Written by Lisa Moyle, Vital Fit Club intern
Young Living’s Peppermint Essential Oil is one of my favorites. There are so many uses for it and it has so many benefits. And the best part, you can find it at Vital Fit Club!
According to the website, “Dr. Axe – Food is Medicine,” peppermint oil is so versatile that there are very few issues when it comes to our bodies, health and mind, that peppermint oil cannot help.
Photo credit: Young Living Essential Oils
Here are some of my top picks:
- Muscle and joint pain relief
The oil works really well by itself by penetrating deep into the muscles, bringing a soothing and relaxing sensation. You can also add peppermint, along with lavender and frankincense to coconut oil and use that as a muscle rub. I included Dr. Axe’s homemade muscle rub at the end of this blog.
- Boosts energy
Peppermint Oil improves focus and concentration. Try smelling it or lightly spritzing some on your shirt before working out or study time. Place a drop on the tongue or rub some under the nose for improved concentration and alertness.
- Reduces hunger cravings
Apply a couple drops peppermint oil on your temples or chest, or take a couple of deep sniffs from the bottle. Dr. Axe says it can help stave off the munchies and make you feel fuller.
- Allergy and sinus relief
Peppermint has the ability to open your airways and act as a decongestant. Mix it with coconut oil and eucalyptus essential oil to make a homemade vapor rub to help reduce the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can oftentimes immediately unclog your sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats.
- Soothe digestive issues such as reduce nausea, bloating and indigestion
Peppermint works by relaxing the muscles of your intestines, which can also reduce bloating and gas. Try peppermint tea or try adding one drop of peppermint oil to your water before meals.
- Fever reducer
Peppermint oil’s cooling effects bring down a fever, especially in children. Simply mix peppermint oil with coconut oil and rub it on the neck and on the bottom of the feet to help stabilize a fever.
- Freshen bad breath a nd help to reduce cavities
I like to put a drop of peppermint oil on my tongue to naturally freshen breath. According to research, peppermint oil performed better than the mouthwash chemical, chlorhexidine, at reducing cavities. Use peppermint oil to make homemade toothpaste or mouth wash.
- Relieves headaches
Apply peppermint oil to the forehead and temples for pain relief. Studies found a significant analgesic effect with a reduction in sensitivity to headaches.
There are many more uses for peppermint oil, but these are just a few of my favorites. Again, stop into Vital Fit Club, 112 6th Avenue East, in downtown Alexandria, to get yours today!
Photo credit: Young Living Essential Oils
Dr. Axe Homemade Muscle Rub
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup grated bees wax
- 2 tsp cayenne powder
- 2 tsp ginger or turmeric powder
- 15 drops peppermint essential oil
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 glass jar
Put the coconut oil and bees wax into the jar. Place a saucepan with about two inches of water over medium-low heat. Place the jar in the saucepan and allow contents to melt. Stir to combine. Add the cayenne and ginger or turmeric. Stir. Once combined, allow to cool slightly and then add the peppermint and lavender essential oils. Mix well. Pour mixture into metal tins or storage containers and allow to set.