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 purposes. It has a sharp odor that’s cool and refreshing, and the 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 has a wide variety of uses. For example, it can be used as:

• a remedy 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 products such as mouthwashes
• a fresh, pleasing scent added to soaps and cosmetic products

People can use peppermint oil in a variety of ways. It can be:

• applied topically (on the skin)
• diffused in the form of essential oil
• ingested orally in tablet or capsule form
• applied intranasally (putting droplets inside the nose)

It’s important to be careful that you are not ingesting peppermint essential oil. You should always check with a doctor before consuming peppermint oil in any form or applying it topically.