Peppermint Essential Oil Health & Home Benefits... Continued
Peppermint essential oil everyday use has become effective and useful and routine in my life. In the graph to the left, I've never used peppermint oil in my water or tea, but have red many articles' referring on how it plays an important role in the digestive tract and has been used as a medicinal uses through out century. In my first article Peppermint Essential Oil Health & Home Benefits, I provided many beneficial uses. If you haven't red the article you can find it on my Social Nurse Blog on my homepage or click the link above.
In my recent research on what benefits peppermint oil could play in my daily life. My biggest discovery was relief from my sinuses and allergies. As you know it is that time of year again, pollen swirls in the air and attacks you out of no where with headaches, sneezing, itchy eyes, and more... peppermint oil to the rescue of relief, a dab under the nose, over the forehead, temples, and back of the neck has brought me peace from my sinuses and allergies. My youngest son, as well has benefited from it as he also suffers from sinuses and allergies, and also migraines. Although, we have found relief from using peppermint essential oil, does not mean everyone will, so please if it does not help you go see your doctor.
On my journey of peppermint essential oil, for three days I suffered from a stiff neck pain (woke up with it and I'm not sure if I slept on it wrong or got a draft on my neck), either way, I was in a lot of pain and it hurt to turn my neck. And even though I used many different remedies to decrease my pain and suffering (such as heat & cold, ROM (Range of Motion) side to side, up and down, and ear to ear), the one item that seem to bring me the most relief was a cold compress (wet rag) and peppermint oil, dabbing the area of pain for 10 minutes a few times a day. Also, I found that massaging and rubbing peppermint oil on the area also brought me relief and feel it played an important role in reducing my stiff neck pain.
Also, my mom has said that their is nothing better than peppermint oil to repel spiders, add 10 to 15 drops of peppermint essential oil in a 8 to 12 oz. spray bottle of water and a little bit of dish soap, shake and spray around the windows, doors, and vents will keep the spiders away. I'm for sure doing this before winter, as you know when it gets cold outside, spiders move inside where the heat is, in doors. It's also suggested that you can spray on straight peppermint oil without water for a stronger dose, if you have a huge spider problem. Another great use of peppermint essential oil is against parasites (Flea & Tick Problems).
Tick & Flea Repellent
This flea and tick spray can be used on carpets, pets, and people. Do not spray directly on cats as they are sensitive to essential oils.
You will need:
6 – 7 drops each of Peppermint, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, and Citronella essential oils
8 oz distilled or filtered water
a glass spray bottle for storage and application
Fill your spray bottle (I recommend this one from Amazon.com) almost to the top with distilled or filtered water. Drop in your essential oils and shake well before applying. You can spray this solution on your dog’s coat about once every two days. While it is inadvisable to spray essential oils direction on your cats’ fur, one reader did mention that she applied the solution by dipping a flea comb into the diluted mixture. She then used the comb to remove and kill fleas that were on her cat. This did not bother the animal. However, cats tend to be very finicky individuals. Therefore, I recommend that you use your own best judgment.
And finally, as far as aromatherapy essential oils go, peppermint oil is one of the most refreshing and stimulating choices available. Whether you want to cool down a room during the heat of summer, set a festive mood for winter holidays, or boost your mental alertness and concentration, peppermint oil can help.
Check out these recipes to use in your diffuse:
Cooling Relaxation Blends Zero Stress Energizing Blend
1 part Peppermint oil
1 part Lavender oil
2 parts Sweet Orange oil
Beat the Heat Blend
1 part Peppermint oil
1 part Basil OR Lavender oil
1 part Eucalyptus oil
Stimulating Concentration Blends Fresh Mint Diffuse Blend
4 – 6 parts Spearmint oil
3 – 5 parts Peppermint oil
3 – 5 parts Palmarosa OR Citronella oil(optional)
1 part Lemongrass oil
Wake Up, Pick-me-up Blend
1 part Wild Orange oil
1 part Peppermint oil
Holiday Diffuse Blends Enlivening Blend
2 parts Peppermint oil
2 parts Geranium oil
5 parts Rosemary oil
Peppermint Surprise Essential Oil Blend
11 parts organic Peppermint essential oil
4 parts organic Ylang Ylang essential oil
Oral Care
Soothe Toothaches
To ease toothache pain, apply 1 -2 drops of peppermint oil to a cotton swab. Apply directly to the aching tooth to simultaneously relieve soreness and disinfect the area.
Freshen Breath
This homemade peppermint mouthwash recipe by DIY Natural is both inexpensive and effective. It’s also antibacterial and anti-fungal which will help to minimize bad breath.
In the graph to the left is another great mouth wash for healthy teeth and gums.
For one batch, you will need:
4 oz filtered or distilled water
2 tsp baking soda
2 drops tea tree essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
a small resealable glass jar
Shake before each use. Swish 2-3 teaspoons of mouthwash 1 – 2 minutes. Because tea tree oil can be toxic when ingested in large enough amounts, avoid swallowing this mouthwash.
Tune in for the next article on essential oils and cold and flu.
