20 Peppermint Essential Oil Uses: DIYs & Everyday Wellness

20 Peppermint Essential Oil Uses for Everyday Wellness, DIY Recipes & Refreshing Aromatherapy

Discover Peppermint Essential Oil uses for home, self-care, DIY recipes, and aromatherapy. Peppermint is one of the most versatile oils you can keep in your home. With its crisp, cooling aroma and refreshing scent, it can elevate everything from your morning routine to your evening relaxation ritual. Whether you're creating homemade body care products, freshening your home naturally, or blending essential oils in your diffuser, peppermint offers endless possibilities.

Derived from the leaves of Mentha × piperita, peppermint essential oil contains naturally occurring menthol, giving it its signature cooling sensation and invigorating fragrance. It has become a favorite among aromatherapy enthusiasts because it blends beautifully with citrus, floral, woodsy, and herbal oils while adding an unmistakable burst of freshness.

Let's explore some of the best ways to enjoy peppermint essential oil every day.

Why Northridge Oak Peppermint Essential Oil Belongs in Every Collection

A single bottle can serve dozens of purposes throughout your home and self-care routine.

Peppermint essential oil is commonly used for:

• Creating refreshing diffuser blends
• Cooling massage oils
• Homemade care products
• Linen and room sprays
• Natural cleaning blends
• Shower steamers
• Foot Soaks
• DIY body care gifts
• Aromatherapy for focus and relaxation

What You'll Need for These Peppermint DIY Recipes

You don't need everything on this list to get started. Choose the recipes you'd like to make and use this as a quick shopping guide.

Tip: Peppermint is the star of the show! You don't need every essential oil on this list to get started. Many of these recipes feature Peppermint on its own, while the additional oils give you more options for creating different aromas and diffuser blends. Start with Peppermint and add to your essential oil collection over time.

Essential Oils

• Peppermint Essential Oil
• Lavender Essential Oil
• Frankincense Essential Oil
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• Blood Orange Essential Oil

Carrier Oils & Personal Care Ingredients

• Jojoba Oil
• Fractionated Coconut Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Olive Oil
• Shea Butter
• Beeswax
• Unscented Body Lotion

Salts, Baking & Pantry Ingredients

• Fine Granulated Sugar
• Epsom Salt
• Baking Soda
• Citric Acid
• Cornstarch

Household Ingredients

• Distilled Water
• Witch Hazel

DIY Supplies

• Essential Oil Diffuser
• 1 oz Dropper Bottle
• 2 oz Bottle
• 4 oz Spray Bottle
• 6 oz Spray Bottle
• Small Cosmetic Tin or Jar
• Clean Airtight Jars or Containers
• Silicone Mold
• Fine-Mist Spray Bottle
• Cotton Balls
• Breathable Sachets or Small Open Dishes
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Small Funnel
• Heat-Safe Container
• Double Boiler or Small Saucepan + Heat-Safe Bowl

That's it! You don't need a cabinet full of specialty ingredients to start making useful products with your Peppermint Essential Oil. Pick a recipe that sounds fun, gather what you need, and start creating.

Ready to Make Something?
Look through the recipes below, choose one that sounds good, and start with what you already have at home.

DIY Peppermint Essential Oil Recipes

Peppermint Safety Note: Peppermint Essential Oil is highly concentrated and should be properly diluted before topical use. Avoid contact with the eyes, face, mucous membranes, and broken or irritated skin. Peppermint contains menthol and requires additional precautions when used around young children. Always review the safety guidance at the end of this article before using Peppermint Essential Oil.

1. Peppermint Scalp Oil

Refresh your scalp with this simple pre-shampoo treatment. Peppermint Essential Oil provides a cool, invigorating sensation, while jojoba oil helps moisturize and condition the scalp, leaving it feeling fresh and revitalized.

You’ll Need:

• 1 oz jojoba oil
• 4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 oz dropper bottle

Add the essential oils to a clean 1 oz dropper bottle. Fill with jojoba oil and gently roll the bottle between your hands to combine.

Before shampooing, apply a small amount to the scalp and gently massage. Allow to sit for approximately 10–15 minutes, then shampoo thoroughly.

Avoid the eyes, face, and irritated or broken skin. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

2. Cooling Peppermint Foot Scrub

Treat tired feet with this invigorating exfoliating scrub.

