Millions of people around the world don’t consider their day to be started before their morning cup of joe. Great news for coffee lovers, this energizing and delicious drink is super healthy and can deliver a major helping of antioxidants. One caution, however, taking a daily trip to Starbucks for your extra caramel frappuccino doesn’t count and is incredibly detrimental to your health due to the high sugar content and additives. These syrup laden coffee drinks can lead to excessive weight gain, lethargy, and an unhealthy sugar crash later in the day.
Strange Uses for Peppermint Oil That Really Work
Do you love the aroma of peppermint oil as much as I do? I could just inhale the fresh and sweet scent all day long. I always feel better after inhaling or diffusing peppermint. It seems to freshen all my senses and give me renewed energy for the day!
Those of you who like energy drinks will be amazed at how just a little whiff of peppermint can give you all day energy and alertness without the risk of harm.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans used peppermint to adorn themselves and their tables at feasts. Peppermint was also used to flavor both wine and sauces. There is some evidence that peppermint was cultivated by Egyptians. And it even appears in 13th-century Icelandic medical documents. But, it was not used medicinally in Europe until the mid-18th century.
Increase sex drive
Aristotle wrote about peppermint as an aphrodisiac. Alexander the Great banned his soldiers from consuming peppermint because it was thought to promote erotic thoughts and deplete soldiers of the desire to fight. Arabs used peppermint in their social drinks as an aid for virility.
Here are a few more benefits that demonstrate the potency of peppermint essential oil. Some of these uses may seem strange but they do work, trust me!
Inhale peppermint to unclog
Inhaling peppermint oil can immediately unclog the sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats. Peppermint oil is also highly effective at relaxing muscles in the nasal passages and helps clear out pollen during allergy season.
Feel full faster
Inhaling peppermint essential oil can also help control the appetite and even help you feel full faster. Add two to three drops of peppermint essential oil to your shampoo and conditioner to stimulate the scalp and energize your mind.
Thyroid help
Peppermint oil has the ability to help balance hormones. Dab a few drops on your neck over your thyroid gland a couple of times daily to regulate appetite and metabolism.
Stay focused
To help symptoms of ADHD spritz peppermint oil on your shirt collar. Alternatively, place a drop on his or her tongue or under the nose for improved concentration and alertness.
Inhibit growth of cancer
Menthol, found in peppermint oil has been shown in clinical research, to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.In addition, it also protects against cellular death and damage to DNA from radiation therapy.
Knock out yeast infections
A study from India evaluated the effect of various essential oils including peppermint oil on candida. Out of the 30 plant oils tested, peppermint oil was one of the most effective on the fungi. Researchers concluded that peppermint oil has significant antifungal activity and could serve as a source of compounds with therapeutic potential against Candida-related infections.
Soften skin and reduce inflammation
Peppermint oil is a natural topical remedy for eczema and psoriasis. Dabbing some peppermint oil on blemishes can naturally treat acne as well. Its antimicrobial properties kill germs while leaving your skin feeling tingly. It can soothe and calm skin irritation, and it also replenishes dull skin and balances oily skin.
Improve circulation and brain function
Peppermint oil can improve blood circulation quickly. When applied to your skin, it comes into contact with olfactory nerve endings and immediately increases your pulse rate and blood circulation. As a result of the increased blood flow, oxygen reaches vital organs more quickly and improves brain function. Improved circulation also helps those with diabetes, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
Stop hiccups
I could not believe that this one actually works, but it does. Place a drop of peppermint oil on each side of your fifth cervical vertebrae and your hiccups will be gone!
No more bugs
Keep ticks at bay with peppermint oil. In fact, peppermint oil will also repel ants, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, mice, and even lice.
Bug bite itch and pain reducer
A mixture of lavender essential oil and peppermint essential oil will ease the inflammation of bug bites and reduce pain and itching.
No more aphids
As an avid gardener, I am always looking for ways to keep my plants healthy and happy. If you struggle with aphids, add 15 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle with water and spray your plants daily. The aphids will be gone in no time!
Note of caution: Although peppermint oil is non-toxic and non-irritating, it may be sensitizing because of its high menthol content, which can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. Do not take internally, unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using peppermint oil. And, as always, keep essential oils away from children.
-Susan Patterson