PEPPERMINT - mentha arvensis

Peppermint is one of the most useful and beloved EO- refreshing, cooling, uplifting, and restoring. Peppermint is also a big favourite among both professional and home cooks and can be found as a flavouring agent in a large variety of foods. However, peppermint really shines in aromatherapy, as its fresh, comforting scent soothes and relieves the symptoms of all sorts of ailments, both mental and physical

For the medicine cabinet x. When applied to the chest during a cold, peppermint opens and soothes the lungs. For a headache I apply a small amount, diluted in a carrier oil, to the fingertips and massage into the temples. If peppermint oil is a bit strong for you, you can create a mix with lavender to mellow the cooling effects of the peppermint.

Peppermint oil is used to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms/pain, asthma, intestinal gas and more. It is also a good expectorant. Peppermint oil also contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, copper, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. It can be ingested in small quantities when it is of food grade quality.

For the mind/nevous system x. Emotionally and spiritually, peppermint EO is uplifting and rejuvenating to the heart and mind. It helps a person rise above stress, pain, sadness, or fear, and regain the sense of zest and joy for Life and their role in it. In this way it may be good for someone experiencing grief, hopelessness, and even pessimism.

For the home/cleaning x. Peppermint oil is a popular natural antibacterial. Killing unwanted germs is a must in a busy home. Put two or more drops of peppermint in a water and light dish soap mixture when cleaning. You can clean off common places where germs are spread such as door knobs, bathrooms, and kitchens. Keep ants and spiders out of your home by making a barrier of peppermint oil. Put some oil on a cotton ball and wipe around the areas they are entering your home such as doorways or windows. You can also leave the cotton balls in strategic areas to deter mice. Add some peppermint oil to your Homemade Cleaners to give them a fresh scent and to give them antifungal and antibacterial properties. In a spray bottle, mix epsom salts and a few drops of peppermint oil with warm water. Swish around until salts are dissolved. Spray on dogs to help with fleas. Place peppermint oil on the tip of a cotton swap and put around the head of a tick to remove it from skin.

For beauty x. Restores skin complexion and reduces acne, Slows aging with powerful antioxidants, Improves eczema and psoriasis. Sunspots & scarring. It helps regenerate skin cells so is great for mature skin, sun spots, and scarring. See page for lavender skin care recipes.
Some more ideas x. A few drops of lavender oil in a bath can help to soothe frayed nerves and help you get a good night’s sleep, and rubbing the oil into your temples and forehead can relieve headaches. Add a drop or two to a paste of baking soda and water for an effective underarm deodorant, and those same few drops can help to alleviate sinus issues and respiratory infections when added to a steam inhale.