You'll Need

• 1 cup fine sugar
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil

Combine ingredients thoroughly and transfer to a clean, dry airtight container. Massage a small amount onto damp feet using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly.

Caution: Oils may make shower or bathtub surfaces slippery. Use care when rinsing and exiting.

3. Nourishing Peppermint Foot Lotion

You'll Need

• ½ cup (approximately 4 oz) unscented body lotion
• 8 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops frankincense essential oil

Measure the lotion into a clean, dry bowl. Add the essential oils and stir thoroughly until evenly incorporated. Transfer to a clean, dry container with a lid. Apply a small amount to clean, dry feet as needed.

For external use only. Avoid broken or irritated skin. Wash hands after application.

4. Peppermint & Eucalyptus Shower Steamers

You’ll Need:

• 1 cup baking soda
• ¼ cup citric acid
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 12 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 8 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• Witch hazel in a fine-mist spray bottle, as needed
• Silicone mold

Combine the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch. Add the Peppermint and Eucalyptus Essential Oils and mix thoroughly. Lightly mist the mixture with witch hazel a little at a time, mixing between sprays, until it just holds together when squeezed. Do not oversaturate. Press firmly into a silicone mold to make approximately 8 small shower steamers. Allow them to dry completely for 24–48 hours before removing from the mold.

To use, place one shower steamer on the shower floor away from the direct stream of water and away from where you will step. Allow splashes of warm water to slowly activate the steamer and release the aroma into the shower.

Important: Shower steamers are not bath bombs. Do not use in the bathtub or apply directly to skin. The shower floor may become slippery; use caution.

5. Refreshing Linen Spray

You'll Need

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 8 drops peppermint
• 6 drops lavender
• 4 drops blood orange

Combine ingredients in a 6 ounce spray bottle and shake vigorously.

Important: Essential oils and water do not stay mixed. Shake well before every use to temporarily disperse the essential oils. Lightly mist bath towels, curtains, carpets, or other washable fabrics. Always spot-test an inconspicuous area first.

Peppermint Diffuser Blends You'll Love

Add each blend to your diffuser according to the manufacturer's recommended oil capacity, adjusting the number of drops as needed for your diffuser size and room.

6. Morning Energy

• 4 drops Peppermint
• 3 drops Blood Orange
• 2 drops Lemon

Bright, uplifting, and perfect for starting the day.

7. Calm & Focus

• 3 drops Peppermint
• 3 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Frankincense

Ideal for working from home or reading.

8. Cozy Autumn Morning

• 3 drops Peppermint
• 3 drops Blood Orange
• 2 drops Cinnamon Leaf

A warm yet refreshing seasonal favorite.

9. Fresh Forest

• 3 drops Peppermint
• 3 drops Cedarwood
• 2 drops Balsam Fir

Brings the outdoors inside.

10. Spa Retreat

• 2 drops Peppermint
• 3 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Bergamot

Perfect for evening relaxation.

11. Citrus Mint Sunshine

• 3 drops Peppermint
• 3 drops Blood Orange
• 2 drops Grapefruit

An energizing blend for kitchens and living spaces.

12. Winter Cabin

• 3 drops Peppermint
• 2 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Pine
• 2 drops Cedarwood

Fresh, woodsy, and comforting during colder months.

Easy Ways to Use Peppermint Around the House

13. Peppermint Trash Can Freshener

You’ll Need

• Cotton ball
• 2–3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Add 2–3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil to a cotton ball and allow the oil to absorb. Place the cotton ball under the trash can liner, where it won't come into direct contact with finished surfaces.

Replace or refresh as needed.

Important: Keep the scented cotton ball out of reach of children and pets. Essential oils may damage or discolor some surfaces, so avoid direct contact with plastic, painted, stained, or finished surfaces.

14. Freshen While You Vacuum

Peppermint Vacuum Freshener

Add 2–3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil to a cotton ball and allow the oil to absorb.

For a bagless vacuum, place the cotton ball in the collection canister only if it will not interfere with airflow, filters, or moving parts. For a bagged vacuum, place the scented cotton ball inside the vacuum bag if the manufacturer's instructions allow it.

