Add "pep to your step" with Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is an invigorating oil great for giving the body a much-needed pick me up. Its cooling sensation can be experienced by inhaling or applying, clearing the mind and opening airways. Tired and fatigued muscles benefit from its analgesic properties, and its fresh scent awakens and refreshes.
Peppermint is high in menthol; a cooling chemical component known for its ability to relieve muscle pain and uplift a person's emotions. A great way to utilize peppermint would be either in a localized massage blend, applying to the skin before or after a workout, or start a diffuser when you start to feel sluggish.
Peppermint essential oil is that familiar fresh taste and feeling found in your morning brush. Even the most well-known companies are known to promote essential oils as their active ingredients, and for good reason: Studies show peppermint’s antibacterial properties as having a positive effect on halitosis sufferers and disrupting plaque throughout the mouth. (Mahmoud, Daghli, Namrata, Baroudi et al.2015.)(1) As a result, this oil can be used to improve oral health, without the use of alcohol, fluoride and other additives.
Energize any time of the day, and refresh your smile with peppermint using:
- A natural peppermint toothpaste: mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 3 drops of peppermint oil, mix thoroughly. 2-minute brush, rinse and spit.
- A natural mouth rinse: 2 drops in 4 ounces of water. Shake well
Inhaling essential oil is the fastest route of absorption, since it goes straight through the respiratory system to the brain. As a result, breathing peppermint in is a quick and effective way to awaken the body. Studies show the inhalation of peppermint essential oil by participants improved lung capacity and inhalation ability (Meamarbashi, Rajabi et al. 2013)(2).
- 1) Diffuse: 3-5 drops in a diffuser.
- 2) Smell directly out of the bottle.
- 3) Place 1-2 drops on a tissue or cotton wick.
Topical use of peppermint essential oil is best used locally at a 1-2% dilution. This is great for sore muscles, pain, and to encourage circulation and reduce stagnation. However, we don’t recommend this for a full body massage with peppermint alone. Lavender and frankincense also blend beautifully for a full body treatment.
- Add 5 drops to 1 ounce of a carrier for topical pain relief.
- Diffuse Pre workout to wake up tired muscles and reduce fatigue.
- Inhale from a cotton wick or tissue while meditating to ease bodily tension and headaches.
Caution: not recommended for children under the age of 5, contraindicated in case of cardiac fibrillation and G6PD.
Citations:
1) Dagli, Namrata, et al. “Essential Oils, Their Therapeutic Properties, and Implication in Dentistry: A Review.” Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606594/.
2) Meamarbashi, Abbas, and Ali Rajabi. “The Effects of Peppermint on Exercise Performance.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, BioMed Central, 21 Mar. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3607906/.