What is peppermint?
For centuries, peppermint has been an herb used for traditional and holistic medicinal purposes. It has been said that peppermint can help relieve nausea, cramps, fatigue, and even asthma. There have been studies that prove that peppermint helps those with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), but there has been little research done in peppermint’s other healing properties, which leads skeptics to doubt the credulity of the herb. However, peppermint has been discovered to contain high levels of menthol, and so perhaps the theory surrounding the healing properties of peppermint are not so easily dismissed.
What is essential oil?
All essential oils are made purely from the herbs or plants themselves. This means that the oil contains no other ingredients, like moisturizers, to dilute the potency. This is why when bottles of essential oils are opened, the smell is often exceptionally strong.
What can peppermint essential oil do for me?
If you suffer from asthma, colic, cramps, fainting, fatigue, flatulence, fevers, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, then it is possible that peppermint essential oil could help alleviate the pain associated with the ailment.
If you suffer from apathy, anxiousness, insomnia, shock, stress, or vertigo, it is also believed that peppermint could potentially lessen the symptoms.
How can I use peppermint essential oils and aromatherapy?
There are many different ways to use essential oils, here are a few ideas:
Massage is a great way to use peppermint aromatherapy. Dilute the peppermint essential oil with some carrier oil. Carrier oils have moisturizers that will soften skin, making it malleable to the touch. Since peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated, only 1-3 drops should need to be added to a small handful of carrier oil.
If you have a water spritzer, fill it with water and add peppermint essential oil. For small bottles, 15-20 drops. For medium bottles, 20-30 drops. Shake the mixture, and lightly spray on bedding, curtains, or even carpets for a room deodorizer.
Many stores now carry ceramic oil burners for aromatherapy. The oil burner will look like a classic, glass milk bottle, except smaller, with a petite, removable, saucer-shaped lid, beneath which you place a tea-candle. After you light the candle, and replace the lid, pour a small amount of peppermint essential oil in the lid. The candle will heat the oil, and the peppermint scent will permeate the air, revitalizing your senses.
Bring a small pot of water to boil over on a stovetop. Place a 3-5 drops of peppermint essential oil into the water, and breathe in the steam. Be sure to take deep, slow breaths, allowing the mixture to permeate your lungs.
Place 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil on a handkerchief. Fold handkerchief and place beneath pillow for a subtle scent that won’t overpower your nose.
Peppermint essential oil blends well with other oils. If you want to create your own unique scent try mixing up your own concoction. Peppermint combines well with: chamomile, jasmine, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, sandalwood, spearmint, tangerine and ylang ylang.
