Peppermint Essential OIl Benefits
Peppermint Essential Oil Overview
[inlineImage|left|BFC4BFA600A6114C0A86A21859E8DEB6208BA717|stock xchng - Peppermint (stock photo by haiinee) [id 1103903]|]Peppermint essential oil is a fantastic essential oil with a sharp, invigorating and very familiar scent especially around the winter holidays. Historically, the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used it and it’s one of the oldest essential oils still in use. Most aromatherapy experts call peppermint essential oil a “must have” due to its ability to ease headaches, help with sleepiness and soothe digestive problems.
Helps with Nausea and Digestive Issues
To ease nausea and other digestive problems, place a single drop of peppermint essential oil onto a piece of cotton and inhale deeply. You could also hold the small bottle containing the essential oil beneath your nose, if it’s not too strong for you. Add a few drops to a massage oil (never apply essential oils directly to the skin) and lightly massage the stomach to help with other digestive problems such as indigestion. While peppermint essential oil helps with digestion, it should never be taken internally without first checking with a care provider.
Relieves Headaches
To relieve headaches place a drop of the peppermint essential oil onto a cotton ball, find a quiet place, close your eyes and inhale deeply. You could also place a few drops into a diffuser and lay down for a few minutes until the headache eases. Many aromatherapy experts feel peppermint essential oil works faster than commercial drugs at relieving headaches. If you can’t find a quiet place to inhale the oil, combine a one or two drops of peppermint essential oil with a massage oil (about half a cup) and rub a few drops into your wrists or temples.
Combats Sleepiness
Another peppermint essential oil benefit is that it’s invigorating and can wake you up when you’re feeling sleepy. Rather than having that cup of caffeine in the morning, try adding a few drops to a diffuser, deeply inhaling peppermint essential oil, or drizzling a drop or two onto the floor of your shower to help you wake up.
Reduces Inflammation
In addition to other abilities, peppermint essential oil mixed in a massage oil reduces muscle inflammation. If you’re tired, headachy and have sore muscles, get a full body massage using the mixture. You may find this one oil eases all of those problems.
Warnings
Avoid using peppermint essential oil during pregnancy. In addition, since peppermint essential oil is so strong, care should be taken when mixing it with other essential or carrier oils. It only takes a few drops to receive the health benefits of peppermint essential oil.
Essential oils should never be ingested unless recommended by a care provider. In addition, never apply essential oils directly to the skin without a carrier oil. Caution should be taken with if breastfeeding. If you have any serious health condition, please check in with your care provider before using essential oils since they may worsen your condition.
References
1. Dye, Jane. Aromatherapy for Women and Children. St. Edmundsbury Press, 1992.
2. Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy:Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health - Beauty - a Safe Home Environment. New World Library, 1991.
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