Peppermint is one of my favorite summertime oils. Whether working outside in the heat, soothing tense muscles and headaches, or added to water as a refreshing drink, peppermint is a must for summertime living.
On hot summer days when I am working outside, I add a drop of peppermint oil to my glass water bottle. The oil actually cools you internally…try it! Another way to benefit from peppermint’s cooling effect is to put a drop or two on the back of your neck, on pulse points, or on the bottoms of your feet.
By the way, did you know that ONE drop of peppermint is equal to TWENTY-EIGHT cups of peppermint tea made from the dried herb? Peppermint oil is highly concentrated – a little goes a long way!
Next time you have an upset stomach or indigestion, make yourself a cup of “tea” with a drop of Young Living’s therapeutic-grade peppermint oil and a little agave or honey. Dr. Jean Valnet, one of the pioneers of aromatherapy in 20th century, suggested using peppermint oil internally (2-5 drops several times a day) for the treatment of “sluggish digestion”.
Dr. Alan Hirsch studied the effects of inhaled peppermint on the satiety center of the brain. He found that it actually triggered the “full” feeling when inhaled.
Applying a few drops of peppermint to my feet, temples or neck (whatever seems appropriate) at the first sign of a tension headache usually knocks it out within minutes. I also can’t keep myself from inhaling its wonderful scent! Rubbing a couple of drops on sore muscles and joints often relieves discomfort, too. One of the reasons peppermint oil is so helpful for headaches other pains is because its main active compound is menthone. Menthone, like other ketones, is anti-inflammatory. Since inflammation plays a huge part in many of our aches and pains, it is easy to see why peppermint is so beneficial.
Beneficial for us, yes. For pesky ants and spiders…NO! If I see any ants looking like they want to come inside my house, I put several drops of peppermint oil in a sprayer bottle with some water and spray the door thresholds and any other areas they may use as an entrance. This also worked when a spider set up home in our mailbox. A few sprays inside the mailbox, and the spider chose another place to live. Yay!
Peppermint oil is one of the oils I always have in my purse. I use it as a breath freshener, to nix a headache, to flavor my water when I am out and about, and to help myself wake up when tired. Try some peppermint today and let me know how you enjoy it!
