Peppermint Essential Oil {Review}
I am new to using essential oils. I have had both good and bad experiences with them over the last year. That said, I have been learning ways to use them safely and Peppermint is one of my favorites.
I am sure that I have no inkling of how far reaching their benefits can be, but I am having fun learning ways to use them here at home.
The first time I was exposed to Peppermint Essential Oil was at a convention. I had the worse headache of my life. One of the ladies with me whipped out this bottle and started rubbing it over my forehead, temples and along the back of my neck. Wow, it smelled wonderful and was so relaxing as I sat there breathing it in.
And then… it started burning. I don’t mean getting warm, I mean my face and neck were on fire! Well, my headache was gone but I had blisters that ended up scarring my face because it was applied directly to my skin without a carrier oil.
Guess what? I did a ton of research on carrier oils and use them anything I am applying essential oils on myself or my children. Disclaimer here… I know others that rub these oils directly on their skin without the reaction that I had. I think every one is different and I always explain that you need to start slow and learn about oils before you jump in and get yourself in a pickle like I did.
Ok, back to using Peppermint Essential Oils. First I love the smell. It makes me smile!
However, I have been adding it to our laundry soap recipe, cleaning products and of course aroma therapy devices. Another great use for it has been on sore muscles and those dreaded headaches. Just a drop in a couple of tablespoons of carrier oil is enough to work amazingly when massaged on sore spots or along the back of my neck.
According to the information I have found:
Peppermint oil is said to cure indigestion. Use peppermint oil as a flavoring agent in food or add a few drops in a glass of warm water and drink it after your meal. Being carminative in nature, peppermint oil helps to dispel gas. It also eases stomach and bowel spasms and is the best antidote for an upset stomach.
Peppermint oil benefits the respiratory system. The menthol in peppermint oil helps to clear the respiratory tract. The oil of peppermint acts as an expectorant and provides relief during a regular bout of cold and cough, and the more serious sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis. Use peppermint oil as a cold rub on the chest or inhale it through a vaporizer and you will find that your nasal congestion has disappeared.
Peppermint oil is also used for relief from headaches. Inhaling a few drops of peppermint oil sprinkled on a handkerchief or dabbed on your wrist will remove a nagging headache. It also acts as a stressbuster.
Peppermint oil is used to treat stress and pain. After a long tiring day, soak yourself in a bath or shower after applying some drops of peppermint oil to your body. The refreshing properties of the oil will make you feel energized again. The cooling properties of peppermint oil benefit by removing pain. It can be applied topically.
Peppermint oil is used in hair and skin care. Peppermint blends well with other essential oils and is used in massages, steam bath, and mud packs. Peppermint oil is antiseptic in nature, and when massaged on the scalp, it helps to remove dandruff and lice in addition to its usual cooling effect. When applied on the skin, peppermint oil keeps pimples at bay and keeps the skin healthy and blemish-free. Add a drop or two of peppermint oil to your toothpaste and say goodbye to bad breath and toothaches.
The literature also claims that Peppermint Oil is effective in repelling mice, spiders, ants, fleas, lice, roaches and rodents. This is my next project..battling the spiders in Northern Kentucky!
It probably doesn’t need to be said, but please be careful to avoid getting it in your eyes. Also, used without a carrier oil may irritate your skin. The use during pregnancy is still up to debate so make sure you do your own research.
For more information or to purchase a bottle of Peppermint Oil
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