Herb & Essential Oil of the Month - Peppermint

August 24, 2004

Herb & Essential Oil of the Month - PeppermintMentha piperataPeppermint is the most popular member of the mint family. With over 25 species available, it is Peppermint's medicinal properties that have allowed it to become mainstream in our society. While most people assume Peppermint is used for freshening the breath and tooth paste, its uses are far greater. Research continues to validate it's medicinal values which make Peppermint a must have in any herb garden. The leaves and stem contain valuable menthol oil and should be picked before the blooms appear sometime between July and September. This evasive plant with its underground runners, grows from 1-3 feet high and it grows well in containers. Peppermint is one of the oldest and best tasting herbal remedies available. Use the leaves fresh or dry for herbal tea, medicinal herbal baths and add its refreshing flavor to salads and other dishes that contain tomatoes. They go great together.The mellow scent of Peppermint cures most problems of the stomach. From nausea and vomiting to irritable bowel syndrome, it promotes digestion and soothes the lining of the stomach, relieving cramps and abdominal pain. This also provides relief for bloating, constipation, diarrhea and can help prevent gallstones.Peppermint is approved by the FDA for a natural remedy for the common cold. It is an ingredient in many cough remedies, nasal decongestants, inhalants and topical ointments. It reduces inflammation in the nasal passages and clears congestion and coughs related to colds and allergies. Drinking the tea or inhaling its menthol vapors can ease breathing and reduce symptoms of colds and seasonal allergies. A Peppermint spray will help cool the body when overheated due to fever. The stimulating effects of Peppermint have a variety of uses. From relieving over worked muscles to improving concentration and performance in the brain, it is one of the best mental stimulants and can be used for depression as well as mental or physical exhaustion.In Western cultures, Peppermint is piped into the work place in the afternoon to increase productivity by warding off mental fatigue, lethargy and sluggishness. Inhaling Peppermint while driving on long commutes helps the driver stay alert and increases attention. It is also excellent when studying or doing tedious and repetitive tasks.Peppermint is a strong local anesthetic. The dried leaves or the oil can be applied topically for headaches, muscular aches and rheumatism. It is also a powerful antiseptic which makes it useful for toothaches, bug bites, wounds and scratches. Always dilute Peppermint essential oil when using it on the skin. Add a few drops to your favorite massage lotion or the bath to cover large areas of pain. A hot compress made with distilled water and dried herbs or essential oil is great when applied directly to affected area.

Aromatherapy UsageInhalation - For nausea, motion sickness, car sickness or hot flashes, carry a small bottle of Peppermint with you and inhale as needed. This is also good for asthma, bronchitis, dry cough and congestion.Skin Care - For acne, blackheads and breakouts. Add to cleansing cream or a wet cotton ball and apply directly to area of trouble. Use 15 drops oil to 1 oz lotion or cream.Tea - Steep 1 teaspoon leaves 5 minutes. Drink after dinner to aid digestion. Drink 3-4 cups per day during bouts with colds, flu, bronchitis, allergies and headaches,Bath - Use for energizing baths and to relieve muscle aches and pains and skin irritations.Headache Relief -Apply directly to area of pain. Helps with nausea that comes with migraine pain. Massage - Excellent to stimulate muscles and to relieve pain. Provides a cool sensation to help with inflammation. Keep away from eyes.Dried --- Herb UsageThe leaves can be added to the bath for itching skin conditions, sore and over worked muscles and arthritis. Add 1 quart strong Peppermint tea that has cooled to your bath water.Peppermint tea is also good for indigestion, stomach cramps, cold and allergy symptoms, sore throats and as a mouth gargle. Add to culinary recipes, including green salads and fresh fruit salads. Pure Essential Oil UsagePeppermint is so nice when used on overworked feet and legs. Add to a foot bath or your favorite lotion. Apply directly on the forehead and temples or where it hurts to reduce headache pain.Control chronic pain when massaged into the skin. Peppermint tricks the nerves: It stimulates those that produce a cool, soothing sensation and desensitizes those that pick up pain messages. Add to your favorite massage oil. Excellent combined with Lavender. Great to use for shingles.Medicinal Propertiesanalgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, chologogue (stimulates flow of bile), emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, stomachic, vasoconstrictor and vermifuge.Peppermint also contains B vitamins, vitamin C and A, calcium, and potassium.Peppermint blends well with Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram, Lemon, Eucalyptus and many others.Safety Considerations:* While drinking Peppermint tea is safe, never ingest pure Peppermint essential oil. * Keep out of reach of children and do not give mint in any form to children under the age of 5. It can give them a choking feeling.* Avoid large doses if you're pregnant, it can relax the uterus.* May interfere with iron absorption.*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Recipes & Peppermint TipsTo make a Peppermint vapor, add 5 to 10 drops of Peppermint oil to 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cover your head with a large towel while leaning over the pot.Ants hate Peppermint Essential Oil.Place a few drops where they enter the house or 2 drops on the ant nest.A compress with Peppermint Essential Oil relieves the symptoms of a sinus infection. Mix 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil in two cups of warm water.Lay a small cloth dampened with the mixture across your nose and your cheekbones. Breathe deeply, keeping your eyes closed. Excellent for headaches too.Disinfectant Room Spray3 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil1 ounce of WaterCombine ingredients. Shake well before using. This combination is also suitable as a chest rub. (Replace the water in this recipe with a carrier oil.)Diffuser Blend6 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil4 drops Lavender Essential Oil2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil2 drops Rosemary Essential OilUse 3-4 drops in a diffuser or add 2 drops to a warm bath.For Massage Blend - Add 2 drops to 2 teaspoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage on chest and back.Stomach Ache Blend5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil5 drops Peppermint Essential OilBlend with 1 oz. of carrier oil, Sweet Almond is good but any will do. Massage on tummy area with gentle clockwise strokes. Not for young children.

