Topical uses

The essential oil of peppermint applied topically (always diluted of course) increases skin blood flow via vasodilation, stimulating circulation and creating a lovely cooling sensation and relieving pain by acting on cold-sensitive TRPM8 cold receptors in the skin and mucous membranes.

Peppermint’s powerful analgesic (pain-relieving) actions are useful for easing earaches, tooth and muscle aches. The high menthol content provides cooling pain relief by blocking pain perception on skin and mucous membranes, making it useful for relieving headaches when applied to the temples and forehead.

Menthol has shown promise in supporting skin barrier function in very small quantities. This is an interesting example of “the dose makes the poison” — in one study, topical menthol at 0.1% (approx. 0.2% peppermint oil) helps with skin barrier repair while menthol at 5% acts as a barrier disruptor.

Peppermint is also antimicrobial and are effective against a range of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy, the smell of peppermint is simultaneously calming and stimulating. The volatile oils in peppermint (including menthol), which are responsible for its minty scent and taste, are useful in relieving anxiety and tension and also for refreshing and energizing the senses. 

I’m a longtime fan of Dr. Bronner’s peppermint Castile soap for this very reason… the invigorating smell and cooling effects of peppermint soap is a beloved part of my wakeup ritual. ♥

Inhaled peppermint may even be protective against seasonal allergies, showing some antiallergenic potential in studies on mice.

Internal uses

As a digestive aid, the bitters in peppermint tone and cleanse the liver, and also stimulate the bile and digestive juices necessary to jumpstart the digestive process. Peppermint’s menthol content is responsible for its ability to relax gastrointestinal smooth muscle, while its antispasmodic and carminative actions can ease cramping of the stomach associated with gas and digestive upset. Peppermint has been called the “drug of first choice” for IBS sufferers.

Peppermint can provide relief from nasal congestion and its anti-inflammatory and histamine inhibiting flavonoids have been shown to be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and other respiratory ailments. Menthol’s antitussive (cough suppressing) and expectorant actions are a match made in heaven paired with honey, which has been shown to be just as effective as common, over-the-counter cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DM). 

Sweet sweet (raw) honey

Raw, unpasteurized, unfiltered honey has a long history in folk medicine as a cough suppressant and a soothing remedy for sore throats. It’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it beneficial for everything from asthma to UTIs to ulcers.

Honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe sore throats from colds or allergies. Taking a spoonful of raw honey can coat and heal an irritated throat. Adding it to tea is another option.

Raw honey contains enzymes like amylase, lipase and protease that may aid digestion. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects support a healthy gut. Some find regular honey consumption helps reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

Honey is also a source of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides, which nourish intestinal gut bacteria critical for digestion and health in general. 

If you opt for a local variety and consume it regularly, it may also protect against environmental allergies such as those caused by seasonal pollen. Consuming local honey introduces small amounts of allergen pollens and desensitizing the immune system to the allergens that would normally trigger a reaction.

Topically, honey’s antimicrobial properties make it useful for treating minor wounds, burns and skin infections. Honey’s viscosity provides a protective moist wound healing environment that promotes new tissue growth and rapid healing with minimal scarring. Its acidic pH (between 3 and 4.5) restores skin’s naturally acidic barrier and prevents microbe growth. Honey’s glucose oxidase enzyme also produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which gives it disinfectant properties.

These protective and antiseptic/antimicrobial properties combined with honey’s anti-inflammatory actions make honey a natural choice for conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis and dandruff. 

In skincare applications, honey is an extremely nourishing humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin and helps to keep it hydrated. Additionally, honey’s mildly astringent actions tone, tighten and stimulate circulation in the skin, creating a healthy glow and a tightening effect.

Honey may actually improve the delivery of nutrients into the skin. Studies show that combining honey with aqueous solutions of nutrients like vitamin C and E leads to enhanced absorption and bioavailability within the skin’s epidermal and dermal layers. The glucose and fructose sugars may facilitate the passing of antioxidants through the lipid layers of the skin.