Peppermint oil is one of the most powerful natural remedies found in herbal medicine.

Its refreshing scent, cooling sensation, and potent plant compounds make it a favorite for easing tension headaches, relieving nausea, improving digestion, and calming the mind.

While you can buy peppermint oil in stores, many people don’t realize how easy – and much more affordable – it is to make your own right at home.

Homemade peppermint oil doesn’t require special equipment, and you can create a high-quality infusion using fresh or dried peppermint leaves and a carrier oil you already have in your kitchen.

Why Peppermint Is So Effective for Headaches & Nausea

Peppermint has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Its benefits come from its natural compounds, especially menthol, which gives peppermint its cooling, numbing, and soothing effects.

Here’s why peppermint oil works so well:

It Relaxes Tight Muscles in the Head and Neck

Most tension headaches are caused by tight muscles. Peppermint oil relaxes these muscles, especially around the temples and forehead.

It Improves Blood Flow

Menthol stimulates circulation, helping ease heaviness or pressure around the head.

It Calms Nausea and Upset Stomach

The scent of peppermint reduces nausea by calming the stomach and relaxing the digestive tract. This is why peppermint tea and peppermint aromatherapy are classic remedies for nausea.

It Reduces Inflammation

Peppermint contains anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe irritated nerves.

It Provides Instant Cooling Relief

The cooling sensation distracts your mind from pain and tension, providing fast relief.

It Stimulates the Vagus Nerve

This nerve controls nausea and digestive discomfort. Peppermint oil naturally calms it.

Peppermint oil is especially effective for:

• Tension headaches
• Sinus headaches
• Nausea from travel or motion sickness
• Morning sickness (use diluted)
• Indigestion-related nausea
• Migraines (for some people)

How to Make Peppermint Oil at Home (Two Easy Methods)

You can make peppermint oil using fresh or dried leaves. Both work well, but fresh leaves give the strongest aroma, while dried leaves help the oil last longer.

Choose a carrier oil that won’t overpower the peppermint scent. Good options include:

• Olive oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Jojoba oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Sunflower oil

Below are two methods: the classic cold-infusion method and the quick warm-infusion method for faster results.

Method 1: Cold-Infused Peppermint Oil (Best Aroma & Quality)

What You Need:

• 1 cup fresh peppermint leaves (or ½ cup dried)
• 1–1½ cups carrier oil
• A clean glass jar with lid
• A strainer or cheesecloth
• Dark glass bottle for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppermint Leaves

Wash fresh leaves thoroughly. Pat completely dry – moisture can cause mold. Bruise the leaves gently with your fingers to release their oils.

Step 2: Pack the Jar

Fill the jar loosely with peppermint leaves.

Step 3: Add Carrier Oil

Pour your chosen carrier oil over the leaves until they’re fully submerged. Leave a small air gap at the top.

Step 4: Seal and Shake

Seal the jar tightly, shake well to distribute the herbs.

Step 5: Let It Infuse

Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 2–3 weeks. Shake every 1–2 days to strengthen the infusion.

Step 6: Strain and Bottle

After 2–3 weeks, strain through cheesecloth into a clean bowl. Transfer the oil into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light. This oil will last 6–12 months when stored properly.

Method 2: Warm-Infused Peppermint Oil (Ready in 2–3 Hours)

This method is perfect when you want peppermint oil quickly.

What You Need:

• Peppermint leaves (fresh or dried)
• Carrier oil
• Small saucepan or double boiler
• Strainer or cheesecloth
• Glass jar or bottle

Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Crush the Leaves

Bruise the peppermint leaves to release their natural oils.

Step 2: Add Oil

Place leaves in a small saucepan and cover with carrier oil.

Step 3: Heat Gently

Warm on the lowest heat setting for 2–3 hours. Do NOT boil – overheating destroys the menthol.

Step 4: Cool and Strain

Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Strain into a bottle and store. Warm-infused oil lasts 4–6 months.

Why Homemade Peppermint Oil Is Better Than Store-Bought

Making your own oil gives you full control over:

Purity

No additives or artificial fragrances.

Freshness

Homemade oil captures the real scent of peppermint leaves.

Strength

You can adjust the concentration based on how many leaves you use.

Cost

Store-bought essential oils are expensive — homemade infusion is affordable.

Safety

Homemade peppermint oil is gentler than essential oils, making it ideal for headaches and nausea relief.

Top Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Headaches & Nausea

1. Provides Fast Relief for Tension Headaches

Applying peppermint oil to the temples or forehead relaxes muscles and gives instant cooling relief.

2. Helps Reduce Migraine Symptoms

For many people, peppermint helps reduce intensity by stimulating cold receptors and improving circulation.

3. Relieves Motion Sickness and Nausea

The scent calms the stomach almost immediately. Perfect for car sickness, plane travel, or dizziness.

4. Eases Sinus Pressure

Peppermint’s menthol opens airways and supports easier breathing.

5. Supports Digestion and Reduces Gas

Applying peppermint oil to the abdomen helps calm digestive spasms.

6. Reduces Stress and Mental Fatigue

Peppermint is naturally uplifting and refreshing – it helps clear the mind and support focus.

7. Freshens the Air and Purifies Your Space

It has natural antimicrobial properties and leaves your home smelling clean.

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Headaches & Nausea

Apply to the Temples

Rub 1–2 drops on the temples and massage gently.

Apply to the Back of the Neck

Helps reduce tension and muscle tightness that cause headaches.

Inhale from the Bottle

Smelling peppermint oil can stop nausea within minutes.

Add to a Diffuser

Perfect for nausea, sinus pressure, or stress relief.

Dab on Wrist or Collar

Provides continuous aromatherapy throughout the day.

Rub on the Belly

Dilute and rub in a circular motion to calm digestion.

Safety Tips: Using Peppermint Oil Correctly

• Always do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
• Avoid using essential-oil strength peppermint on small children.
• Keep away from eyes.
• Dilute with a carrier oil for topical use.
• Avoid if pregnant without consulting a doctor (mild peppermint is usually fine, but caution is best).

Homemade infused peppermint oil is much gentler than essential oil and safer for most people.

How to Store Your Peppermint Oil

Store in:

• A dark glass bottle
• A cool, dry cabinet
• Away from sunlight or heat

Properly stored peppermint oil lasts:

• Cold-infusion: 6–12 months
• Warm-infusion: 4–6 months

The scent will deepen over time.

Peppermint oil is one of the easiest and most powerful natural remedies you can make at home.

With just peppermint leaves and a simple carrier oil, you can create a soothing, refreshing, therapeutic infusion that helps relieve headaches, calm nausea, ease digestion, reduce stress, and support respiratory comfort.