PEPPERMINT OIL!!! And it's wonderful benefits!

I know many of you hear me babble time and time again bout all the amazing uses of peppermint oil!  It's a fantastic product!  I did a little research, and upon that research I learned things myself, listed below are just a FEW of the MANY benefits of peppermint oil!

The health benefits of peppermint oil include the following:

• Indigestion: Peppermint oil is very helpful in digestion. Often people put a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water and drink it after their meal due to its digestive properties. It is carminative and therefore helps in removing gas. Peppermint oil is a good tonic for those who have a low appetite. It also helps during motion sickness and upset stomach. Preliminary research has proved that peppermint oil in the combination of caraway oil can be used for treating heartburns.
• Dental Care: Peppermint oil, due to its antiseptic properties, is useful for dental care. It removes bad breath and helps teeth and gums deal with germs. No wonder, it is added in numerous toothpastes. It is also useful for treating toothaches.
• Respiratory Problems: Menthol, which is present in abundance in peppermint oil, helps in clearing the respiratory tract. It is an effective expectorant and therefore provides instantaneous, though temporary, relief in numerous respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough. As a result, it is used in numerous cold rubs. When these cold rubs are rubbed on the chest, they remove nasal and respiratory congestion immediately.
• Nausea and Headache: Peppermint oil is a good home remedy for nausea and headache. Applying peppermint oil in diluted form on the forehead is known to remove headache.  OR just dipping your finger in the peppermint oil and rubbing over the eyebrows and just two dabs on the inside of your nostrils does a wonderful job itself!  With the tiny amount that is left on your fingers, massage your temporals...you will experience great relief!
• Stress: Like most other essential oils, peppermint is able to provide relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. It is also effective against anxiety and restlessness.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The muscle relaxing property of peppermint oil has been found to ease irritable bowel syndrome. This has been validated through preliminary scientific research though the exact mechanism is still unknown.
• Antispasmodic: Peppermint oil is very effective for gastroscopy, colonoscopy and during double-contrast barium enema. It is applied intraluminally. Further benefits of peppermint oil due to its antispasmodic properties are being studied <-Who knew?
• Urinary Tract Infection: Peppermint oil can be used for treating urinary tract infection (UTI). However, thorough scientific studies are yet to be conducted to confirm this.
• Pain Relief: Peppermint oil can be used externally for providing relief from pain. It is believed that the presence of calcium antagonism in peppermint oil aids in removing pain. It is cooling in nature and therefore helps reduce fever.
• Immune System: Peppermint oil increases your immunity to diseases and therefore helps you in preventing a number of diseases.
• Blood Circulation: It also improves blood circulation. This is probably the one you guys hear me say MOST!  Though massage is already an extremely useful tool in promoting circulation...peppermint oil is a very good tool to use at home to extend those benefits!  
• Hair Care: Peppermint oil is very useful for hair care as it gives a cooling effect to the head, and removes dandruff and lice.
• Skin Care: Peppermint oil contains Menthol, which is good for skin. It gives a cooling effect. Further it nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin.

Many of you have asked me what I recommend and where I get it?  Personally, I have only tried 1, maybe 2, different types of the oil.  My personal preference is HERE and remember, a little goes a LONG way!

I even make my own lotion with a unscented base.  You can do the same at home with your favorite unscented lotion!  Here are my guidelines and please remember to mix well!  And before every use to assure it does not separate.

Body Lotion - Add 25 drops essential oil to 8 ounces of unscented lotion.

Happy Peppermint Oil exchange, any questions or want to learn how I use peppermint in my daily life, feel free to comment and ask!  This is an amazing product, NOT meant to be kept secret :-)