Mint (Mentha) is widely used for its culinary, medicinal, and aromatherapeutic properties. It represents a group of perennial herbs that includes 18 species and 11 hybrids. The most known are peppermint, spearmint, and wild mint.
Today, mint is known primarily for its refreshing taste and aroma. However, in ancient times, it was recognized for its numerous health benefits.
In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, mint was used to treat indigestion and soothe the stomach. In fact, peppermint leaves have been found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1,000 B.C.
In the Middle Ages, peppermint was used to polish teeth and keep rats and mice out of stores. By the 18th century, in Western Europe, peppermint was used for nausea, morning sickness, vomiting, menstrual disorders, and respiratory infections. Mint was listed in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1721 as a remedy for colds, headaches, sores, and venereal disease.
Mint was also acknowledged for its ability to interact with the central nervous system. For example, in South Africa, the dried leaves were burned and the smoke was inhaled as a treatment against mental illness.
Recently, scientists have confirmed the effectiveness of these ancient practices through numerous studies demonstrating that mint can regulate the nervous system.
Because of its diverse array of healing properties, peppermint can replace several man-made medications commonly found in a modern first aid kit.
Headaches
When experiencing a headache, I reach for peppermint instead of aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol).While man-made drugs are commonly believed to be “more effective” than natural medicine, the scientific research suggests otherwise.
Local topical application with peppermint oil is effective in treating tension headaches, the most common form of headache. In fact, studies have shown that peppermint oil is as effective at relieving tension headache as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and paracetamol (acetaminophen).
While peppermint is a natural plant remedy, aspirin can contain synthetic ingredients such as carnauba wax, D&C yellow #10 aluminum lake, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, and triacetin.
Nausea
When experiencing nausea or motion sickness, I reach for peppermint instead of Dramamine or Gravol.A study published in the medical journal Nursing in 2016 concluded that “peppermint oil inhalation is a viable first-line treatment for nausea in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.” Post-surgery, 34 patients experienced nausea with an average nausea rating of 3.29 on a scale of 0 to 5, with 5 being the greatest nausea. Two minutes after inhaling peppermint oil, the average nausea rating dropped significantly, to 1.44.
Constipation
When I experience constipation, I reach for peppermint instead of MiraLAX.Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules were reported as safe and effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, according to a study in the Journal of Gastroenterology. According to the study, 79 percent of adult patients who consumed the capsules three or four times daily, 15–30 minutes before meals for one month reported an alleviation of the severity of abdominal pain, 56 percent were entirely pain-free, and 83 percent reported less abdominal distension.
While peppermint is a natural plant remedy, MiraLAX contains polyethylene glycol 3350, which is derived from fossil fuels.
When to Use Peppermint
Peppermint has been shown through scientific studies to be useful in the following ways:- Headache relief
- Pain reduction
- Increased alertness
- Decreased anxiety & fatigue
- Relief from nausea
- Relief from constipation
- Relief from coughing
- Improved sleep
Different Therapeutic Options
While direct consumption of raw mint is an effective remedy, it is perishable, rendering it impractical for a first aid kit. Likewise, peppermint tea is an effective remedy; however, it requires warm water and time to steep, which isn’t ideal for a quick remedy.The best options for a first aid kit include diluted peppermint essential oil, aromatherapy, and capsules.
These remedies can be made at home or purchased pre-made. Below are my favorite recipes along with common dosages.
Diluted Peppermint Essential Oil
Add three drops peppermint essential oil to two teaspoons organic fractionated coconut oil. I add the oils to a glass essential oil roller bottle for ease of application, but a glass bottle with an eye dropper works well too. Simply apply the diluted essential oil to your skin where needed. For example, to relieve a tension headache, apply diluted peppermint essential oil to the temples and back of the neck. For constipation, apply to the abdomen.Peppermint Aromatherapy
Add two or three drops peppermint essential oil to a vaporizer or diffuser and enjoy the minty aroma. For a relaxing bath, add a couple of drops of essential oil directly to the bathwater. Alternatively, add a few drops to distilled water in a spray bottle and spritz your home, car, or office.Peppermint Capsules
Peppermint capsules can be made at home or purchased. Enteric-coated capsules are commonly recommended to prevent the capsules from breaking down before reaching the intestines. This helps reduce the likelihood of unwanted side effects, such as heartburn.Follow the dosage recommendation on the product label or ask your doctor for a recommended dosage. Peppermint oil is reportedly safe at a dosage of 0.2–0.4 milliliters of oil three times per day in enteric-coated capsules for adults. (one drop is about .05 milliliters.)
A Word on Peppermint Quality
Not all peppermint essential oil is created equal. To decrease costs, essential oils are sometimes adulterated by adding a similar but cheaper oil or diluting the natural oil with various solvent oils.In 2023, ConsumersAdvocate.org tested 11 peppermint essential oils samples and reported that four were adulterated. Identifying an adulterated essential oil can be tricky because it may smell like an unadulterated essential oil, but the quality and effectiveness are likely diminished.
When choosing an essential oil, I purchase only products that are organic, do not contain additives or synthetic chemicals, and have been tested for heavy metals, microbes, and glyphosate.
Herbal First Aid Kit
Part 1
Turmeric: Natural First Aid Treatment for Inflammation, Pain, Fever and More
Part 2
Plantain: A First Aid Weed With Antibiotic, Antiviral, and Pain-Blocking Effects
Part 3
Peppermint: First Aid for Nausea, Headache, Constipation, and More
Part 4
Frankincense: A First Aid Essential Oil With Anti-Arthritic, Analgesic, Anti-Microbial Effect and More
Part 5
People’s Paste: Herbal First Aid for Minor Cuts, Burns, Insect Bites, and Rashes
Part 6
Aloe Vera: First Aid for Hemorrhoids, Dry Skin, Burns, Wounds and More
More from this series
Precautions
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their health care provider before consuming mint. Peppermint may interact with some prescription drugs, such as cyclosporine, acid-reducing medications, ulcer medications, calcium channel blockers, and other drugs used for hypertension or high blood pressure. People with a hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diarrhea, or a condition that causes the stomach to not produce enough acid should consult with a health care provider before consuming mint. Peppermint oil is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.Frankincense is one of the world’s most important and well-known natural remedies—for good reason.
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