Scientific Name: Mentha Piperita
Benefits/History: This week’s spotlight is on one of our favorite extracts - peppermint oil! This versatile, multi-benefit essential oil is not only a favorite aromatherapy oil, but has also become a popular ingredient in both hair and skin care.
In addition to smelling fantastic, peppermint’s cooling scent boosts energy and antibacterial defense, brights clarity and mental focus, suppresses headaches, relieves stress, and helps clear sinus congestion when used in aromatherapy. This invigorating oil blends well with oregano, eucalyptus, tea tree, grapefruit, lavender, and lemon.
Peppermint oil has also become a widespread hair treatment, combating hair loss and thinning. The cooling properties of peppermint oil penetrate the scalp and stimulate hair follicles and blood circulation to promote healthy hair growth.
This essential oil can also provide relief from various skin conditions and ailments including burns, rashes, and dryness with its cooling and soothing effects. Always remember to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil when applying topically. Keep an eye out for products with peppermint oil as it is known to control oil production, improve dullness, and prevent clogged pores!
DIY recipe:
One of our favorite DIY recipes using peppermint oil is a summertime body sugar scrub. It exfoliates, moisturizes, improves mood, and can be made using 5 simple pantry products!
To get started, you’ll need:
- Glass Jar
- ¼ a cucumber, unpeeled
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp on softened coconut oil
- 8-10 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Puree cucumber until cucumber skin is in small flecks
- Add in sugar and coconut oil
- Mix until oil is fully absorbed
- Add in drops of peppermint oil
- Stir scrub to distribute oil
- Use, wash off, and enjoy your exfoliated skin!
