Essential Oil Education

Since I was a child, I have always loved the taste and smell of peppermint. As a child of the 50’s, we rarely got candy so peppermint candy canes were a real treat at Christmas time. Even today when I get a peppermint candy cane, I relish the taste. So what is in peppermint that brings back wonderful memories of celebrating the holidays?

What makes peppermint candy and liquers so appealing is the peppermint oil. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has been around a very long time, in fact, peppermint has been found in the tombs of the Ancient Egyptians and in Greece and Rome where it was a everyday part of life. Hildegard of Bingen, famous abbess and healer of the 12th century referred to several varieties of the mint family and even Jesus referred to mint when he was addressing the Pharisees and castigating them for tithing their mint and rue and other herbs and neglecting justice and the love of God. Luke 11:42.

Anyone who has ever grown peppermint in their gardens know that it is the easiest herb to grow. However, if not cut back, it will certainly take over your whole garden because of its ability to send out underground runners! Peppermint is excellent for upset stomachs, nausea, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, toothaches and cramps. It is great for opening up the respiratory passages and clearing the sinuses. It is my favorite oil to rub on tight muscles and for headaches. The menthol content gives it that icy cool feeling to the skin.

For the holidays, try diffusing peppermint through your whole house. You will want to keep some on hand for those digestive upsets especially after over-eating. Peppermint is non-toxic. However you should avoid contact the face, mucus membranes and especially the eyes.  Make sure you get a therapeutic grade peppermint oil. There are many perfume grade oils out there which are cheap but have no therapeutic quality to them.

PS: Want to get the real stuff? Go to http://www.youngliving.com/HTSMsmith to be able to order therapeutic quality oils.

PSS: Want to learn more about how to use essential oils for healing the body/mind/spirit? Check out our educational programming at www.ISHAhealing.com