Peppermint Pattie...err, I mean Peppermint Power!

I don't know about where you live but here in So. Cal, we're having a heat wave. Which will probably last the next six months if last year is anything to go buy. But I digress. I'm trying to think cool, which is what makes me think of peppermint. Usually I think of these two peppermints...

Peppermint Patty (remember her from Peanuts?)

Or

Peppermint Patties

But today let's take a peek at the real thing. As in the leaf. Or the essential oil. 

Peppermint has some amazing benefits and we're all pretty much aware that's what goes into pain creams. Why, you ask? Peppermint has large quantities of menthol which have these benefits:

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antispasmodic
• Stimulating
• Cooling effect

But what else is peppermint good for? 

• Tension Headaches. Put a couple drops on a cloth and inhale.
• Stress. It's energizing and cooling. Put a few drops in a bathtub or on your skin.
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) WebMd has a small article on this. 
• Gas. Yup. It relaxes your intestinal muscles allowing it to pass. Viola. No more pain. Add oil or leaves to tea. 
• Fresh Breath. I know, it's a no-brainer but did you know that peppermint can also stop cavities from forming? It prevents something called biofilm which is linked to cavities. Add a drop of oil to your natural toothpaste.
• Helps boost your memory!! Hooray for this, right? There was a study done on this here with gum. Cinnamon works too.
• Prostate Cancer.
• Hair Care - add some essential oil to your shampoo. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and removes buildup from your scalp, i.e. dandruff and product.
• Shingles. These are horrible so here's a link to a nice article about other things to help with that, too.
• Respiratory Benefits. It's a decongestant and clears your respiratory tract. Rub some on your chest (in a carrier oil like coconut oil. It's considered a 'hot' oil and may burn your skin if used straight.) Or use an inhaler with peppermint oil in it.
• Indigestion/Upset Stomach - Drink a small glass of water with a drop of peppermint oil.  Add more if desired. (Caution: Make sure it's therapeutic grade oil, not for perfume use.)
• Cool a fever. Mix a few drops with carrier oil and apply to the torso. This can reduce body temperature by three degrees in just minutes. You can also put a few drops on a wet washcloth and apply head to toe for cooling comfort.
• Prevent Drowsiness. Perfect for driving home after a long day at work or on a road trip. Combine peppermint oil with citrus such as orange or lemon, and apply to back of neck. Then sniff what's left over on your hands. Citrus and peppermint both have awakening and uplifting properties.
• Repels Mice. Apparently they don't like the smell of it. Put some on a cotton ball and put in areas where mice congregate. 
• Ant/Spider Repellent.   Put a few drops on a cotton ball and put it where you find ants or spiders. Throw out the Raid and put 4-5 drops in a water spray bottle and squirt 'em to death. Psst...this also gets rid of aphids. 
• Tick Removal. Soak the end of a Q-Tip in peppermint oil and dab on the tick. When it withdraws its head, remove it.
• Relaxing Foot Soak. Perfect for tired, aching feet. Especially in the summer. Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water. 

So run out and get yourself some Peppermint essential oil! Peppermint Power!

I've added some peppermint recipes to the Essential Oil Page of this blog.