Peppermint is one of those oils that earns its place in every collection. That sharp, cool, instantly recognisable scent is as versatile as it is refreshing - brilliant for making a room feel fresh and awake, for a cooling pick-me-up, and for all sorts of jobs around the home. If you're wondering what peppermint oil is good for and how to use it, here's our honest, practical guide.
A quick note first: we write about peppermint as an aromatherapy and home oil - a fresh, invigorating scent to enjoy and a handy one to have around the house - not as a medicine. Essential oils aren't a treatment for any health condition, and nothing here is medical advice.
What is peppermint essential oil?
Peppermint essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha x piperita). Its cool, crisp character comes largely from a natural compound called menthol, which is what gives peppermint that unmistakable fresh "zing" - the same reason it's the classic flavour for mints and toothpaste. It's a potent oil, so a little goes a long way.
What does peppermint smell like?
Sharp, cool and clean - bright, minty and instantly refreshing, with that crisp menthol lift that makes a room feel wide awake. It's one of the most recognisable scents there is. It sits in the herbal and minty scent family and blends beautifully with citrus, other herbs and eucalyptus.
Uses for peppermint oil around the home
1. Diffuse it for a fresh, invigorating atmosphere
The simplest way to enjoy peppermint is in a diffuser. That crisp, cool scent makes a room feel instantly fresher and more alert - lovely first thing in the morning, in a home office, or as a bright lift on a sluggish afternoon. Add 3–5 drops to your ultrasonic diffuser (peppermint is strong, so start small).
2. A fresh, clean-scented home spray
The menthol in peppermint cuts through and leaves a wonderfully crisp, clean scent, so it's great in a natural surface spray. Combine 10–15 drops with white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, shake, and use on hard surfaces for a fresh, minty-clean finish.
3. Keep it fresh in cupboards and corners
Peppermint's strong scent is famously unpopular with spiders, ants and mice, which is why people have long used it as a natural deterrent around the home. Pop a few drops on cotton pads and tuck them into pantry corners, under sinks or wherever you'd rather critters stayed away - and enjoy the fresh mint scent while you're at it.
4. A cooling foot soak
After a long day on your feet, few things feel as good as a cool peppermint foot soak. Add a couple of drops (mixed into a tablespoon of carrier oil or a handful of Epsom salts first) to a bowl of warm water for a refreshing, cooling soak - a lovely little bit of self-care.
5. A bright, focused workspace
Crisp peppermint is a favourite for a home office or study - fresh and invigorating when you're settling in to concentrate. Try it with a drop of rosemary or lemon for an extra-crisp, awake feel.
Peppermint's cooling scent for a fresh, invigorating lift
In aromatherapy terms, peppermint is the quintessential invigorating, energising scent - the one people reach for when they want a room (and themselves) to feel fresh, cool and awake, rather than warm and cosy. That crisp menthol aroma is naturally reviving, which is why it's such a lovely morning and mid-afternoon scent. A drop on a tissue for a quick breath of cool mint is one of the simplest pick-me-ups there is.
What does peppermint blend well with?
Peppermint is bold, so use it sparingly in blends - a drop or two is usually plenty:
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For a fresh, clearing blend: eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon
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For a bright, focusing blend: rosemary, lemon, grapefruit
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For a cool, uplifting blend: sweet orange, lime
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For a calmer, balanced blend: a little lavender to soften the mint
For ready-made ideas, our guide to DIY essential oil blends has 15 diffuser recipes to try.
How to use peppermint essential oil
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Diffuser: 3–5 drops in an ultrasonic diffuser, in a well-ventilated room (start small - it's strong).
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Cleaning: in a vinegar-and-water surface spray (recipe above).
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Skin: always dilute well - 1–2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil - and patch-test first. Peppermint can feel intensely cool, so go gently.
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A quick lift: a drop on a tissue for a fresh breath of cool mint.
Peppermint oil safety
Peppermint is potent, so please use it carefully:
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Always dilute well before applying to skin - undiluted peppermint can cause irritation or a burning sensation. Patch-test first, and keep it well away from the eyes.
- Never swallow essential oils.
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Children: menthol isn't suitable around babies and young children - don't use it on or near the face of under-6s, and check with a professional.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding: check with your midwife or doctor first.
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Pets: peppermint can be harmful to cats and dogs - if you diffuse, make sure pets can leave the room, and never apply it to them.
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Ventilate: diffuse in a well-aired room, and go easy - a little peppermint fills a space quickly.
Bring home that cool, fresh scent
Crisp, cool and endlessly useful, peppermint is one of the most versatile oils to have on your shelf - fresh in the diffuser, handy around the home, and a bright, invigorating note in all sorts of blends.
Add pure peppermint essential oil to your collection, browse our full range of pure essential oils, and pair it with one of our ultrasonic diffusers to fill your home with that clean, invigorating scent - all made and bottled here in Wellington.
This article is for general information about using peppermint as an aromatherapy and home oil. It isn't medical advice, and essential oils aren't a treatment for any health condition. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have a health condition, or are using oils around children or pets, please check with a qualified professional first.