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Ease The Stress - Turn Your Bathroom Into A Spa For Stress ReliefWater is very therapeutic and healing as well as cleansing. In our fast paced world, we have become accustomed to taking pulsating showers with strong spicy soaps to wake us up and get us going in our hectic, busy lives. But times are changing. Now we want to relax and be soothed when we're at home; and when it comes to the bathroom, we want to be pampered like we're at an expensive spa. Most of us can't install large steam showers and Japanese soaking tubs, but it is possible to turn your bathroom into an inviting oasis without a lot of expense and in the process, relieve some, even all of your stress. Relaxing in a warm scented bath also induces alpha brain waves, which enhance concentration and are more likely to trigger intuition than the rapid beta waves we experience throughout our normal day. Researchers agree that intuitive thoughts come suddenly and usually when we're relaxing.Color can be used to create or enhance a mood. Painting the bathroom a nice soothing color can promote relaxation. Perhaps a gentle blue, pastel green or even pale lilac. Find aromatherapy candles to match your color scheme. Not only will the soft glow make you feel relaxed, the scent will be calming and therapeutic as well. To make your own candles, add essential oils into melted beeswax and pour into a glass container. Place in the wick and let it harden.Plush area rugs provide a touch of softness for your feet and adds color and texture to your bathroom.Plants and/or flowers provide a calming effect and a nice decorative touch. Use live plants if your bathroom gets a lot of sunshine, otherwise, the silk version works just fine.

Extra large fluffy towels are a must for that pampered spa feeling. Create scented towels by adding 3 to 6 drops of your favorite essential oil to a handkerchief and toss it in the dryer with your towels.Purchase a spa robe - your body will thank you every time you slip on an extra soft and fluffy spa robe made from Egyptian cotton.The temperature of your bath or shower can affect your energy level. A cool shower is very energizing, a warm bath (set at body temperature) relaxes, and a hot bath will help you snooze at night.Sip a cool glass of mineral water or a warm cup of herbal tea as you care for your body. Remember to use plastic cups in the bathroom.Move a portable CD player into the bathroom and listen to relaxing music, nature sounds or soft classical if you enjoy it. If you don't have anything soothing to play, check your local library.

For a spa facial, combine 3 tablespoons of honey, 1/3 cup oats and 2 teaspoons of Peppermint tea. To soothe achy muscles combine Epsom salts with a few drops of essential oil and add to your bath water. Eucalyptus or Rosemary essential oils would be great choices.

Make sure you have plenty of soft washcloths, scented soaps and face masks on hand. Many spas offer samples of items that you can take home for use in your personal escape.As you can see, you don't have to go to a spa to gain the benefits of water and beauty therapies. Set aside an a little time and give yourself a beauty treatment at home every chance you get. It's not selfish. When you take care of yourself and feel good, you are more able to give of yourself to others. So pamper yourself often with no guilt! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Tea of the Month - Peppermint Herbal TeaWhile Peppermint is such a cool and refreshing summer tea, its medicinal qualities also make it the perfect drink any time of year. Peppermint is approved by the FDA as a remedy for the common cold. Its menthol vapors help relieve nasal, sinus and chest congestion. It is also one of the most powerful natural remedies for indigestion. Peppermint soothes and relaxes muscle linings and has an antispasmodic effect particularly to the intestines and the stomach. This helps it to relieve nausea, muscle spasms, gas, bloating and cramps. Excellent for motion sickness, PMS, headaches and is very stimulating to the mind. Great when studying.

Diana Gonzalez

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown

August 24, 2004

In my work (I'm a doula), we use a few drops of peppermint oil in the toilet when the laboring mother is having trouble urinating.

