The peppermint plant is a versatile perennial herb that has been cherished since ancient times. The plant’s first recorded appearance dates back to 1000 BC when dried peppermint leaves were found entombed in ancient Egyptian pyramids.1 Throughout time, this herb has been valued as a multi-purpose plant and an essential oil whose components are now used by cosmetic, culinary, and health industries around the world. Peppermint oil is also well known for its ability to help alleviate occasional stomach upset and promote healthy respiratory function when used internally.* With so many facets and uses, Peppermint essential oil continues to be one of doTERRA’s best-selling and highly-favored essential oils.
Where to Buy Peppermint Oil
To buy a pure bottle of Peppermint, visit our Peppermint essential oil product page.
Many essential oils available for purchase contain filler substances and contaminants that weaken the purity and power of the oil. However, at doTERRA, we know that a pure bottle of essential oil has the potential to change lives; that’s why doTERRA’s mission is to provide essential oils that are highly effective and free of additives and harmful contaminants. We guarantee pure essential oils through the CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® quality protocol. This protocol includes a series of strict tests that ensure the essentials oils we sell are free from filler substances or impurities—making the doTERRA essential oils you purchase powerful and pure.
Peppermint’s scientific name is Mentha piperita. In ancient Greek Mythology, Minthe (also known as Mentha), a nymph, was transformed by Queen Persephone into a sweet-smelling mint.
The peppermint plant is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint plants. This cooling and relaxing herb is characterized by its square stem, dark green leaves, and small bunches of light lavender flowers. The peppermint plant can grow to be approximately 18–36 inches tall and can be found in a variety of different areas. Peppermint is known to grow best by streams or in wet locations with a lot of rainfall. Due to its specific water needs, Peppermint is cultivated in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Chemistry of Peppermint Oil
Main Chemical Components: Menthol, Menthone, 1,8-Cineole
The main chemical component in Peppermint essential oil is menthol. Menthol has a monoterpene backbone with an alcohol functional group. Menthol contains energizing properties that contribute to the overall energizing effect of Peppermint oil. Menthol is known to soothe the smooth muscle that lines the colon.* This relaxant property occurs due to menthol’s ability to keep calcium channels working optimally. The relaxing of colon smooth muscle reduces the movement of bowels, which eases occasional bowel looseness. Because of this effect, menthol is a main contributor to Peppermint essential oil’s ability to promote digestive health.* When Peppermint is swallowed, typically it is followed by a cooling sensation. This response happens because menthol activates the TRPM8 receptor, an indicator of cold.3* To learn more about the chemical components of Peppermint oil or other essential oils, visit the doTERRA Science Blog.
Oils that Blend Well with Peppermint Oil
Watch this video to learn about the sourcing of Peppermint oil.
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.