As you vacuum, the airflow can help release the fresh Peppermint aroma.

Important: Never apply essential oils directly to the vacuum filter, motor, or other mechanical components. Always follow your vacuum manufacturer's care instructions.

15. Make a Natural Peppermint Room Spray

You'll Need

• 6 tablespoons distilled water
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel
• 10 drops Peppermint
• 10 drops Blood Orange

Directions:

Add the witch hazel and essential oils to a 4 ounce spray bottle and swirl to combine. Add the distilled water, recap and shake well.

Shake well before each use, then lightly mist into the air whenever your home needs a naturally fresh aroma.

Important: Essential oils and water do not stay mixed. Shake well before every use to temporarily disperse the essential oils.

16. Freshen Closets and Drawers

Peppermint Cotton Ball Freshener

Add 2–3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil to a cotton ball and allow the oil to absorb. Place it in closets, dresser drawers, linen cabinets, or storage areas for a fresh Peppermint aroma.

Refresh with another 1–2 drops when the scent begins to fade.

Tip: Place the cotton ball in a small open dish, breathable sachet, or other protective container to prevent the essential oil from coming into direct contact with clothing, finished wood, plastic, or other surfaces, as essential oils may stain or damage some materials.

17. DIY Carpet Freshener

Freshen up carpets and rugs with this simple DIY powder. Baking soda helps absorb unwanted odors, while Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils leave behind a crisp, clean aroma that helps your home smell fresh and inviting.

You'll Need

• 1 cup baking soda
• 8 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Add the baking soda to a bowl or jar. Add the Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils and stir or shake thoroughly until the oils are evenly distributed and there are no visible clumps.

Lightly sprinkle the mixture over the carpet. Allow it to sit for approximately 15–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly to remove all of the baking soda.

Important: Always test a small, inconspicuous area of carpet first. Keep children and pets away from the treated area while the powder is down, and vacuum thoroughly before allowing them back onto the carpet.

Tip: Avoid heavily applying the powder. A light, even sprinkle is all you need, and excessive amounts of fine powder may not be appropriate for every vacuum cleaner. Always follow your carpet and vacuum manufacturer's care instructions.

Peppermint in Your Self-Care Routine

18. Cooling Peppermint Massage Oil

You’ll Need

• 2 oz fractionated coconut oil
• 6 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
• 2 oz bottle

Add the essential oils to a clean 2 oz bottle. Fill with fractionated coconut oil, cap, and gently roll between your hands to combine. Massage a small amount onto shoulders, legs, feet, or other desired areas.

Important: For external use only. Avoid the face, eyes, mucous membranes, and broken or irritated skin. Wash hands after application.

19. Cooling Peppermint Foot Soak

You’ll Need

• ½ cup Epsom salt
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 drop Frankincense Essential Oil

Combine the Peppermint, Lavender, and Frankincense Essential Oils with the fractionated coconut oil and mix thoroughly. Add the diluted oil mixture to the Epsom salt and stir until evenly incorporated. Add the mixture to a basin of comfortably warm water and stir well before placing your feet in the water. Soak feet for 10–15 minutes, then carefully remove your feet and pat dry.

Caution: The carrier oil may make the basin or surrounding surfaces slippery. Use care when standing or walking afterward.

For adult use. Avoid use on broken, irritated, or freshly shaved skin.

20. Peppermint Foot Balm

Give dry, tired-feeling feet some extra attention with this moisturizing Peppermint Foot Balm. Shea butter and coconut oil help soften and condition rough skin, while Peppermint Essential Oil provides a refreshing, cooling sensation—perfect for an at-home foot-care routine.

You’ll Need

• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon beeswax
• 3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• Small cosmetic tin or jar

Combine the shea butter, fractionated coconut oil, and beeswax in a heat-safe container. Gently heat using a double boiler until completely melted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly without allowing it to harden. Add the Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils and stir thoroughly. Pour into a clean, dry cosmetic tin or jar and allow to cool completely before covering.

Massage a small amount onto clean, dry feet as needed.

Important: For external use only. Avoid broken or irritated skin. The balm may make feet slippery immediately after application, so allow it to absorb before walking.

Oils That Blend Beautifully with Peppermint

Peppermint is surprisingly versatile and pairs well with many essential oils.

