Peppermint essential oil is one of the most commonly used and versatile oils. It's great for boosting energy, relieving headaches and nausea, soothing sore muscles and opening the sinuses. It can be applied topically for these ailments (diluted with a carrier oil) or used in a diffuser. Peppermint is also antimicrobial and antiviral and works as a strong antioxidant. Anyone suffering from seasonal allergies can benefit from peppermint's expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its ability to stimulate the scalp, peppermint oil can also be added to shampoo to help combat thinning hair. It also fights dandruff.
Peppermint oil is also quite effective as an insect repellent, especially for ants, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitos, mice and possibly even lice. It has been shown to repel malaria, filarial and yellow fever for 60-180 minutes.
Try adding a few drops of peppermint oil with a bit of witch hazel and water to a spray bottle to keep the mosquitos away this summer!
by Kristy Baird
