Essential oils are natural oils extracted from plants and flowers through the process of distillation. In some cultures around the world, essential oils have been used for their powerful medicinal and therapeutic powers for years.

An oil that has been used for thousands of years is peppermint oil, which is a mix between spearmint and winter mint. Peppermint oil has been known to help treat indigestion, respiratory problems, fever, stomach cramps, and nausea.

What are some other uses for peppermint?

You can also use peppermint oil in a relaxing bath, to relieve sore muscles or headaches through compression, for a massage, to add to your humidifier, or to spray on your pillow before bed.

How does an essential oil like peppermint oil differ from herbs?

During the distillation process of an essential oil, these plants are held in a higher concentration than herbs. For example, it would take roughly 28 cups of peppermint tea to equal one drop of peppermint oil. Also, the essential oil is derived from what the plant makes when trying to fight off an infection or if its survival is threatened.

What else do you need to know about peppermint oil?

Dr. Sarah LoBisco joins Dr. Holly to discuss the many benefits of peppermint oil, as well as how to correctly use it.