WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Sometimes referred to as ethereal or volatile oils, essential oils are basically aromatic compounds found in plants or trees and carry the actual essence or fragrance from which they are extracted. It is being looked upon as the next frontier since the age of antibiotics is already towards its end. They are said to have multiple health benefits as antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral, without the side effects of bacterial resistance developing.
Mentha piperita, or Peppermint as it is commonly known, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean but has also been cultivated in the USA, Italy, Great Britain, and Japan. It can be identified by its serrated leaves and by its flowers that range in color from light pink to mauve, growing in a conical shape. Peppermint essential oil has been called one of the most versatile oils in the world, sharing the title with Lavender. Abounding in dermal and oral uses as well as anti-microbial properties.
✔️ The uses of this cherished plant and its benefits have been traced back to Chinese and Japanese folk medicine practices and even Ancient Egyptian times where dried Peppermint leaves were found placed in tombs inside the pyramids.
✔️ It has been used for culinary purposes and in herbal medicine since 1500 BC.
✔️ Peppermint is also mentioned in Greek mythology in the story of the nymph “Mentha” or “Minthe,” who is transformed into the sweet-smelling herb that releases a powerful, lingering aroma every time she is stepped on.
Direction for Use
Diffusion: Use four to five drops in the diffuser of choice.
Topical: Apply one to three drops to palm, then apply to the desired area.
Aromatic Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
✔️ Its expectorant properties clear the nasal passageway to promote the relief of congestion and to encourage easy breathing.
✔️ Stimulates circulation, reduce feelings of nervous tension, soothe feelings of irritability, boost energy, balance hormones, and enhance mental focus.
✔️ The scent of this analgesic oil is believed to help relieve headaches, and its stomachic properties are known to help suppress the appetite and promote the feeling of being full.
✔️ When diluted and inhaled or when rubbed in small amounts behind the ear, this digestive oil can reduce the feeling of nausea.
Topical Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
✔️ Its cooling and warming sensations make it an effective anesthetic that leaves the skin numb to pain and calms redness and inflammation.
✔️ It has traditionally been used as a cooling chest rub to relieve congestion.
✔️ When diluted with a carrier oil, it can promote the safe and healthy renewal of skin, thus offering relief from skin irritations such as sunburn.
Safety Precautions
While some essential oils are suitable for ingestion, others are safe only for topical application or for use in aromatherapy. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and pets, and never apply concentrated essential oils to mucous membranes or sensitive areas. Also, if you are allergic to a certain food, do not use any essential oils or carrier oils that come from the same plant as the allergen.
✔️ Keep out of reach of children and pets;
✔️ Do not apply concentrated essential oils to mucous membranes or sensitive areas;
✔️ If allergic to a certain food, do not use any essential oils or carrier oils that come from the same plant as the allergen; and
✔️ If essential oil gets into the eyes, flush with vegetable oil or cold milk to dilute the oil, ensuring you remove contact lenses first if applicable.
✔️ If stinging persists for more than a few minutes, seek medical attention.
Conduct a Patch Test:
Never assume that essential oil has the same properties as the plant it came from. To do this, apply a little diluted essential oil to your inner arm. Watch carefully for redness or irritation that develops either immediately or within as long as twenty-four hours; if it occurs, do not use the essential oil.