Peppermint is a fragrant oil with many household uses. It has a vibrant smell and pleasant taste, so it can be used in many different ways. Buy a high quality peppermint oil, so that you know you are getting pure oil that has no other ingredients. Peppermint oil is potent, so use it sparingly and discontinue use if you experience any discomfort.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), peppermint oil can be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and other stomach-related conditions as well as headaches. For indigestion or gas, add a drop or two to water or tea and drink normally. To relieve headache pain, add a small amount to your temples or the back of your neck, wherever you feel tension or pain. Be sure not to get it too near your eyes.
Because of its vibrant and refreshing nature, smelling peppermint oil can alleviate the symptoms of stress. Place a dab between your eyes or a drop or two on a cotton ball and inhale the aroma. Place near you to enjoy the effects all day long.
Peppermint oil can repel pests, such as mice, rats, ants and cockroaches. Add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it in windowsills, cupboards or wherever you think the pests enter or travel. It can also be used to safely kill aphids on indoor or outdoor plants. Add one drop of oil to every ounce of water in a spray bottle and spritz the leaves and branches of your plant. To remove ticks from your pets, place a drop of oil on a cotton swab and swab the tick until it unhinges its head, allowing you to remove it without the risk of it breaking.
Because of its pleasant, but powerful smell, peppermint oil is the perfect remedy to cover unpleasant or strong odors. You can also use it to add fragrance to various household items. Add it to paint to reduce or eliminate fumes as you are painting. Add as many drops as necessary until the paint odor has been replaced by a refreshing minty smell.
Add a few drops to homemade cleaners to give it a nice scent or to mask an unpleasant smell. Many cleaners made for use at home contain vinegar or rubbing alcohol, both emitting unpleasant odors. Do not add too much peppermint oil, though, as it may cause streaking. About one drop per 16 ounces is a good estimate.