Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil has a wide variety of uses.  For example, it can be used as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and other digestive issues, as well as the common cold and headaches and as a topical application for relief from itching, muscle pain, and headache (Peppermint essential oil roll on).  Peppermint is widely used as an anti-inflammatory and has properties that can help clear airways to help reduce obstructions during sleep, thus alleviating symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea.  The menthol in peppermint works as a decongestant, shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs.

Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin OR used in diffusers.  If you are using a diffuser in your home, the best option is to use it in an area that your pet cannot access AND check with your veterinarian about the types of oils that are safe to use. If however, you have a pet with breathing problems, using a diffuser anywhere in the house is not a good idea.