Personal Use
Peppermint Essential Oil has a cooling nature and therefore can help to relieve anger. It assists us in moving out that which is no longer serves us and enhances our receptivity for all that is new and fresh on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
One of the benefits that we have seen from Peppermint Essential Oil has been for its respiratory effects. When massage clients are prone (lying face down), with the head in a face cradle, there is a tendency for sinus congestion. Placing a tissue with a couple of drops of Peppermint Essential Oil under the face cradle assists the client in being able to breathe easier.
There are many essential oils that are therapeutically beneficial for headaches but we have personally found Peppermint Essential Oil to be equally effective as taking any over the counter pain relieving medications. Just apply a drop or two to each temple and the back of the neck for relief. Research has shown its effectiveness in treating migraine headaches.
Living in the desert, we have also found that Peppermint Essential Oil can be used when spending time outdoors. While hiking in the heat, a few drops of Peppermint on a wet bandana placed around the neck or head can help alleviate feeling overheated.
Peppermint is an essential oil that we would not be without. It is definitely an oil that belongs in any basic aromatherapy kit. It is useful when traveling because of the variety of purposes; benefiting the digestion, muscular aches and pains, respiratory issues, etc.
Traditional Use
Peppermint is well known for its benefits for the digestive system. It has been used to help relieve nausea and an upset stomach. It has been shown to help in cases of food poisoning, motion and travel sickness. This oil stimulates the liver and gall bladder to release bile (supporting digestive activity) and also inhibits muscle spasms in the intestines.
When looking for an essential oil to help with respiratory issues such as sinus congestion or colds and flu, Peppermint essential oil can readily assist. It is a mild expectorant and can also help with some types of asthma.
Peppermint is a wonderful essential oil to use for relieving painful muscles and joints. When added to a blend, it is especially beneficial with cooling any “hot” areas. This is due to the chemical constituent of menthol. Menthol produces a sensation of coolness which the body then increases blood flow to the area of application, thus creating a warming effect. It can also be used in small dilutions to cool “hot”, itchy skin issues.
This essential oil is wonderful for relief of migraines headaches…especially ones that are related to digestive problems. It has also been studied for its effectiveness in increasing concentration, focus and mental sharpness.
