Peppermint-- Timely and Time Honored
With Thanksgiving residuals lingering on refrigerator shelves and a lovely light dusting of snow resting delicately on the trees, we're eager to segue into the winter holiday season. Visions of candy canes, peppermint mochas, peppermint bark, and popcorn come to mind. In fact, we are so peppermint obsessed at the moment, we have peppermint essential oil wafting through our diffuser-- to help make our spirits bright.
Used for Centuries
doTerra writes "the peppermint plant is a versatile perennial herb that has been cherished since ancient times. The plant’s first recorded appearance dates back to 1000 BC when dried peppermint leaves were found entombed in ancient Egyptian pyramids. Throughout human history, this herb has been valued as a multi-purpose plant and an essential oil whose components are now used by cosmetic, culinary, and health industries around the world. When you use it internally, Peppermint oil is also well known for its ability to help alleviate occasional upset stomach and promote healthy respiratory function." Read the entire article here.
Personally, we enjoy peppermint tea made with our garden's harvest. Healthline lists the Science-backed Benefits of Peppermint Tea and Extracts as:
May relieve digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and indigestion
May help relieve tension headaches and migraines
May freshen breath
May relieve clogged sinuses
May improve energy
May help relieve menstrual cramps
May fight bacterial infections
May improve sleep.
In Summary
Medical News Today states that pure peppermint essential oil is too concentrated to take orally, and it can be toxic at high doses. Although we feel pretty confident in the safety of an occasional cup of tea, unless you have an allergy, etc., we remind you to consult with us or another healthcare professional prior to any oral use of essential oils.
Essential oils are a valuable tool in our integrative arsenal. We invite you to talk with us about peppermint or other essential oils, their benefits, and how we use them. Learn more here.