How to Kill Bacteria with Peppermint

Peppermint has many beneficial uses, ranging from treating medical disorders to killing bacteria, according to studies conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Peppermint is a natural alternative to chemical-laden household anti-bacterial cleaning products, toiletries, lotions and disinfectant air fresheners. Peppermint is also a wise economic choice; it is easy to grow and quick to harvest.

Things You'll Need

• Peppermint oil
• Spray bottle
• Cotton balls

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Instructions

The Home

• 1

  Fill a spray bottle with 1 1/2 cups of water and add 10 drops of peppermint oil. Swish the mixture in the bottle until it is thoroughly mixed. Use the peppermint spray as you would use an anti-bacterial spray; spray it in air ducts, on counter tops, in bathrooms, or use it as an anti-bacterial air freshener.

• 2

  Add several drops of peppermint oil to an air humidifier, or mix several drops of peppermint oil in a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove. The peppermint vapors created by the boiling water or air humidifier will combat airborne bacteria.

• 3

  Soak a cotton ball in peppermint oil and place the cotton ball in a drawer, closet, cupboard or other enclosed area. As the peppermint oil dries, and even after it dries, it will release particles into the air, killing airborne bacteria. If you can still smell the peppermint, bacteria-killing particles are still being released.

The Body

• 4

  Add a drop of peppermint oil to a glass of water and mix thoroughly. Use the mixture as you would use any other mouthwash. You can also gargle the peppermint oil mixture to treat sore throats and oral bacterial infections.

• 5

  Add two or three drops of peppermint oil to your bath water and swirl the water to mix it. Bathe as you normally would.

• 6

  Add four or five drops of peppermint oil to a foot bath to help treat athlete's foot or other fungal infections.

• 7

  Dip a cotton ball in peppermint oil and apply it to minor cuts, scrapes or insect bites to reduce bacteria while at the same time reducing pain and stinging sensations.

• 8

  Drink peppermint tea or take peppermint oil capsules to reduce bacteria in your digestive tract.