What makes peppermint oil better than spearmint oil for pain relief?

Peppermint oil contains much higher levels of menthol, a natural anesthetic compound, compared to spearmint oil. This allows peppermint oil to more effectively relax muscles and improve blood flow to provide relief for issues like headaches, menstrual cramps, and digestive problems.

How can peppermint oil help with headaches?

The cooling sensation of peppermint oil can help improve blood flow and relax tight muscles, which can ease headache symptoms. Experts recommend applying a drop of peppermint oil directly to the forehead for targeted relief.

Home / Health / Peppermint Oil: The Surprising Remedy for Aches and Pains

Peppermint Oil: The Surprising Remedy for Aches and Pains

Q: Is peppermint oil safe for everyone to use?

While peppermint oil is generally safe for most adults and children over 12, it should be used with caution as it can cause skin irritation in some people. Pregnant women should also avoid using peppermint oil due to the risk of uterine contractions.

18 Nov

•

Summary

Peppermint oil contains high levels of menthol, a natural anesthetic
Peppermint oil can relax stomach muscles and aid digestion
Peppermint oil can also help relieve headaches and menstrual cramps

Peppermint Oil: The Surprising Remedy for Aches and Pains

As of November 18th, 2025, peppermint oil is emerging as a surprising natural remedy for a variety of aches and pains. The key lies in its high menthol content, a chemical compound that acts as a natural anesthetic.

While spearmint oil only contains up to 0.5% menthol, peppermint can have between 40-50% menthol. This potent concentration allows peppermint oil to effectively relax the muscles in the stomach, aiding digestion and reducing discomfort. Peppermint oil has also been shown to help stimulate bile flow, breaking down fats.

Beyond digestive benefits, peppermint oil's cooling sensation can improve blood flow and relax tight muscles, providing relief for headaches and menstrual cramps. Experts recommend applying a drop of peppermint oil to the forehead or stomach for targeted pain relief.

While peppermint oil should be used with caution, as it can cause skin irritation in some people, most adults and children over 12 can safely take peppermint oil capsules or enjoy a soothing cup of peppermint tea for similar effects.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.