Peppermint Oil; the many uses

You may be familiar with giving your child, or perhaps you've taken, peppermint candy prior to taking a test to help you focus and recall memories. There is research behind this. Peppermint oil has many benefits, a few of them include; promoting healthy respiratory function; alleviates occasional stomach upset; promotes mental alertness & clarity; and supports feelings of calm & stress relief, to name a few.

For centuries, peppermint has been used to soothe digestive difficulties, freshen breath, and to relieve colic, gas, headaches, heart burn and indigestion.

Peppermint oil can be used in three ways; aromatically, internally and topically. Aromatically means that you can diffuse peppermint oil, in a diffuser with water, or you can put one or two drops on your hands and inhale them.

Topically mean applying the oil, and usually diluted with fractionated coconut oil, or other carrier oil, and applying one or two drops to a pulse point, maybe your wrist, your temples, or the bottoms of your feet, this is invigorating for athletes.

I have applied peppermint along with frankincense and lavender to my temples and the back of my neck when I feel a headache or migraine coming on. This has worked wonderfully for me, better than any over-the-counter or prescription drug. Just be careful not to get it too close to your eyes,

Internally - is just what it implies, most essential oils can be taken internally, however, only one or two drops. This can be administered either in water, tea, a smoothie, sometimes just under your tongue, or in veggie caps.

A few other possible uses for peppermint oil: anger, arthritis, depression, fatigue, food poisoning, hysteria, inflammation, liver problems, nerves, rheumatism, seizures, elevate and open sensory system, soothe and cool skin, toothaches, tuberculosis and add flavor to water.

Essential oils are great for cooking too. They are 80 times more potent than dried herbs. However, you only want to use one drop, or swirling a toothpick in the oil and then applying to your food. A little goes a long way. More on this in future blogs!

Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, please consult your primary care provider before using these products. They are based on personal usage, testimonies and some scientific studies by independent third party labs.