Essentially Yours Peppermint Oil Review: My Garden's Savior?

Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on August 5, 2025

Introduction

I was so proud of my new patio garden. After moving into my new apartment, it was the first thing I set up. I had visions of fresh mint for mojitos and homegrown basil for my pasta sauce. Then, reality hit. First, it was a scout—a single ant marching across the railing. Within a week, it was a full-blown invasion, an army of ants claiming my little green oasis. Spiders started setting up shop in the corners, too.

My first instinct was to grab a can of pesticide, but then I looked at my dog, Cooper, sniffing happily near the planters. No way was I spraying harsh chemicals there. I needed a natural solution, something effective but safe for my plants, my pup, and my own peace of mind.

After a bit of research, I stumbled upon the Essentially Yours Peppermint Oil, which came with a huge bottle, a sprayer, and claims of being a multi-purpose wonder. But does it actually work against a determined ant colony, or is it just a bottle of nice-smelling water? I bought it to find out. This is the only review you'll need.

Essentially Yours Peppermint Oil Review: My Garden's Savior?

Is this potent peppermint oil the real deal? David Miller tests its power on garden pests, focus, and more. Read our honest, hands-on review.

GO TO AMAZON

The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

• Who is this for? DIY enthusiasts, people looking for a natural pest control solution for their home and garden, and anyone who loves a versatile, potent essential oil for aromatherapy or hair care.
• Who should skip it? Those with extreme sensitivity to strong scents, people with highly sensitive skin (who must dilute it heavily), or shoppers who exclusively need a USDA-certified organic product.

My Final Score: 8.8/10✨✨✨✨✨✨

What Real Users Love (The Pros)

• Incredibly Potent & Pure Scent: After analyzing user feedback, the most consistent praise is for the oil's strength and purity. It smells crisp, powerful, and authentic—not synthetic.
  • Why this matters to you: It’s a strong indicator of high-quality distillation, which is crucial for effectiveness, whether you're using it for pest deterrence, aromatherapy, or focus.
  • In my own testing, the moment I opened the bottle, the sharp, clean scent filled the room. It wasn't faint or artificial—this is the real deal.
• Fantastic Value with Included Accessories: You get a massive 4 oz. bottle, plus a glass dropper for precise measurements and a separate spray nozzle for easy application.
  • Why this matters to you: This is an all-in-one kit. You don't need to buy a separate spray bottle for pest control or a dropper for your diffuser, saving you money and hassle.
• Proven Versatility: This isn't just a one-trick pony. Users report success using it for everything from repelling spiders and mice to adding it to shampoo for a stimulating scalp tingle or diffusing it for mental clarity.
  • Why this matters to you: One bottle can replace several other products, decluttering your cabinet and giving you more bang for your buck.
  • While my main mission was my garden, I put a few drops in my office diffuser on a sluggish afternoon. It was a genuine, non-caffeinated focus booster.

Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)

• The Scent Can Be Overpowering: The oil's biggest strength is also its most common complaint. For individuals sensitive to strong smells, this can be a headache-inducer.
  • Why this matters to you: If you live in a small space or have family members (or pets) who are sensitive, you must start with a very small amount and ensure good ventilation.
  • Honestly, my first batch of garden spray was way too strong because I didn't respect its power. A little goes a very, very long way. Start with less than you think you need.
• The E-Book is Fairly Basic: While a nice touch, the included e-book guide doesn't offer much new information for seasoned essential oil users.
  • Why this matters to you: Don't buy this product for the e-book. View it as a simple starter guide, but you'll find more advanced recipes and uses online.

Feature Deep Dive: The Garden Pest Test

The make-or-break feature for me was its performance as a natural pesticide. The included sprayer attachment was the key here.

Here's exactly what I did: I filled the spray bottle with about 4 oz of water, added a few drops of dish soap (to help the oil and water mix), and then started with just 10-15 drops of the peppermint oil. After a good shake, I went to work.

I didn't spray the plants directly. Instead, I sprayed the perimeter of my planters, the patio railing, the windowsill, and the threshold of the door. The effect was almost immediate. The ants that were on patrol actively avoided the sprayed lines. The next morning, the superhighway of ants leading to my basil plant was completely gone.

Important note: This is a deterrent, not a poison. You have to reapply it every few days, and definitely after it rains. But as a safe, chemical-free way to tell pests "you're not welcome here," it worked brilliantly.

Best Alternatives (The Competition)

• For the Organic Purist: Plant Therapy Organic Peppermint Oil. If having a USDA Organic seal is your top priority, Plant Therapy is a highly respected brand. You'll get a certified organic product, though it typically comes in smaller bottles and without the sprayer accessory.
• For the Cautious Beginner: NOW Essential Oils, Peppermint Oil (1 oz). If you're not ready to commit to a huge 4 oz. bottle, NOW offers a high-quality, more affordable 1 oz. option. It's a great way to test the waters without the larger investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is it truly safe to use around pets?
  Peppermint oil is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested or applied directly to their skin in high concentrations. However, using it as a diluted spray on surfaces around the house or garden where pets won't directly lick it is generally considered safe. Always monitor your pet and consult a vet if you have concerns.
• Can I apply this directly to my skin?
  No. This is a potent essential oil and must be diluted with a carrier oil (like jojoba, coconut, or almond oil) before being applied to the skin to avoid irritation.
• How do I use it to repel mice and spiders?
  Soak cotton balls in the oil and place them in areas where you've seen activity (closets, under sinks, entry points). For spiders, the perimeter spray I used for ants also works wonders. They hate the smell.
• How long does the scent last in a diffuser?
  In my experience with an ultrasonic diffuser, the scent from 4-5 drops was strong and present for about 3-4 hours.
• Is the bottle really glass?
  Yes, both the main 4 oz. bottle and the dropper are glass, which is essential for preserving the oil's purity and potency.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

So, did the Essentially Yours Peppermint Oil solve my great ant invasion problem and save my patio garden? Absolutely. It created a clear, fragrant boundary that my six-legged pests wanted nothing to do with, and it did so without putting my dog at risk.

This product is more than just an oil; it's a versatile home and garden toolkit in a box. While the scent is powerful and the e-book is simple, the quality of the oil, the sheer value of the large bottle, and the utility of the included accessories make it a standout.

If you're looking for an affordable, high-quality, all-natural multi-tool for your home, I can genuinely recommend it.

Call to Action

If you feel this is the right choice to solve your pest problems or boost your focus naturally, you can check the latest price and purchase it through the link below. It helps support our in-depth reviews at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate it!

Audience Growth & Engagement

Become a WowShopList Insider

Love discovering products that are genuinely worth it? I know I do. Subscribe to my exclusive WowShopList Weekly newsletter. Each week, I send one personal email featuring the most unique, innovative, and valuable product I've found—my 'hidden gem' of the week. It's 100% free to join now, and you'll be locked in for life. We plan to make this a paid newsletter in the future, but our founding members will always get it for free.

We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:

• I Tested 5 'Pet-Safe' Weed Killers, and My Dog Still Has a Yard to Play In
• The Only Castile Soap You'll Ever Need: A Dr. Bronner's Deep Dive
• Are Noise-Cancelling Headphones a Scam? My Honest Test of the Sony WH-1000XM5s

Now I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions I didn't cover. I read every single one.