In the big, wide world of essential oils, two heavyweights go head-to-head in popularity and usage: peppermint oil vs. frankincense oil.
Both of these oils have been used for centuries for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits.
But which one comes out on top? Join us as we explore the battle of the essential oils: peppermint oil vs. frankincense oil – and decide which one is right for your needs!
The Basics on Peppermint Oil and Frankincense Oil
Let’s face it – there are hundreds of different essential oils out there to choose from. Each has its own enticing scent and countless benefits. Deciding between all of them can be a tough choice!
But two essential oils that stand out are peppermint oil and frankincense oil.
We’ll give you the lowdown on these oils – what they are, what they’re good for, and how to use them.
Peppermint Oil vs Frankincense Oil: The basics
Here’s a quick chart covering everything you need to know about peppermint and frankincense oil. I’ll get into all the details in the sections below.
| Peppermint Oil | Frankincense Oil | |
| Derived from | Peppermint plant | Boswellia tree resin |
| Look and smell | Cool, minty scent; light color; thin viscosity | Musky, earthy scent; amber color; syrupy |
| Top health benefits | Clear airways, can help with nausea, bloating, indigestion, IBS | Reduces inflammation, calms nervous system, aids digestion, boosts immunity |
| Best used for | Insect repellent, diffuser for clearing airways | Calming baths, skin and scalp care |
| Cons | Scent can be overwhelming, use has been linked with heartburn for some; must be properly diluted | Must be properly diluted |
| Who can use? | Anyone aside from pregnant women, nursing mothers, or young children | Same |
| Best carrier oils | Fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil | Same |
| Shelf life | 2-3 years if stored properly | Same |
What is Peppermint Oil?
Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant, known for its cooling and refreshing properties. It’s widely used in aromatherapy, personal care products, and even in cooking and baking.
This oil is an uplifting essential oil that offers a range of benefits, including reducing fatigue, headaches, and stress. It’s also great for digestion and respiratory health.
What is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense oil, on the other hand, has been used for centuries for its therapeutic benefits. It has a rich, earthy aroma that promotes relaxation, calmness, and spirituality. It’s derived from the Boswellia tree’s resin, which can be found in Northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Frankincense oil is famous for its properties in skincare, especially for anti-aging, reducing scars, and promoting healthy skin.
Peppermint Oil vs. Frankincense Oil: Look and Smell
Peppermint oil has a refreshing and cooling scent, making it a favorite among aromatherapy enthusiasts. It’s derived from the peppermint plant’s leaves, which contain menthol. Menthol, a natural decongestant, may help relieve nasal discomfort when rubbed on the chest. It’s not only used as an aromatic oil, but it’s also commonly consumed in tea, candy, or capsules for its enticing flavor and aroma.
Now, what about frankincense oil? This essential oil has a musky, earthy scent that’s more muted than peppermint oil. This oil has an amber color and a thicker consistency than peppermint oil, too.
One way to distinguish peppermint oil from frankincense oil is by their viscosity. Peppermint oil is lighter and has a thinner consistency than frankincense oil’s thicker and more substantial syrup-like viscosity. Frankincense oil also has a more complex aroma, with deep earthy notes that stand out against the minty scent profile of peppermint oil.
Top Health Benefits of Peppermint and Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil has been used for more than 5,000 years for its medicinal properties. It is said to reduce inflammation, improve memory, and even have mood-boosting effects. Besides that, it also aids in digestion and boosts immunity.
Plus, its scent has a calming effect and has been used for centuries to calm the nervous system. It’s an excellent natural remedy for anxiety, stress, and depression. Even the ancient Egyptians used frankincense oil for meditation and spirituality.
Peppermint oil, on the other hand, may very well be your go-to oil for digestive ailments like nausea, bloating, indigestion, and IBS. Just a few drops in hot water may soothe the digestive tract and relieve any discomfort.
It also has a cooling effect that may help clear congestion, relieve cough, and even relieve asthma and sinusitis. Inhaling peppermint oil may help open up your airways and relieve respiratory ailments.
Top Uses for Peppermint and Frankincense Oil
Besides its pleasant fragrance and many touted health benefits, peppermint oil has a range of significant health benefits. It may relieve headaches, stomach aches, and even soothe sore muscles.
Not only that, but it’s also an excellent natural insect repellent. During summer, a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball can go a long way when it comes to repelling bugs and keeping your home smelling fresh.
Frankincense oil has many uses outside of the medicine cabinet, too. It may help you take care of your skin in a natural and healthy manner. This essential oil has anti-aging properties that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving you smoother and younger-looking skin.
Plus, it may help treat acne and dark spots because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To use it on your skin, mix a few drops of the oil with your favorite moisturizer, apply to your face, and massage gently.
It may also be used on the hair. Its topical application to the scalp is thought to enhance hair growth and strengthen hair roots. Also, its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties may help soothe an itchy and irritated scalp.
Simply add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo or conditioner to detangle and hydrate your hair, or you may mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and massage it onto your scalp once a week.
