definitely give it a try.
LikeLike
I am drinking peppermint tea right now 😀 It’s one of my favorite morning teas.
The Multicolored Diary
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy you like it! Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
I havent tried either one, but I do like the smell of peppermint! I’m definitely going to look into buying some oils.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great that you like the smell of peppermint. It can be really energizing.
LikeLike