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Monday, September 16, 2013

Practical Peppermint

Back to our EO spotlight...Today let's look at peppermint. To me, this is a very strong smelling EO and I find that it overpowers other EOs when mixed into a blend. So, as a word of caution, make sure you take that into account when measuring prior to blending EOs. But, on the upside it is an invigorating oil and is a great one to wake up your senses.


 Scientific name: Mentha piperita

 Common extraction methods: steam distilled

 Properties: Anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, invigorating, analgesic (painkiller), anti-spasmodic.

 Applications: This oil can be applied diluted. Great for using aromatically. 

 Uses: Alertness, vomiting, motion sickness, upset stomach, bacterial infections, chronic fatigue, cold sores (herpes simplex), congestion, cooling of the body, muscle cramps/fatigue/aches, diarrhea, Crohn's Disease, fainting, fever, influenza (flu), gamma radiation exposure, heartburn, heatstroke, hot flashes, hives, jet lag, decrease milk production (lactation), migraines, MRSA, osteoporosis, sciatica, shock, surgical wounds, typhoid, varicose veins. 
Safety info: Contact sensitization may occur with repeated use. If you have a high blood pressure or are pregnant, use caution.

 Ways to use it in real life:
  • Spider spray: This is my #1 use of peppermint oil. I have a 1 oz spray bottle with approximately 20 drops of EO topped with water. I spray the door frames and windows. I have watched them run! 
  • Focus blend: Need help focusing on school work, writing blog posts or getting your work caught up? Try 4 1 drops of peppermint and 4 1 drop of wild orange in a 1/6 oz roller bottle topped with a carrier oil of your choice. Roll on back of neck, wrists or just breathe in. This is also great as a diffuser blend.
  • Allergy blend: Season allergies? Check. Skin allergies? Sometimes. Hives? Occasionally. Use LLP: lavender, lemon and peppermint in equal parts. This is great in a salve or in a roller bottle topped with a carrier oil. 
  • "AC in a bottle": Here's a link {click here} to a great spray to help you keep cool by humblebee & me. Great for the last month of summer, after your workout, or for hot flashes.
  • Upset stomach: a drop of peppermint oil rubbed on the stomach (remember to dilute) can calm an upset stomach - works for overeating, motion sickness and the stomach flu.
  • Keep mice & ants away: Put a drop of peppermint oil into the hole or crack where they are coming in. Or put a drop onto a cotton ball into the corners of your room. I used this with little ants coming into my kitchen.
This post has been updated to reflect new information I have learned - you may find things omitted that were previously there. In recipes, I have crossed out the old amount and added the new. 10/2013
Sources: Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, Third EditionPublished by Abundant Health; website TrydoTERRA.com.

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