Let's talk Peppermint

Let's talk Peppermint 🌿 It's such a versatile herb and yet so many people have such a strong reaction to it. They love it or hate it. Let me tell you why you should love it and how it loves you back.

The history:

Peppermint is actually a combination of two other herbs; water mint and spearmint. I find that odd since I can't stand spearmint yet love peppermint tea! 😆 The use of peppermint is believed to have started in the Mediterranean, and was a used to flavor their wine. It wasn't until the mid 18th century that the Icelandic people started using the herb for medicinal purposes.

Benefits:

Relieving a stomach ache. You can rub peppermint oil on your stomach in a clockwise motion to help your bowels move along.

Nausea. Sipping on a peppermint tea can help to relieve nausea (especially during pregnancy). I used peppermint a lot during my pregnancy for heartburn and nausea - it definitely works!

Peppermint oil on the wrist can be a more moveable solution for motion sickness.

Muscle Pains / Headaches. Rubbing peppermint oil (mixed with a carrier oil) can be rubbed over sore and tight muscles to relieve tension. It can also be rubbed over the temples to relieve headaches.

Some studies have found that the combination of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and capsaicin are great for fibromyalgia.

I personally have tried peppermint and eucalyptus oil but never capsaicin.

Sinuses / Congestion / Cold Symptoms. Using an inhalation of peppermint oil (not too strong - trust me on that 😉) can help to relieve nasal and chest congestion, lessen asthma attacks and release pressure in your head from colds and sinuses.

Appetite Suppressant. Using peppermint oil on the wrist as an inhalant can also help to relieve some food craving and assist in eating less at meal times.

Dandruff Removal. Add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil to your favorite shampoo and it will help to relieve that itchy build-up.

Supernatural uses:

Peppermint can ward of negative thoughts and energies.

Inhaled peppermint oil will encourage magical and dream-filled sleep; also can enhance your psychic abilities.

Peppermint oil on cotton cloth under your pillow will help you to see the future. Peppermint oil cloth in your wallet will encourage prosperity.

Peppermint oil rubbed on furniture wards off evil in the home.

Peppermint "excites love"v according to Roman author Pliny the Elder, can be used in love potions.

Although I don't personally think one should use love potions but that's your choice.

Friendly herbs:

Basil, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Tea Tree

Fun fact:

Did you know? Peppermint oil is used many times during construction and plumbing to the pipes. If the odor of peppermint is leaking through, then the pipes must not be fitting correctly.