Peppermint and eucalyptus are two of the most popular essential oils, prized for their crisp, clean, invigorating scents. Many people enjoy them on a cold winter day or as a refreshing note in a shower or spa setting. They are also two oils that deserve extra care, especially around young children and pets.
This is general information. For any health concern, talk with your doctor.
Peppermint: A Garden Classic
Peppermint, Mentha x piperita, is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. It is a member of the mint family, along with lavender, rosemary and basil. Peppermint has a long history in herbal and culinary traditions, and it remains a familiar flavor in teas, candies and toothpaste.
Peppermint essential oil is steam distilled from the plant’s leaves and flowering tops. It has a strong, cool, minty aroma that many people find refreshing. Much of the world’s peppermint is grown in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
Eucalyptus: A Tree From Down Under
Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, where there are hundreds of species. Several of them are used to produce essential oil, most commonly Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus radiata. The oil is steam distilled from the leaves and has a sharp, fresh, camphor-like scent.
Eucalyptus trees have been planted widely around the world, including in California, where they were introduced in the nineteenth century.
How People Enjoy These Scents
Some common ways people enjoy peppermint and eucalyptus:
- Diffusing a drop or two for a short time in a ventilated room
- Hanging fresh eucalyptus branches in the shower, where the steam releases a light scent
- Adding a properly diluted blend to a foot or hand massage
- Enjoying peppermint tea as a warm drink
Many people describe these scents as refreshing or invigorating. It is important to remember that a pleasant scent is not a treatment. If you have congestion, headaches, breathing concerns or any other symptom, talk with your doctor.
Why Extra Care Matters
Peppermint and eucalyptus oils are strong, and aromatherapy references frequently note special precautions:
- They are commonly listed as oils to avoid on or near the faces of infants and young children.
- Many references advise against using them around young children at all, including in diffusers, unless a pediatrician approves.
- Veterinary sources often caution against using them around pets, especially cats.
- They can irritate skin and should always be diluted.
- They should be kept well away from the eyes.
People who are pregnant or nursing, have asthma or take medications should talk with their doctor before using these oils.
Store Them Carefully
Because these oils are potent and can be dangerous if swallowed, store them in a closed cabinet out of reach of children and pets. If someone swallows an essential oil, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.
A Fresh Note, Used Wisely
Peppermint and eucalyptus can add a bright, clean note to your self-care routine. Used sparingly, diluted properly and kept away from little ones and pets, they are a lovely way to bring a sense of freshness into a late-winter day.