Peppermint Pest Hex | Aromatherapy Insecticide

Mar 27

Safety first

Familiarize yourself with aromatherapy and do a skin patch test before using any essential oil. Learn what you need to know with The Ultimate Aromatherapy for Beginners Guide here (free to members)

As always, consult a trusted healthcare practitioner before trying any essential oils.

See below for contraindications and age requirements before trying this blend.

Remember, children are given lower amounts - see dilution chart mentioned below and always mind age requirements of all oils.

Most oils/blends have a three week time limit of use. Because of this, I recommend having a waxing moon blend and a waning moon blend for every need. That’s why there are two blends for many of the same things.

Most oils/blends are best at a 2% dilution, but some oils are better at much less like peppermint, pepper, and cardamom. (Half of the adult dilution or less for children, see dilution info below).

Oils/Blends are typically meant to be used up to 3 times a day unless otherwise stated.

If an oil occurs throughout multiple blends you are currently using, this needs to be taken into account in terms of dosing frequency and length of time.

See all specific info for every oil of every recipe before using.

Never take essential oils internally.

When using diluted, prepared, aromatherapy blends, a few drops on the wrist or forearm is typically ideal. Use lower dilutions in perfumes and body lotions and any other product intended to be used in a high amount such as a lotion or perfume or room spray.

The Essential Oil

Note: Ideally we can avoid killing the insects or eggs and only repel them, but sometimes harmful invaders must be dealt with.

Peppermint (M.x spicata)
See base recipes for blending below

Recommended Dosage & Length of Usage

Can be sprayed up to three times daily for up to three weeks.

Why It Works (Actions of Peppermint that apply in this situation):

Insect Repellant - Essential oil that repels and discourages insects from approaching
Larvicidal - Essential oil that can kill insect larvae
Insecticide - Essential oil that is used to destroy insects
This Essential Oil Repels Insects, Kills Insects, & Kills Insect Eggs

Methods of use:

All methods of use as mentioned in the base recipes guide @ A Green Witch’s Journey which can be found here (free to members)
See the dilution ratios for adults & children here (free to members)

Cautions & Contraindications

A note about toxicity: toxic constituent refers to the constituent that can become a toxin in your body if used longer than the recommended time or used more than the recommended dosage.

Peppermint - Toxic constituents are menthol, menthone, piperitone, and thymol. According to Tisserand, it is necessary to avoid using the oil in the first three months of pregnancy or while nursing. avoid use with children younger than two years as it can cause a frightening cold then hot sensation if the dilution is not low enough. Avoid with homeopathics. Topically for adults, use for a limited time only (i.e., no more than three consecutive weeks) and keep at a 2% or less dilution. Do not use it directly on damaged or sensitive skin without a skin patch test. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do wipe your eye by mistake after handling peppermint M. ×piperita, flush copiously with cold water or milk. It will not cause permanent damage.
DO NOT USE ON PETS OR PET BEDS OR PET CLOTHING!!!