Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits: How Menthol Supports Comfort & Focus

More to Peppermint Than Meets the Eye

Peppermint is often associated with freshness—cool breath, clear sinuses, and that unmistakable minty aroma. But beneath that familiar sensation lies a surprisingly sophisticated interaction between plant chemistry and the human nervous system.

At the heart of peppermint’s effects is menthol, one of its primary aromatic constituents. Menthol doesn’t just smell cool—it communicates directly with your sensory receptors, creating effects that go far beyond scent alone.

How Menthol Creates a Cooling Sensation

Menthol works by activating specialized receptors in the skin and nervous system known as TRPM8 receptors. These receptors are designed to detect cold temperatures.

When menthol binds to them, it sends a signal to the brain that feels like cold—even though the skin temperature hasn’t changed. This is why menthol can feel similar to an ice pack, but with a distinct, lingering coolness that spreads across the skin or airways.

In simple terms: menthol tricks your nervous system into sensing cold.

Why Cooling Can Feel Comforting

That cooling sensation does more than feel refreshing—it can also provide localized comfort for everyday muscle and joint tension. Menthol acts as a counterirritant, meaning it introduces a new sensory signal (cooling) that competes with discomfort signals traveling to the brain.

This process aligns with what’s often called the Gate Control Theory of Pain: when one strong sensory signal is present, it can “close the gate” on other signals, making discomfort feel less noticeable.

Menthol may also temporarily reduce nerve signal transmission at the application site, creating a mild numbing effect. Together, these actions help explain why menthol is so commonly used in topical products designed for post-exercise comfort or general aches.

Beyond the Skin: Menthol and the Brain

Menthol doesn’t just act locally—it also influences the central nervous system, which helps explain why peppermint is often associated with alertness and mental clarity.

Key interactions include:

• Dopamine pathways: Menthol has been shown to influence dopamine activity in areas of the brain related to motivation and movement. This may contribute to the feeling of increased alertness or mental “brightness” often reported with peppermint aroma.

• GABA modulation: Menthol can affect inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA, subtly shifting how neurons communicate and influencing overall sensory perception.

• TRPA1 receptors: At higher concentrations, menthol can activate receptors associated with irritation and sensation, contributing to its paradoxical ability to feel both stimulating and soothing.

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These combined effects create a complex sensory experience—cooling, mildly stimulating, and grounding all at once.

Why Menthol Shows Up in So Many Products

Because of these unique properties, menthol is widely used in topical creams, gels, and patches designed for everyday muscle comfort, as well as in aromatherapy applications aimed at focus and clarity.

Its appeal lies in how quickly it works and how directly it engages the nervous system—offering fast, noticeable sensory feedback without needing to penetrate deeply into the body.

Peppermint: A Perfect Example of Nature’s Intelligence

Peppermint reminds us that plants aren’t just pleasant—they’re chemically intelligent. Menthol’s ability to activate sensory receptors, influence neurotransmitters, and create powerful perceptual effects is a beautiful example of how nature and neuroscience intersect.

So the next time peppermint feels invigorating, soothing, or clarifying, remember: it’s not just the scent—it’s a sophisticated conversation between plant molecules and your nervous system.

Sometimes, the coolest sensations come from understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface.

How to incorporate peppermint into your wellness routine:

Focus Inhaler Blend:

Need a pick me up without the caffeine? Peppermint is a great ally. Try combining it with rosemary and orange to create an aroma inhaler perfect for work or to support a workout.

Equipment:

• One aroma inhaler

• Gloves

• Ceramic or glass dish or bowl

• Tweezers

• Label

Essential Oils:

• 10 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

• 5 drops peppermint (Menta x piperita)

• 5 drops rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

To Make: Place blank inhaler wick in dish or bowl. Drip essential oils onto the wick and allow to soak in. Use tweezers to mop up excess oils if needed. Use tweezers to place wick inside inhaler housing and snap on end cap to seal. Label inhaler with date, essential oil names, and purpose. Wash dish and tweezers with warm soapy water.

To Use: Uncap inhaler and place near one nostril with other lightly pressed closed. Inhale as needed (one to three minutes). Repeat with the other nostril. Cap inhaler until next use. 

Cautions:  Although the oils used in this inhaler are generally regarded as safe essential oils are highly concentrated and potent. This inhaler is intended for adults and is not recommended for use with children as peppermint and rosemary can be too strong for them. Contraindicated with Cardiac fibrillation and G6PD deficiency. Possible contact allergy and dermatitis. Skin sensitization if oxidized. May cause mucous membrane irritation.

Ease the Aches Soothing Oil:

Peppermint can provide cooling relief to achy muscles or joints. This blend is intended for short term use and for acute issues.

Equipment:

• 1 or 2 oz bottle

• Gloves

Carrier Oil

• 1 oz jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) or fractionated coconut oil (Cocos nucifera)

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Essential Oils

• 9 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

• 5 drops spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia)

• 2 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

• 1 drop clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum)

To Make: Add carrier oil to bottle. Add essential oils to carrier oils. Cap bottle and shake gently to combine.

To Use: Apply oil to achey joints or muscles as needed.

Cautions:  Although the oils used in this inhaler are generally regarded as safe essential oils are highly concentrated and potent. This blend is intended for adults and is not recommended for use with children. Contraindicated with Cardiac fibrillation and G6PD deficiency. Possible contact allergy and dermatitis. Skin sensitization if oxidized. May cause mucous membrane irritation. Not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Rather purchase inhalers and soothing rubs than make it yourself? Need to shop for oils? We have you covered!

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About the Author

Tricia is a cosmetic formulator and certified professional aromatherapist with a background in biological research. Through Aromatic Formulations, she creates small-batch, thoughtfully designed skincare and aromatherapy products rooted in science, safety, and respect for the plant world. Her work focuses on ingredient education, responsible formulation, and helping people understand why ingredients work—not just what they do.

Wellness Disclaimer

The information shared on this site is for educational purposes only and is intended to support general wellbeing. Essential oils and aromatherapy products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual responses can vary, and products should always be used as directed and properly diluted. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are under the care of a qualified healthcare professional, please consult them before use.

References:

Li, Ziping et al. “The distinctive role of menthol in pain and analgesia: Mechanisms, practices, and advances.” Frontiers in molecular neuroscience vol. 15 1006908. 5 Oct. 2022, doi:10.3389/fnmol.2022.1006908

Lau, Benjamin K et al. “Menthol enhances phasic and tonic GABAA receptor-mediated currents in midbrain periaqueductal grey neurons.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 171,11 (2014): 2803-13. doi:10.1111/bph.12602

Henderson, Brandon J et al. “Menthol Alone Upregulates Midbrain nAChRs, Alters nAChR Subtype Stoichiometry, Alters Dopamine Neuron Firing Frequency, and Prevents Nicotine Reward.” The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience vol. 36,10 (2016): 2957-74. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4194-15.2016

Umezu T, Sano T, Hayashi J (2021) l-Menthol increases extracellular dopamine and c-Fos-like immunoreactivity in the dorsal striatum, and promotes ambulatory activity in mice. PLoS ONE 16(11): e0260713. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260713