Cooking
Peppermint oil is one of the oldest additives in cooking. The ancient Romans used it during celebratory feasts and it is still used today in teas, chocolate and baked goods. It can also be added to marinades for meats. Here are some recipes that incorporate peppermint oil.
Peppermint Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
- 3 cups dried organic unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 ¼ cups raw cacao powder
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup virgin unrefined coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 drops pure Peppermint essential oil
- pinch of sea salt
Directions
Put all ingredients into a food processor. Blend until they form a dough. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop the dough onto a cookie sheet Place the cookie sheet in the freezer to set for about 20 minutes. Once solid, keep refrigerated and enjoy!
Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies:
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint oil
Icing:
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint oil
- Chocolate Drizzle
- 2/3 cups chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9” x 13” pan. For the brownies, stir the butter, sugar and salt together. Mix in the cocoa powder and stir until smooth. Add the eggs one by one, beating gently in between until smooth. Mix in the flour and baking soda and stir until combined. Mix in the peppermint oil. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth to make even. Bake for 29 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cook completely. For the icing, mix all the ingredients together until smooth. Pour over cooled brownies. For the chocolate drizzle, place the heavy cream in a bowl and place in the microwave. Heat until the cream is hot and forming bubbles. Stir in the chocolate chips and immediately drizzle on top of the brownies and icing.
Cleaning
Store bought cleaners can be filled with harsh and dangerous chemicals that have been linked to cancer, asthma and skin irritation. Essential oils can be used to clean around the house without leaving toxins behind. Peppermint oil is antibacterial and can destroy germs on contact. Peppermint oil can also be added to store bought cleaners to increase their effectiveness and improve their aroma. Here are some recipes for cleaning products that include peppermint oil.
Peppermint Shower Cleaner
Ingredients
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions
Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake well to mix. Spray daily on shower surfaces to keep away germs and mildew. Rinsing is not necessary.
Peppermint Everyday Cleaner
Ingredients
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 12 drops Lavender essential oil
- 12 drops Peppermint essential oil
Directions
Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake well to mix. This spray can be used on kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or almost any other surface. The peppermint adds a refreshing scent that also reenergizes you while using.
Body Care
Peppermint oil has many great benefits for healthy skin and hair. It can be added to already existing products or easily used to make homemade versions. Try these recipes for peppermint oil that can improve your mood and health.
Homemade Peppermint Body Lotion
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons emulsifying wax
- 1/3 cup grapeseed oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
- ½ cup distilled water
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E
- 18 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 10 drops grapefruit seed extract
Directions
In a double boiler, combine the oil, emulsifying wax and glycerin over slow heat. Stir until the wax is completely melted. After removing from heat, add the vitamin E. Gently warm the water in a separate pot until lukewarm. This is necessary to prevent separation. Slowly pour the warm water into the oil mixture. Use a wire whisk to stir constantly until the solution is thick but smooth. Lastly, stir in the essential oils and grapefruit seed extract. Pour the lotion into a dark glass bottle. Let it cool before sealing. Store the lotion in a cool, dark place. Use as needed as a moisturizer.
Sore Muscle Rub
Ingredients
- 4 drops Thyme essential oil
- 4 drops Lavender essential oil
- 4 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops Marjoram essential oil
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil of choice
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Once fully incorporated, apply topically while massaging the body to relieve sore muscles. An alternative method is to add the ingredients directly to a warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes, breathing deeply. Avoid contact between the medicated water and eyes.
Homemade Peppermint Shampoo
Ingredients
- ½ cup castile soap
- ½ cup distilled water
- 16 drops Rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
Directions
In a plastic container with a flip top, pour in the castile soap. Add the essential oils and finish by adding the water.
Peppermint Face Mask
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon French green clay
- 1 tablespoon rhassoul clay
- pinch vitamin C powder
- 3 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops Ginger essential oil
- 2 drops Patchouli essential oil
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Jojoba oil
- Aloe vera juice, as needed
Directions
Stir both of the clays and vitamin C powder together. Add the drops of essential oils and jojoba oil. Add the aloe vera juice slowly until the mixture is a thick but smooth paste. Apply the mask to your face and allow to dry. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry.
When working with peppermint oil, take precautions to avoid side effects. Never consume large amounts of peppermint oil by itself and do not apply the oil undiluted to skin unless directed to by a medical professional. If any signs of allergic reaction begin, such as a rash or itching skin, stop use immediately. Body care products should not be used on children.