Kristina

Jose and Diana Gonzalez [joseanddiana]Tuesday, August 24, 2004 6:28 AMjoseanddianaSubject: Herb & Essential Oil of the Month - Peppermint

Herb & Essential Oil of the Month - PeppermintMentha piperataPeppermint is the most popular member of the mint family. With over 25 species available, it is Peppermint's medicinal properties that have allowed it to become mainstream in our society. While most people assume Peppermint is used for freshening the breath and tooth paste, its uses are far greater. Research continues to validate it's medicinal values which make Peppermint a must have in any herb garden. The leaves and stem contain valuable menthol oil and should be picked before the blooms appear sometime between July and September. This evasive plant with its underground runners, grows from 1-3 feet high and it grows well in containers. Peppermint is one of the oldest and best tasting herbal remedies available. Use the leaves fresh or dry for herbal tea, medicinal herbal baths and add its refreshing flavor to salads and other dishes that contain tomatoes. They go great together.The mellow scent of Peppermint cures most problems of the stomach. From nausea and vomiting to irritable bowel syndrome, it promotes digestion and soothes the lining of the stomach, relieving cramps and abdominal pain. This also provides relief for bloating, constipation, diarrhea and can help prevent gallstones.Peppermint is approved by the FDA for a natural remedy for the common cold. It is an ingredient in many cough remedies, nasal decongestants, inhalants and topical ointments. It reduces inflammation in the nasal passages and clears congestion and coughs related to colds and allergies. Drinking the tea or inhaling its menthol vapors can ease breathing and reduce symptoms of colds and seasonal allergies. A Peppermint spray will help cool the body when overheated due to fever. The stimulating effects of Peppermint have a variety of uses. From relieving over worked muscles to improving concentration and performance in the brain, it is one of the best mental stimulants and can be used for depression as well as mental or physical exhaustion.In Western cultures, Peppermint is piped into the work place in the afternoon to increase productivity by warding off mental fatigue, lethargy and sluggishness. Inhaling Peppermint while driving on long commutes helps the driver stay alert and increases attention. It is also excellent when studying or doing tedious and repetitive tasks.Peppermint is a strong local anesthetic. The dried leaves or the oil can be applied topically for headaches, muscular aches and rheumatism. It is also a powerful antiseptic which makes it useful for toothaches, bug bites, wounds and scratches. Always dilute Peppermint essential oil when using it on the skin. Add a few drops to your favorite massage lotion or the bath to cover large areas of pain. A hot compress made with distilled water and dried herbs or essential oil is great when applied directly to affected area. Aromatherapy UsageInhalation - For nausea, motion sickness, car sickness or hot flashes, carry a small bottle of Peppermint with you and inhale as needed. This is also good for asthma, bronchitis, dry cough and congestion.Skin Care - For acne, blackheads and breakouts. Add to cleansing cream or a wet cotton ball and apply directly to area of trouble. Use 15 drops oil to 1 oz lotion or cream.Tea - Steep 1 teaspoon leaves 5 minutes. Drink after dinner to aid digestion. Drink 3-4 cups per day during bouts with colds, flu, bronchitis, allergies and headaches,Bath - Use for energizing baths and to relieve muscle aches and pains and skin irritations.Headache Relief -Apply directly to area of pain. Helps with nausea that comes with migraine pain. Massage - Excellent to stimulate muscles and to relieve pain. Provides a cool sensation to help with inflammation. Keep away from eyes.Dried --- Herb UsageThe leaves can be added to the bath for itching skin conditions, sore and over worked muscles and arthritis. Add 1 quart strong Peppermint tea that has cooled to your bath water.Peppermint tea is also good for indigestion, stomach cramps, cold and allergy symptoms, sore throats and as a mouth gargle. Add to culinary recipes, including green salads and fresh fruit salads. Pure Essential Oil UsagePeppermint is so nice when used on overworked feet and legs. Add to a foot bath or your favorite lotion. Apply directly on the forehead and temples or where it hurts to reduce headache pain.Control chronic pain when massaged into the skin. Peppermint tricks the nerves: It stimulates those that produce a cool, soothing sensation and desensitizes those that pick up pain messages. Add to your favorite massage oil. Excellent combined with Lavender. Great to use for shingles.Medicinal Propertiesanalgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, chologogue (stimulates flow of bile), emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, stomachic, vasoconstrictor and vermifuge.Peppermint also contains B vitamins, vitamin C and A, calcium, and potassium.Peppermint blends well with Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram, Lemon, Eucalyptus and many others.Safety Considerations:* While drinking Peppermint tea is safe, never ingest pure Peppermint essential oil. * Keep out of reach of children and do not give mint in any form to children under the age of 5. It can give them a choking feeling.* Avoid large doses if you're pregnant, it can relax the uterus.* May interfere with iron absorption.*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Recipes & Peppermint TipsTo make a Peppermint vapor, add 5 to 10 drops of Peppermint oil to 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cover your head with a large towel while leaning over the pot.Ants hate Peppermint Essential Oil.Place a few drops where they enter the house or 2 drops on the ant nest.A compress with Peppermint Essential Oil relieves the symptoms of a sinus infection. Mix 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil in two cups of warm water.Lay a small cloth dampened with the mixture across your nose and your cheekbones. Breathe deeply, keeping your eyes closed. Excellent for headaches too.Disinfectant Room Spray3 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil1 ounce of WaterCombine ingredients. Shake well before using. This combination is also suitable as a chest rub. (Replace the water in this recipe with a carrier oil.)Diffuser Blend6 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil4 drops Lavender Essential Oil2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil2 drops Rosemary Essential OilUse 3-4 drops in a diffuser or add 2 drops to a warm bath.For Massage Blend - Add 2 drops to 2 teaspoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage on chest and back.Stomach Ache Blend5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil5 drops Peppermint Essential OilBlend with 1 oz. of carrier oil, Sweet Almond is good but any will do. Massage on tummy area with gentle clockwise strokes. Not for young children.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ease The Stress - Turn Your Bathroom Into A Spa For Stress ReliefWater is very therapeutic and healing as well as cleansing. In our fast paced world, we have become accustomed to taking pulsating showers with strong spicy soaps to wake us up and get us going in our hectic, busy lives. But times are changing. Now we want to relax and be soothed when we're at home; and when it comes to the bathroom, we want to be pampered like we're at an expensive spa. Most of us can't install large steam showers and Japanese soaking tubs, but it is possible to turn your bathroom into an inviting oasis without a lot of expense and in the process, relieve some, even all of your stress. Relaxing in a warm scented bath also induces alpha brain waves, which enhance concentration and are more likely to trigger intuition than the rapid beta waves we experience throughout our normal day. Researchers agree that intuitive thoughts come suddenly and usually when we're relaxing.Color can be used to create or enhance a mood. Painting the bathroom a nice soothing color can promote relaxation. Perhaps a gentle blue, pastel green or even pale lilac. Find aromatherapy candles to match your color scheme. Not only will the soft glow make you feel relaxed, the scent will be calming and therapeutic as well. To make your own candles, add essential oils into melted beeswax and pour into a glass container. Place in the wick and let it harden.Plush area rugs provide a touch of softness for your feet and adds color and texture to your bathroom.Plants and/or flowers provide a calming effect and a nice decorative touch. Use live plants if your bathroom gets a lot of sunshine, otherwise, the silk version works just fine.

