Peppermint

Easily cultivated, peppermint will awaken and stimulate your mind. It is both warming and cooling, so it is perfect for bumps and bruises, and the perfect digestive aide. Peppermint is helpful for states of anger as it cools the mind. If mental fatigue and nervousness are more your malaise, then peppermint will be of benefit to you also.

Peppermint will help remedy numerous ailments and states of mind. It is one of the most easily grown herbs in your home and garden.

Beneficial if you have

• Nausea
• Flatulence
• Vomiting
• Mental fatigue
• Fever
• Vertigo
• Migraine
• Headache
• Dysmenorrhea
• Hepatic disorders
• Cold
• Cough
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Bruising
• Cramping from muscle exertion
• Menstrual aches and pains
• Swelling
• Muscle pain
• Upset tummy

Peppermint is

• Antispasmodic
• Antiseptic
• Decongestant
• Digestive aide
• Expectorant
• Emmenagogue - something that increases menstrual flow
• Stimulating
• Refreshing
• Mild anesthetic
• Astringent
• Expectorant
• Seems to me you can't go wrong with having a little bit of peppermint in your cupboard. Whether it is used as an essential oil or in herbal format, the benefits and uses are many.

How to best use peppermint

• Use peppermint in both herbal and essential oil formats.
• Topically with dilution
• Infusion/Tea
• Bath
• Massage 

Upset belly? Make a tea out of the leaves.

This soothing tea is both warming and cooling so no matter if your stomach ache is hot or cold (yes, this happens), peppermint tea will help to soothe the internal dialog that your body is having.

1 teaspoon fresh or dried peppermint leaves.

8 oz boiling water.

Boil water and pour over a loosely packed tea bag/ball.

Allow leaves to steep in water for 5-10 minutes.

Feel free to chew on a couple of fresh leaves if you have them. I'm a fan of peppermint tea, it is my 'go to' soothing remedy.

This is a perfect tea to drink cold as well, just add ice!

Have a bump or bruise? Rub a little peppermint on. The best way to do this is to make up a small amount you can keep on hand, then blend gently on your skin as you need it. If you do not have a pre-made blend, then try this:

1oz carrier oil - hazelnut, coconut etc.

5 drops of peppermint oil.

Store in a cobalt or amber glass bottle.

Use a dropperful for easy usage.

When needed put a small amount on your bruise. Use this blend in a bath too!

TIP: Smooth over skin before getting into a nice warm bath, this keeps the oils on you more than the side of the tub. 

Use the recipe above or use this easy to carry and use (I have one in my purse at all times).

Need a decongestant for your congested sinuses?

The blend that you made for a bump or bruise.

Open that bottle mentioned above.

Inhale deeply.

You might even want to put a super small dab of it on your upper lip (diluted only) - this could be strong for you, so do be careful, I would stick with only inhaling gently. 

Use the same peppermint roll on to help out.

Want an astringent to clean your cuts? And even use as your facial cleanser.

2 oz of witch hazel.

5 drops of peppermint oil.

Store in a cobalt or amber glass bottle.

Use a spray closure, then you are ready to clean a cut when you need it. This too, is very strong so be careful and, if needed, use less of the peppermint. Use the same bottle and recipe for a facial cleanser. Use morning and night for clean, refreshed skin. 

My peppermint cleanser is based on this and works perfectly as a cleanser and an astringent.

Tired and stressed?

Open a bottle of peppermint essential oil and inhale deeply.

Do this every couple of hours. BEST way to do this is to make up a small amount you can keep on hand.

Apply one of the blends you have made on your temples.

Want something already made up for you? This roll on with peppermint and hazelnut oils is perfectly blended for application directly on your skin. Take this on the go, and you’ll be prepared for anything!

Peppermint is an easy place to start in the world of essential oils. It’s useful for practically everything - internal, external, body, mind and spirit!

Plus, it’s easy to grow and can be used in many different applications. Add this to your arsenal of healthy and natural remedies. As with all essential oils, dilute them and be mindful of their potency.

TTFN

Colleen