Citrus

• Blood Orange
• Lemon
• Grapefruit
• Bergamot

These combinations create bright, uplifting aromas.

Floral

• Lavender
• Geranium
• Ylang Ylang

Excellent for balancing peppermint's cooling freshness.

Woodsy

• Cedarwood
• Frankincense
• Pine
• Balsam Fir

Perfect for grounding diffuser blends.

Herbal

• Rosemary
• Basil
• Eucalyptus
• Tea Tree

Fresh, clean combinations ideal for home use.

Peppermint Essential Oil Safety Tips

Peppermint Essential Oil is highly concentrated and contains naturally occurring menthol, so a little goes a long way. Used appropriately, it can be a wonderful addition to your home and self-care routine, but Peppermint requires a few additional precautions.

Dilute Before Applying to Skin

Always dilute Peppermint Essential Oil in an appropriate carrier oil or properly formulated product before applying it to the skin. Using undiluted essential oils increases the risk of irritation and other skin reactions.

Follow the dilution amounts provided in the recipes above, and avoid assuming that adding more essential oil will make a recipe better or more effective.

Avoid Eyes, Face & Sensitive Areas

Keep Peppermint Essential Oil away from the eyes, inside the nose, mucous membranes, and other sensitive areas. Wash your hands after applying Peppermint-containing topical products so you don't accidentally transfer the oil to your eyes or face.

Do not apply Peppermint Essential Oil to broken, irritated, or freshly shaved skin.

Peppermint Essential Oil & Children

Peppermint requires additional caution around babies and young children because of its menthol content. Menthol should not be inhaled by or applied to the face of infants or small children because it may negatively affect their breathing.

Keep Peppermint Essential Oil bottles and Peppermint DIY products securely stored out of reach of children. Young children are particularly vulnerable to accidental essential-oil ingestion.

When using essential oils around children, follow age-appropriate essential-oil and dilution guidance rather than assuming an adult recipe is suitable for a child.

Diffuse Responsibly

Follow your diffuser manufacturer's instructions and adjust the amount of essential oil according to the size of your diffuser and room.

More isn't necessarily better. Avoid prolonged, intensive exposure to essential-oil vapors, and stop diffusing if anyone experiences coughing, headache, nausea, eye or throat irritation, or difficulty breathing.

Perform a Patch Test

Before using a new Peppermint topical recipe over a larger area, test a small amount on a limited area of skin first. Discontinue use if you experience redness, burning, itching, rash, or other irritation. Peppermint oil can cause skin irritation in some people.

Do Not Ingest Peppermint Essential Oil

The DIY recipes in this guide are intended for aromatic, household, or external topical use only. Do not ingest Peppermint Essential Oil or add it to food or beverages based on the recipes in this article.

Essential-oil ingestion presents different safety considerations and should not be treated as interchangeable with topical or aromatic use.

Pregnancy, Nursing & Medical Considerations

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, managing a medical condition, or have concerns about using essential oils, talk with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before use.

Keep Away From Pets

Keep essential-oil bottles and DIY products where pets cannot lick, ingest, spill, or come into direct contact with them. When diffusing, make sure pets can leave the area and avoid forcing prolonged exposure to concentrated aromas.

Store Essential Oils Safely

Keep Peppermint Essential Oil tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Always keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.

Peppermint essential oil is much more than a refreshing scent—it's one of the most adaptable oils for DIY projects, home fragrance, and topical self-care. From refreshing scalp and foot care treatments to invigorating diffuser blends and natural home fresheners, there are countless ways to incorporate this crisp, minty favorite into your daily routine.

Whether you're building your essential oil collection or looking for new recipes to try, peppermint pairs effortlessly with classics like lavender, frankincense, and blood orange to create blends that are both refreshing and relaxing.

Experiment with different combinations, customize your favorite recipes, and enjoy the clean, revitalizing aroma that makes peppermint an essential staple in every home.

Northridge Oak - Peppermint - 100% Pure Peppermint Essential Oil

$7.50

Experience the Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil Peppermint 100% Pure Essential Oil Botanical Name: Mentha piperita A Natural Energizer for Mind and Body - Peppermint Essential Oil Peppermint Essential Oil is known for its invigorating aroma, which can help boost mental… read more

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