Living the Oily Life

Peppermint

 

Peppermint oil is another favorite of mine for many reasons. It is also recommended as another oil for those starting to dabble in essential oils. I have peppermint in my own garden, but be warned it will grow wherever unless the roots are somehow restricted. I planted mine in pots and put the pots in the ground. Granted it smells amazing when grass is being cut and a few stray tendrils are ran over. Mint plants in general are fairly hardy and are perennials so once rooted they will keep coming back.

Peppermint has a very long history, like 1000 BC long history. It was noted to be found in Egyptian tombs as part of the embalming process. From medicinal to culinary and even cosmetic uses peppermint can be found being used in a few interesting recipes.

Known to assist with upset stomach and to help a stuffy nose peppermint can be inhaled, taken internally or used topically. Have a stinky task like cleaning out the trash can? Put a bit of peppermint oil under your nose. Seasonal allergies can be assisted by combining peppermint, lemon and lavender oils. Odd combo, yes, but from personal experience it works.

Mainly know for use in toothpastes, gums and other breath fresheners, peppermint can lend a lovely boost to cooking, smoothies, salads, cut fruit and adding it to your water. It can also help with uplifting your mood by inhaling it or adding to a few other oils (wild orange and frankincense) it can promote a feeling of relaxation.

Loved the sun a bit too much and now you resemble a strawberry? Combine peppermint oil, tea tree and lavender oils in a glass or metal spray bottle and take the sting out of that sunburn. Also, it is a great oil to use for a massage.

With any mint oil thoroughly wash your hands after application as there can be an unpleasant sensation if sensitive skin is touched without hands being washed. If sensitivity occurs while using topically use a carrier oil such as grape seed or coconut oil to dull the reaction.

As a note, essential oils should be held in natural containers such as glass or metal as they will break down non-natural materials like plastic or styrofoam.

Happy oiling!

 

(Photo by Josefin on Unsplash)

 

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About the Author:

Angela Ammon identifies closely with kitchen and hedge witchery, but adores oils, crystals, candle magic and reading anything she can on Wicca and Pagan paths. You can usually find her in the kitchen whipping up food or treats for those she loves (food is love) or playing in the dirt in her garden with plants with Wiccan roots. Angela is drawn toward Celtic practices and has many Celtic based Wiccan tattoos. It took almost 30 years to figure out why none of the religions she had studied growing up in a very religiously diverse family didn’t click, but when it did everything made sense. Turning an old cedar chest into her alter on top and her storage for candles, herbs, tarot and oracle cards inside her journey started. Reconnecting with many people growing up she realized there were more people in her life growing up that had beliefs based in Wicca than she realized and her circle started to grow. Angela is the social media coordinator for PaganPagesOrg and is beyond excited to get to know more about other paths and provide her insight from her own path.