I was going to write about Peace and Calming, but I had too many thoughts swirling in my head about Peppermint.  So, Peppermint it is.  Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has such a wonderful candy cane smell and it has so many uses.  I use this oil daily.  I use it if I feel sick to my stomach.  I will put a drop in a glass of water and drink that– it always helps!  Make sure you are not putting in plastic… the oil will eat the plastic. Also, be careful- this is a potent and hot oil.  One drop is plenty.  We use this in our house for headaches, fevers, sick tummies, bug repellent and sinus issues.  **This should be avoided on infants and kids under 3 yrs. of age.**

PEPPERMINT – (Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint’s effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in affecting impaired taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. Alan Hirsch, M.D., studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sense of fullness after meals.  So it is an excellent tool to have available when you are cutting back on portion sizes.

I used to pop a Tylenol any time I had a headache or some type of pain.  There have been so many studies about acetaminophen, an ingredient in Tylenol.  Did you know researchers have reported that liver toxicity from acetaminophen poisoning is by far the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States??  Oh my word.  Do I really want to risk hurting my liver or my kids’ livers?  Fortunately, there is an alternative way to help with this kind of pain!  When my son starts complaining of a headache, I whip out the peppermint.  I dilute this with a carrier oil and put on the base of his neck.  I then rub on  his temples (diluted) and I will have him sit and inhale it.  If my kids get a fever… I will rub on their feet.  Yes, their fevers go down.  And I am not interfering with the process of the fever, which is the body’s way of fighting infection.  Of course, if there ever was a time when a fever got way too high– I would use Tylenol or take them to the emergency room.  I always want to have common sense and balance holistic measures with western medicine!

Peppermint is also good in helping with sinus pressure and stuffiness and I will usually diffuse the oil then.  Who doesn’t want their house smelling like a candy cane factory?  I know Buddy the Elf would like it!

 

You can also get a spray bottle and put 5 drops of Peppermint oil mixed with distilled water and spray around the perimeter of your house or baseboards.  Spiders and mice hate Peppermint.  This will usually keep them from entering if it smells like Peppermint.  Hey, I’m on board with anything keeping a spider out!

This has been shown to help women with morning sickness in their first trimester (along with Ginger).  I have read many testimonials where women have used this all day to relieve their sickness. Peppermint has been proven safe for pregnant women. There are many oils that are not.  They interfere with your hormones and can start contractions.    **You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other diet program to determine if it is right for your needs.**

Here are 26 practical uses for Peppermint Oil:

1.     Rub 4-6 drops in the palm and rub over stomach and around the navel to relieve indigestion and diarrhea.

2.     Add a drop of Peppermint oil to herbal tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn. (careful not to put more than 1 drop)

3.     Massage several drops of Peppermint oil on the area of injury to reduce inflammation.

4.     Apply Peppermint oil immediately to an injured area, to relieve pain.  If there is a cut, apply the Peppermint oil around (not on) the open wound.

5.     Rub several drops of Peppermint oil on the bottoms of the feet to reduce fever.

6.     Apply a drop of Peppermint oil topically on unbroken skin to stop itching.

7.     For poison ivy or poison oak, apply Peppermint oil on location neat or dilute with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil.

8.     Inhale Peppermint oil before and during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue.

9.     Massage several drops of Peppermint oil on the abdomen to relieve nausea.

10.   To relieve a headache, rub a drop of Peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck.

11.   To stop hiccups, apply a drop of Peppermint oil on each side of the fifth cervical vertebra (up three notches from the large vertebra at the base of the neck).  (Hiccups!)

12.   Place two drops of Peppermint oil on the tongue and rub another drop under the nose to improve alertness and concentration.

13.   Diffuse Peppermint oil in the room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy.  Inhale Peppermint oil while taking a test to improve recall.

14.   Rub 4 drops of Peppermint oil on chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness.

15.   Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold.

16.   Add Peppermint oil to food as a flavoring and a preservative.

17.   To deter rats, mice, ants or cockroaches, place two drops of Peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place along the path or point of entry for these pests.

18.   Mix one 15 ml. bottle of Peppermint oil into a 5 gallon can of paint to dispel the fumes.

19.   Place a couple of drops of Peppermint oil in a cup of hot water and enjoy in place of coffee.  (this one is not for me 🙂 )  **Make sure you are using a therapeutic grade- like Young Living.  Do not ingest a low quality essential oil.**

20.   To kill aphids, add 4-5 drops of Peppermint oil to 4 ounces of water and spray the plants.
21.   Drink a drop of Peppermint oil mixed in a glass of cold water to cool off on a hot day.

22.   Rub Peppermint oil on joints to relieve arthritis or tendonitis pain.

23.   Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue to stop bad breath.

24.   Inhale the fragrance of Peppermint oil to curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.

25.   Remove ticks by applying a drop of Peppermint oil on a cotton swab and swabbing the tick.  Wait for it to unhedge its head and remove from your pet.

26.   Mix Peppermint oil in a foot bath to relieve sore feet.  Keep water agitated while soaking feet.

List created by: Frank Seeley

Young Living’s Peppermint Oil is a must have for our home.  I don’t know what I would do without it.  I highly recommend it…it is a truly incredible product!

*Sharing experiences with essential oils is an effective way of learning to utilize these powerful gifts from Nature.  With this knowledge we can take control of our personal health.  However, we are required by law in the USA to state, “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”