Today is all about peppermint! Along with lemon and lavender, peppermint is the third oil is the beginner’s trio of oils. Peppermint is actually the first oil I ever used, and it continues to be one of my favorite go-to oils.
If you’re jumping in today, this is post number 3. Be sure to go back and to read the post on Essential Oils 101 to learn the basics.
Each of these posts includes a “challenge” to get you to use the oils maybe in a way you haven’t. I want to help you get creative! So many oils have multiple uses, and I don’t want to forget their versatility! Be sure to follow along here this week and on Instagram by using the #lovingessentialoilweek.
The oil for today is Peppermint!
Much like lemon and lavender, peppermint is another scent everyone recognizes. It’s probably best known for its uses in oral hygiene and freshening breath in toothpaste or gum, but peppermint is one of the most versatile oils you can learn to use. I think I use it most often now as a way to boost my energy. I put a drop in my hands (with some orange or lemon oil) and rub my hands together, then cup my hands over my nose to breathe in the scent – it opens my airways and wakes me up! Some other ways to use peppermint oil include:
- Take one to two drops in a Veggie Capsule to alleviate occasional stomach upset*
- Add a drop to your favorite smoothie recipe for a refreshing twist
- Mix peppermint and water and spray on plants to repel bugs naturally
- Rub a drop of peppermint on the back of your neck for a cooling sensation to alleviate feeling overheated
More recently, I did some research on the effects of peppermint for athletes – Researchers looked at the effect of using peppermint oil on running performance. In the study, they added .05ml of peppermint oil in a drink, consumed each day for ten consecutive days. They tested participants before and after peppermint consumption for various indicators of cardiovascular performance. The oil improved exercise performance, respiratory function, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory gas exchange; the amount of total work performed by test subjects increased by 51%, including an increase in “time to exhaustion” of about 25%. In other words – they went faster for longer. I don’t need to be told twice!
My challenge for you this time – add a drop or two of peppermint oil to your water for a refreshing pick me up! Remember too, that when using oils in your water, be sure to use glass or metal, not plastic. If you want extra credit, add the peppermint to your water that you drink before your workout. Then tell me how it goes and how you feel after your workout!
Share your progress with me on the challenges with the #lovingessentialoils hashtag on social media!
If you are interested in learning more about essential oils and doTERRA, reach out to me at journeytoloving@gmail.com or leave a comment here!
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