Did you know you can cool off with peppermint essential oil? Summertime is my favorite time of the year but I do believe I’m the only one who isn’t hot. :0) For those who are sweltering, I have a simple and healthy way to cool off! The benefits of peppermint oil are many and not just for hot summer days.

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x peperita) offers so much for one small bottle. In creating aromatherapy blends for adults, peppermint is one of my go-to oils because it has so many amazing qualities. It’s versatile in so many situations and you’ll love it because it cools you off!

What is Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint is actually a hybrid of both spearmint and water mint. It has a refreshing crisp scent and is cooling to the skin. The most active ingredients include menthol (50–60 percent) and menthone (10–30 percent). CAUTION: Because of the high menthol content, peppermint essential oil is not safe for those on blood thinners or children under 10. Just so you know!

Here’s just a few of the uses and benefits of peppermint oil:

• Analgesic. Relieves muscle and joint pain; simply apply 2 – 3 drops where you hurt. Especially good for headaches and migraines when combined with a few drops of Lavender essential oil.
• Antispasmodic. When you have an upset stomach or feel nauseous, rub a couple of drops on your belly or simply inhale through each nostril directly from the bottle. It’s also excellent for those with IBS to relax the spasms in your digestive system.
• Expectorant. Peppermint is known to relax nasal passage muscles. You can diffuse several drops of peppermint oil in your cold mist diffuser to clear out the mucous and you’ll love how clean the air smells!
• Anti-inflammatory. Peppermint oil is proven to have powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects, which is why it is used in so many alternative treatments. Its chemical composition makes it resistant to certain dangerous bacterial strains like E. coli, salmonella, and staph infections.
• Suppresses appetite. Take a few whiffs from the bottle through each nostril to help curb cravings.
• Invigorating. Need to sit through a long meeting? Diffuse a few drops of peppermint in your cold mist diffuser, or if you can’t do that, then take a few whiffs directly from the bottle. It’s cooling and you feel perked up in no time!
• Anti-itch. Peppermint oil is excellent at relieving the itch from bug bites, stings, eczema and psoriasis. It’s just one of several essential oils that I use in Skeeter-Off Mosquito Repellent for Adults and PsoMaxx Psoriasis and Eczema Salve. Not for kids under 10!
• Cooling. Overheated? Mix several drops in a 3 or 4 ounce spray bottle and fill with filtered water. Spray on the back of your neck and your throat to cool off. peppermint oil for hot flashes
• Improves circulation. Peppermint essential oil is stimulating which has been proven to help blood circulation. Increased blood circulation can prevent diabetics from complications they are already at risk of due to their glucose level imbalances.

By the way, if you have trouble sleeping, use your peppermint essential oil before 5 PM. You don’t want that stimulating effect right before you go to bed!

More Benefits of Peppermint Oil

Isn’t it amazing how one little bottle of peppermint essential oil can have so many uses? I’ve read about some other everyday uses:

• Can naturally thicken and nourish damaged hair. It can be used as a natural treatment for thinning hair, and it helps to stimulate the scalp and energize your mind. Just add a couple of drops to your shampoo and notice how your scalp tingles!
• Acne trouble? Mix 2–3 drops of peppermint with equal parts lavender essential oil and apply the combination topically to the area of concern – BUT – you might want to test your skin if it’s sensitive!
• Sunburn relief. To hydrate and help heal your skin after sun exposure, mix 2–3 drops of peppermint oil with a half-teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it directly to the affected area.

For all of you outdoor enthusiasts, keep a bottle of Skeeter-Off Mosquito Repellent in your golf bag or backpack – better yet, keep one in your cooler. Anytime you feel like you’re getting overheated, spray it on the front and back of your neck – you’ll cool off and keep the mosquitoes away at the same time!

If you’re going through menopause and unable to utilize hormone replacement therapy, Flares N’ Flashes helps relieve those hot flashes fast! Just spray it on your throat and chest area to cool off.

If you’d like more information, please fill out the simple contact form and let’s talk. Stay cool!

Melissa