Commercially, peppermint oil is used in flavouring toothpastes, various medicines and, of course, confectionery. Peppermint is best known as a remedy for digestive upsets and has a beneficial action on the stomach, liver and intestines. It is valuable in colic, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting and stomach pain because of its antispasmodic action, which will relieve the smooth muscles of the stomach and gut. Use it, a couple of drops in sweet almond oil, to massage the stomach and abdomen in a clockwise direction. Peppermint tea can be drunk to assist the effects of the massage. Peppermint is also helpful for colds and flu, particularly used in conjunction with Lavender essential oil. Its warming and stimulating combat the chilly and depressed feelings that often precede the sneezing, runny nose and feverishness. In a bath do not use more than 3 drops, as more than this will produce a curious tingling which is more pronounced on people with sensitive skins.
Peppermint can also be used for its cooling effect in feverish conditions. This is not as paradoxical as it may seem, for the 'warming' effect is due to the body's vigourous reaction to the cooling action of perppermint. Peppermint can also induce sweating, which will help to reduce a fever in a natural way. It can also be used in a steam inhalation to clear the nasal passages and sinuses. Used with Lavender essential oil these oils enhance the action of the other. Steaming can also be used to cleanse and decongest the skin, especially in acne. It has a mildly antiseptic effect which helps to control the bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Cold compresses of peppermint or peppermint and lavender applied to the forehead and temples will relieve headache, and sometimes migraine, though not all migraine sufferers can tolerate the smell once an attack has begun. Both these oils are effective painkillers, but while peppermint is a stimulant, lavender is a sedative. This combination of stimulant and sedative is found in many commercial pain killing preparations such as aspirin, but with the important difference that essential oils do not suppress the pain, but work on its causes, such as blocked sinuses, a congested liver, or mental fatigue. Peppermint can also be used as an emergency remedy for shock - just put a few drops onto a tissue, or inhale directly from the bottle. This can also help to relieve nausea.
Peppermint can also be used to deter pests such as rats or mice, ants, especially mixed with eucalyptus. Just put a few drops into a bottle of water and spray where they are coming in. Peppermint should not be used if taking homeopathic remedies as it can antidote them. Do not use peppermint in the evening as it can cause wide awakefullness. To buy go here
Peppermint can also be used for its cooling effect in feverish conditions. This is not as paradoxical as it may seem, for the 'warming' effect is due to the body's vigourous reaction to the cooling action of perppermint. Peppermint can also induce sweating, which will help to reduce a fever in a natural way. It can also be used in a steam inhalation to clear the nasal passages and sinuses. Used with Lavender essential oil these oils enhance the action of the other. Steaming can also be used to cleanse and decongest the skin, especially in acne. It has a mildly antiseptic effect which helps to control the bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Cold compresses of peppermint or peppermint and lavender applied to the forehead and temples will relieve headache, and sometimes migraine, though not all migraine sufferers can tolerate the smell once an attack has begun. Both these oils are effective painkillers, but while peppermint is a stimulant, lavender is a sedative. This combination of stimulant and sedative is found in many commercial pain killing preparations such as aspirin, but with the important difference that essential oils do not suppress the pain, but work on its causes, such as blocked sinuses, a congested liver, or mental fatigue. Peppermint can also be used as an emergency remedy for shock - just put a few drops onto a tissue, or inhale directly from the bottle. This can also help to relieve nausea.
Peppermint can also be used to deter pests such as rats or mice, ants, especially mixed with eucalyptus. Just put a few drops into a bottle of water and spray where they are coming in. Peppermint should not be used if taking homeopathic remedies as it can antidote them. Do not use peppermint in the evening as it can cause wide awakefullness. To buy go here