And when you’re feeling tired or stressed, draw yourself a luxurious bath and add a few drops of frankincense oil to the water. The oil’s calming and relaxing properties are well-known, and it may help you unwind after a long, tiring day. Soak in the bath for around 20 minutes, taking deep breaths as the oil’s aroma fills the air.
Pros and Cons of Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries and is said to have countless touted health benefits, like reducing inflammation and improving hair health. It is said to have a calming effect on the body and mind, and since it may be used topically, ingested, or diffused, it is incredibly versatile.
Despite its many benefits, frankincense oil is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers or young children. It is also a very potent oil and should be used with caution. If not properly diluted, it may cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even liver damage.
Pros and Cons of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil, like frankincense oil, is also quite versatile. It is known for its ability to soothe digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, as well as respiratory issues such as asthma and colds. Peppermint oil has a cooling effect on the body, making it a popular ingredient in skincare and haircare products. It is also believed to be an effective natural insect repellent.
That said, it also should not be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or young children. It is also highly concentrated and may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions if not properly diluted.
Peppermint oil has a strong scent (perhaps even stronger than frankincense) that may be overwhelming for some people, and it should not be used in large quantities or over a long period of time.
Are Peppermint Oil and Frankincense Oil Substitutes for Each Other?
So, are these two oils interchangeable? Not really. While they share a few similar properties, they have different uses and benefits. Peppermint oil is best for cooling and energizing, while frankincense oil is best for calming.
However, both oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful for treating some similar conditions. If you’re looking for substitutes, there are a few other oils that might do the trick as well.
One good substitute for peppermint oil is eucalyptus oil. Like peppermint, eucalyptus oil has a cooling, invigorating scent, and it’s often used for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
It also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making it a good choice for treating cuts and scrapes.
There’s also lemon oil, which has a similar energizing effect as peppermint, and may also be used to clean and sanitize surfaces.
As for frankincense oil substitutes, myrrh oil is a good choice. This oil also comes from the resin of a tree, and has a similar warm, woody scent. It’s often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and calmness, and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Another option is lavender oil, which is known for its ability to soothe and calm the mind and body. It’s also a good choice for skincare products, as it may help to reduce inflammation and redness.
Best Carrier Oils for Peppermint and Frankincense Oil
Regardless of whether you prefer peppermint or frankincense oil, you need to dilute them properly with a carrier oil. Here are some of the best options for either oil:
- Fractionated Coconut Oil: Fractionated coconut oil is a light, odorless, and non-greasy carrier oil perfect for blending with peppermint and frankincense oils. Its molecular structure allows it to easily absorb into the skin, promoting quick absorption of the essential oils.
- Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a well-known carrier oil in the aromatherapy world. It has a rich texture and is great to use with frankincense oil, which has a thick consistency. Jojoba oil is known to provide numerous benefits to the skin, such as reducing inflammation, fighting off bacteria, and hydrating the skin.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil is a light, gentle carrier oil that is perfect for use with peppermint oil. Its sweet aroma also blends perfectly with minty peppermint oil. Being rich in vitamins E and D, sweet almond oil has many benefits for the skin and is great for promoting healthy and radiant skin.
- Grape Seed Oil: Lightweight and easily absorbed, grape seed oil is a great choice for use with frankincense oil. Its antioxidant properties make it effective in reducing wrinkles, keeping the skin looking youthful and radiant. It also has a high amount of linoleic acid, making it suitable for use on oily and acne-prone skin.
- Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is a rich and nourishing carrier oil that pairs well with peppermint oil due to its moisturizing properties. It contains vitamins A, D and E, as well as essential fatty acids that can deeply penetrate the skin providing a hydrating and soothing effect. It may also be used independently as a treatment for dry and sensitive skin.
How to Choose and Use Peppermint Oil and Frankincense Oil Safely
When it comes to using essential oils, quality is key.
Always go for high-quality oils, and avoid cheap ones as they may contain harmful additives. Look for oils that have been extracted using steam distillation or cold-pressing methods.
Choose oils that are pure and do not contain any synthetic fragrances.
Remember, essential oils by themselves are potent – and may be irritating to the skin when used directly. Be sure to invest in a good carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil.
To make a diluted solution, add five to six drops of essential oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil and mix well. Diluting the oil not only helps spread the oil better but also reduces the risk of skin irritation.
Peppermint vs. Frankincense Oil Shelf Life and Storage
Both peppermint and frankincense oils have a shelf life of around two to three years when stored properly. Store the oils in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and make sure to keep the bottle tightly closed.
Avoid storing oils in a warm or humid environment, as they may degrade faster.
Peppermint vs. Frankincense Oil: Everything you need to know
In the battle of the essential oils, both peppermint oil and frankincense oil have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Peppermint oil is great for improving focus and relieving pain, while frankincense oil is versatile and can be used for various purposes as well.
Both oils have their benefits and unique uses.
Ultimately, the winner in any comparison depends on individual needs and preferences. So, whether you’re team peppermint or team frankincense, there’s an essential oil out there that’s perfect for you. Consider adding both to your collection today!
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