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Peppermint is an aromatic herb in the mint family. It’s a hybrid mint that’s a cross between spearmint and watermint. It can be found naturally in North America and Europe.

Peppermint essential oil can be extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant and is used for a variety of different purposes.

Read on to discover more about the forms of peppermint oil, its uses, and potential health benefits.

Forms of peppermint oil
Peppermint oil can be found in a variety of forms. Some examples include:

essential oils, a very concentrated form that can be used for aromatherapy or diluted and applied to the skin
extracts, a more diluted form that can be used to add peppermint flavor to foods
capsules, which can be taken as dietary supplements
Peppermint oil has a sharp odor that’s cool and refreshing. Its taste is similar. You may be familiar with the coolness in your mouth after you consume something with a peppermint flavor.

The main chemical components of peppermint oil are menthol and menthone. However, there are many more as well.

Peppermint oil uses
Peppermint oil has a wide variety of uses. For example, it can be used as:

a treatment for a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and other digestive issues, as well as the common cold and headaches
a topical application for relief from itching, muscle pain, and headache
a flavoring agent in foods and in products such as mouthwashes
a fresh, pleasing scent added to soaps and cosmetic products
Peppermint oil benefits
Records of the use of mint plants for medicinal purposes go all the way back to the times of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. So, what does modern research say about the benefits of peppermint oil?

While some of the potential benefits of peppermint oil are based off of personal testimony, research is ongoing into its health benefits. We’ll explore some of that research below.
