Peppermint essential oil is one of my favorite oils to keep around the house. It smells fresh and clean, and a few drops go a long way. These DIY peppermint oil recipes are ones I use all the time: one for cleaning, one for travel, and two for pampering yourself.

 

1. Peppermint Baking Soda Scrub

Baking soda is one of the best natural cleaners you already have in your kitchen. It’s gentle enough to use almost anywhere: sinks, stovetops, inside the fridge, grout and everything in between. The peppermint gives it a fresh smell.

What you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 drops dish soap
• A few drops of water (add more as needed)
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• White distilled vinegar in a spray bottle

How to make it:

1. Put the baking soda in a small dish.
2. Mix in the dish soap and a few drops of water.
3. Add the peppermint oil and stir until it turns into a foamy paste.
4. Spread it on the surface with a sponge or soft brush.
5. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
6. Spray with vinegar to rinse. It will fizz, and that’s normal!
7. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. The vinegar smell goes away once it dries.

Note: On tile, rinse with water instead of vinegar. Never use vinegar on natural stone such as granite, marble or travertine, because the acid can etch and dull it.

Love making your own cleaners? Browse more of my natural cleaning recipes right here on the blog, Secrets from a Cleaning Lady.

2. Peppermint Oil for Travel Sickness

Feeling queasy in the car, on a plane or on a boat? Peppermint may help settle your stomach.

What you’ll need:

• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the massage option)
• A cotton ball and a small sachet bag

Two ways to use it:

• Sniff it: Put 4 drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball, tuck it into a small sachet bag and breathe in the scent whenever you feel sick.
• Rub it on: Mix the 4 drops into 1 tablespoon of olive oil and gently massage it onto your tummy.

Tip: Always mix peppermint oil with a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil or grapeseed oil) before putting it on your skin. Test a small spot first. Peppermint oil isn’t recommended for babies or young children, so check with a doctor before using it on kids or if you’re pregnant.

3. Homemade Peppermint Lip Balm

This is one of the easiest DIY peppermint oil recipes to make. It’s soft, smooth and has a cool, tingly feel.

What you’ll need:

• ½ teaspoon honey
• 1¼ tablespoons shredded beeswax
• 1¾ tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

How to make it:

1. Put the honey, beeswax and coconut oil in a small pot on medium heat.
2. Stir until everything melts.
3. Take it off the heat and keep stirring as it cools and starts to thicken.
4. Stir in the peppermint oil.
5. Pour it into a small jar or tin before it gets fully thick.
6. Let it sit for about an hour before using.

To use, dab it on with your fingertip or a Q-tip. Keep it away from your eyes.

4. Peppermint Sugar Hand Scrub (Great for Gifts!)

This is a lovely way to scrub away dry skin and leave your hands soft.

What you’ll need:

• ¼ cup raw sugar
• ¼ cup sea salt (use coarse sea salt, not table salt)
• 2¼ tablespoons raw honey
• 1¼ tablespoons coconut oil
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 to 5 drops peppermint essential oil

How to make it:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Spoon it into a mason jar with a screw-on lid.
3. To use, scoop a little with your fingers, scrub your hands, then rinse with warm water.

Tip: Because this has lemon juice and no preservatives, make small batches and use it within a week or two. Skip it if you have cuts on your hands, because the salt and lemon will sting!

Gift idea: I make my own labels from brown construction paper, write the recipe on them and tie jute twine around the lid. These make wonderful birthday, Christmas or “just because” gifts! Of all my DIY peppermint oil recipes, this is my favorite one to share.

Safety Tips for DIY Peppermint Oil Recipes

• Always dilute it before putting it on your skin.
• Keep it away from your eyes.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Peppermint oil can be harmful to cats and dogs.
• Store it in a cool, dark place with the cap closed tight.

You can learn more about peppermint oil safety from the National Institutes of Health.

A Little Goes a Long Way with DIY Peppermint Oil Recipes

Who knew a little bottle of peppermint essential oil could be so useful? From freshening up your home to making homemade lip balm and thoughtful gifts, these simple DIY recipes are fun, affordable, and easy to make with ingredients you may already have on hand.

I hope these recipes inspire you to try something new! Whether you’re making something for yourself or putting together a thoughtful homemade gift, a little peppermint can go a long way. Don’t forget to save this post and bookmark it so you can easily find these recipes whenever you need them.