Stay Cool This Summer with Peppermint Essential Oil

As temperatures rise and summer days get hotter, staying cool becomes essential. One of nature’s most invigorating solutions? Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita). Known for its cooling effects and refreshing aroma, peppermint oil is the perfect addition to your summer wellness routine.

Why Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint oil isn’t just refreshing—it’s also versatile. It can help cool you down after a workout and keep you energized during a heatwave. Peppermint oil contains menthol, a compound known for its cooling sensation when applied to the skin. This natural compound provides a refreshing, energizing effect, making it ideal for hot summer days.¹ It can help:

• Support tired muscles

• Uplift your mood and energy

• Ease tension and congestion
  
  

Here are three simple recipes featuring peppermint that will keep you feeling cool and revitalized all season long.

1. Cool & Collected Roller Blend

Stay refreshed, balanced, and bright with this pocket-sized pick-me-up.

• 1 drop Peppermint oil Mentha ×piperita

• 1 drop Lemon oil Citrus limonum

• 1 drop Lavender oil Lavandula angustifolia

• 5 mL carrier oil (like jojoba or argan)

Instructions: Combine the essential oils and carrier oil in a 10 ml roller bottle. Gently roll on your wrists for a boost.

2. Invigorating Shower Blend

Wake up your senses and energize your body—this bold shower blend is your ultimate kickstart for a hot day ahead. 

• 3 drops Peppermint oil Mentha ×piperita 

• 4 drops Rosemary oil Rosmarinus officinalis

• 2 drops Juniper berry oil Juniperus communis

• 1 drop Ginger oil Zingiber officinale 

• 5 mL carrier oil (like jojoba or argan) or dispersant

• (5% dilution)

Instructions: Blend all essential oils together with the carrier oil or dispersant, and store in a sealed glass bottle. Use daily in the shower by placing 10 drops on a wet, hot washcloth and inhaling for 10 deep breaths, and then use the washcloth to wash the body.

3. Peppermint-Citrus Cooling Diffuser Blend

This blend is perfect for creating a refreshing, energizing summer atmosphere indoors. It also makes a great “wake-up” aroma for groggy mornings!

• 3 drops Peppermint oil Mentha ×piperita

• 2 drops Sweet orange oil Citrus sinensis

• 2 drops Lemon oil Citrus limonum
  
  

Instructions: Add the essential oils to your diffuser with the recommended amount of water. Diffuse in your home or workspace to uplift, refresh, and cool down your environment.

Peppermint Oil Safety Tips

While peppermint oil is incredibly versatile, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always dilute with a carrier oil (like jojoba oil or argan oil) before applying to the skin.

• Avoid using on young children or near the eyes and mucous membranes.

• Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.
  
  

With just a few drops of peppermint essential oil, you can stay cool, fresh, and energized all summer long. Whether you're rolling it on, transforming your shower, or diffusing it into the air, these DIY recipes are simple, effective, and natural ways to beat the heat.

Learn more ways to incorporate essential oils in your daily life with AROMA 101 Introduction to Aromatherapy, offered by American College of Healthcare Sciences.  

Sources:

1. Hunter AM, Grigson C, Wade A. INFLUENCE OF TOPICALLY APPLIED MENTHOL COOLING GEL ON SOFT TISSUE THERMODYNAMICS AND ARTERIAL AND CUTANEOUS BLOOD FLOW AT REST. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Jun;13(3):483-492. PMID: 30038834; PMCID: PMC6044592. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6044592/#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20the%20results%20of,the%20placebo%20and%20ice%20conditions.