I was reading on peppermint oil and want to share some amazing things about peppermint...besides the fact that it smells and tastes so good.
I have a diffuser I plug into my cigarette lighter in my car. I love to diffuse peppermint oil while I'm driving, as it is known that peppermint oil will help keep you more alert, plus I noticed when people get in my car they say it smells good.
I have massaged peppermint oil on people's necks when they've complained of a headache, and it has given them relief--it is also good for massaging into sore muscles. Because peppermint oil is so strong and concentrated, you only need a couple drops, which you can add to a teaspoon of carrier oil (almond, jojoba, grapeseed, etc.) to spread it into the sore muscle. The essential oil will penetrate deeply to bring a cooling relief.
Peppermint can also help clear up sinuses and is good for an upset tummy--you can just rub a few drops (diluted in a teaspoon of carrier oil) on your stomach and you'll feel it penetrate and sooth your tummy. Because I've become quite accustomed to using peppermint oil I can rub it directly on my skin and it doesn't irritate it. I also enjoy a drop in my mouth for an intense mouth freshener--plus it soothes your tummy.
Here's an article on peppermint oil. It mentions that ylang ylang appears to impair alertness and memory--the opposite of peppermint. That is probably because some essential oils, including ylang ylang, are powerful antidepressants.
Here is the article:
Here's an interesting tidbit I found on peppermint essential oil:
"Research at Weber State University has shown that out of 67 oils tested, 66 of them were powerful anti-bacterial agents. Oregano, cinnamon, mountain savory, ravensara and peppermint were all more powerful as anti-bacterial agents than penicillin or ampicillin."
Here are some tips I have collected in my notes on some uses for peppermint oil:
• Rub 4-6 drops in the palm of your hand and rub over stomach and around the navel to relieve indigestion, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea.
• Add a drop of peppermint oil to herbal tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.
• Massage several drops of peppermint oil on the area of injury to reduce inflammation.
• Apply peppermint oil immediately to an injured area (bruised shin, hit on the foot or hand) to relieve pain.
• Rub several drops of peppermint oil on the bottoms of the feet to reduce fever.
• Apply a drop of peppermint oil topically on unbroken skin to stop itching.
• For poison ivy or poison oak, apply peppermint oil on location neat or dilute with a carrier oil
• Inhale peppermint oil before and during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue.
• 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.
• 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).
• Diffuse peppermint oil in the room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy. Inhale peppermint oil while taking a test to improve recall.
• Rub 4 drops of peppermint oil on chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness.
• Place a drop of peppermint oil on the tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold.
• Add peppermint oil to food as a flavoring and a preservative (usually one or two drops is plenty).
• 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.
• Mix one 15-ml. bottle of peppermint oil into a 5 gallon can of paint to dispel the fumes.
• Place a drop of peppermint oil in a cup of hot water and enjoy in place of coffee.
• To kill aphids add 4-5 drops of peppermint oil to 4 ounces of water and spray the plants.
• Drink a drop of peppermint oil mixed in a glass of cold water to cool off on a hot day.
• Rub peppermint oil on joints to help relieve arthritis or tendonitis discomfort.
• Place one drop of peppermint oil on the tongue to stop bad breath.
• Inhale the fragrance of peppermint oil to curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.
• Remove ticks by applying a drop of peppermint oil on a cotton swab and swabbing the tick. Wait for it to unmerge its head and remove it.
• Mix peppermint oil in a footbath to relieve sore feet. Keep water agitated while soaking feet.
• Put two drops in the palm of your hand and rub over body and clothing as a mosquito repellent.
I also just saw this site that has a lot of tips and information on peppermint oil:
Try it...you'll like it!
