As we enter the season of changing temperatures, pollen floods and biting insects, I urge you to remember our old friend Peppermint.
A well-known herb that crosses the line between food and medicine (my favorite kind). Peppermint is also a powerful herb that should not be underestimated. As a stimulating aromatic, it is the perfect energetic remedy for the spring season, when our bodies need to transport heat and blood to the periphery to adapt to warming temperatures. Here are a few ways you can learn to love peppermint this season.
As an aid to digestion
Everyone knows that peppermint is a popular herb for stomach aches. But what you may not know is how effective peppermint really is. It not only soothes muscle spasms in the digestive wall, but also soothes, supports a healthy inflammatory response, and soothes discomfort in the colon. As if that weren’t enough, peppermint also helps support healthy gallbladder function and can relieve symptoms of nausea. The only time you won’t want to use this digestive wonder drug is if you suffer from gastric reflux, as it can worsen symptoms.
As a tension reliever
As an aromatic that soothes smooth muscles and supports healthy circulation, peppermint is the perfect supportive herb headache caused by tension and constriction. Research has shown that a small amount of diluted peppermint oil rubbed over the temples and forehead relieves tension and supports circulation. Likewise, a small amount of peppermint essential oil diluted in a carrier oil such as olive oil or jojoba (1 drop in half a cup of oil) is a great massage for sore and tense muscles.
As a concentration booster
Refreshing, cooling and stimulating; the smell of Peppermint is exactly what you need if you want to increase your mental alertnessconcentration and performance. Keep Peppermint essential oil on hand for the next time you need a mental boost.
As an Allergy Aid
The next time you’re in the middle of a sneeze or a bout of hives, reach for the Peppermint. The high content of essential oils helps clear clogged sinusesespecially when used as a breathing steam, and its menthol content provides a numbing and cooling property when applied to hot, itchy skin and insect bites. If you use an essential oil, remember to dilute it heavily, as the undiluted oil can irritate rather than soothe.
As support for seasonal diseases
A common folk remedy for seasonal diseases consists of regularly drinking very hot peppermint tea. The reason is that Peppermint helps open the poresto support the body when body temperature rises. The high essential oil content also helps thin mucus and reduce spasms in the airways – both useful properties in soothing an irritating cough.
WishGarden Herbs’ formulas with peppermint:
Morning Sickness Relief Nausea, Congestion Rescue Immune Support for Kids, Congestion Rescue Immune Support for Pregnancy, Colic Ease Baby Comfort, Deep Stress Adrenal Rescue with Ashwagandha, Gum Booster Oral Health Aid, Digestive Rescue GI Normalizer and Digestive Rescue for Kids
Writer Danielle Charles Davies has a BSc in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University and also completed two years of clinical training at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. She has a master’s degree in writing and has written for the American Herbalists Guild and also served as a food columnist. Her musings and recipes can be found on her blog, Teacup Chronicles.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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