Extra large fluffy towels are a must for that pampered spa feeling. Create scented towels by adding 3 to 6 drops of your favorite essential oil to a handkerchief and toss it in the dryer with your towels.Purchase a spa robe - your body will thank you every time you slip on an extra soft and fluffy spa robe made from Egyptian cotton.The temperature of your bath or shower can affect your energy level. A cool shower is very energizing, a warm bath (set at body temperature) relaxes, and a hot bath will help you snooze at night.Sip a cool glass of mineral water or a warm cup of herbal tea as you care for your body. Remember to use plastic cups in the bathroom.Move a portable CD player into the bathroom and listen to relaxing music, nature sounds or soft classical if you enjoy it. If you don't have anything soothing to play, check your local library.

For a spa facial, combine 3 tablespoons of honey, 1/3 cup oats and 2 teaspoons of Peppermint tea. To soothe achy muscles combine Epsom salts with a few drops of essential oil and add to your bath water. Eucalyptus or Rosemary essential oils would be great choices.

Make sure you have plenty of soft washcloths, scented soaps and face masks on hand. Many spas offer samples of items that you can take home for use in your personal escape.As you can see, you don't have to go to a spa to gain the benefits of water and beauty therapies. Set aside an a little time and give yourself a beauty treatment at home every chance you get. It's not selfish. When you take care of yourself and feel good, you are more able to give of yourself to others. So pamper yourself often with no guilt! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Tea of the Month - Peppermint Herbal TeaWhile Peppermint is such a cool and refreshing summer tea, its medicinal qualities also make it the perfect drink any time of year. Peppermint is approved by the FDA as a remedy for the common cold. Its menthol vapors help relieve nasal, sinus and chest congestion. It is also one of the most powerful natural remedies for indigestion. Peppermint soothes and relaxes muscle linings and has an antispasmodic effect particularly to the intestines and the stomach. This helps it to relieve nausea, muscle spasms, gas, bloating and cramps. Excellent for motion sickness, PMS, headaches and is very stimulating to the mind. Great when studying.

Diana Gonzalez

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown