Let's Learn! - Peppermint Essential Oil!
Let's learn about Peppermint Essential Oil! Peppermint EO has so many uses! It is not surprising that this oil is found in Young Living's Premium Starter Kit due to its versatility and popularity!
Peppermint EO comes from the plant Mentha piperita and is part of the Mint (Lamiaceae) Family. It is s hybrid of Mentha aquatica (Watermint) and Mentha spicata (Spearmint) and is indigenous to Europe and Asia. Over time it has naturalized in the United States and is found to be a bit invasive in nature, especially in the Great Lakes Region. The plant spreads quickly by underground rhizomes and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. You may even have some growing in your yard! I know I do! Some notable relatives in the Mint Family are fragrant herbs used in cooking such as Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Lavender and Thyme - all which are quite powerful essential oils too!
Peppermint contains a large amount of the natural constituent Menthol. The menthol provides the Peppermint flavor and scent as well as the numbing affects of Peppermint EO. In a previous post (Tame Those Cravings) I linked a couple supporting references for how the scent of Peppermint may potentially curb appetites and trigger a sense of satiety. The Peppermint scent is also invigorating and energizing! Wheeling Jesuit University also performed a study which indicated that the Peppermint scent helped to reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Peppermint is also known to have a positive effect on digestion and stomach discomfort. The University of Maryland Medical Center discusses how Peppermint may be used to help support healthy digestion.
Personally, I have used Peppermint EO in many different ways. Rubbing Peppermint EO diluted in a carrier oil onto my temples helps keep my head feeling good, clear and alert. Putting a single drop of Peppermint EO in my drinking water energizes me, calms bouts of gas and promotes healthy digestion. Applying Peppermint EO diluted in a carrier oil onto my stomach steadies an upset stomach and has allowed me to get on with my day instead of being stuck in the bathroom! I have even used Peppermint EO while baking. Add one or two drops to chocolate brownie or cake batter for a mild and minty flavor. Delicious!
The other day I had to attend an elementary school function. Unfortunately my stomach was not cooperating. I had gas and was quite lethargic. Fortunately I had my Peppermint EO nearby! I applied it to my stomach and added a drop to my water bottle. Within a few minutes I was feeling much better and ready to go into public!
Looking for a non-chemical way to repel spiders and other unwanted insects? Another way that I have used Peppermint EO in the home is by making a spider repellent spray! Mix in a spray bottle half water and half witch hazel and add several drops of Peppermint EO. Spray around windows and doors weekly or monthly depending on need and season. Completely safe to use around babies which is comforting when the medical industry warns of the negative side affects of chemical pesticides and insecticides used in the home. Read this CNN article from September 2015 or this EWG report also from September 2015.
Needless to say, I love my Peppermint EO and use it alot! What is your favorite way to use Peppermint EO?
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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