‘Tis the season for peppermint EVERYTHING!! Right?

Peppermint bark?

Peppermint tea?

Peppermint cocktails?

Peppermint cookies?

PEPPERMINT, PEPPERMINT, PEPPERMINT.

But wait. Let’s back up. Let’s talk about peppermint OIL!!

Peppermint oil is currently on my night stand. Oddly enough ( not ) I flock to the oil this time of year. Since I get festive like it’s my job, dabbing peppermint on my wrist during winter just seems…well…necessary? Just keeping with the theme, guys.

Note: according to many sources “peppermint oil capsules have been described as ‘the drug of first choice’ in IBS patients, as it safely helps alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Research has shown that it is effective in children and adults alike, with one study showing a 50 percent reduction in “total irritable bowel syndrome score” among 75 percent of patients who tried it.”

Dried peppermint leaves have even been found in several Egyptian pyramids carbon dating back to 1,000 BC.

Other uses for peppermint oil? Helps with stress, relieves headaches, it’s a expectorant and decongestant, known to be superior to mouthwash ( YES it’s better than MOUTHWASH! ), aids with nausea, & relieves hay fever.

These are only a few of it’s amazing benefits. I’m pretty obsessed with it.

Ok, ok so how to use it?

Easssssy.

1.) add a couple drops to your wrists or abs. Or inhale it to soothe nausea/motion sickness.

2.) drink peppermint tea ( obviously this isn’t oil but tea works too! ) for an upset stomach.

3.) inhale peppermint oil to help curb food craving ( supposedly this triggers a sense of fullness ).

This source states “supplementing with 90 milligrams ( mg ) of peppermint oil, along with caraway oil, “much or very much improved” symptoms of functional dyspepsia in 67 percent of patients. If you have an upset stomach, try drinking a small glass of water with a few drops of peppermint essential oil added.”

Basically “the entire plant contains menthol, an organic compound with local anesthetic properties which provides a wonderful cooling sensation while it naturally alleviates discomfort. It also has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antispasmodic and carminative properties.”

I MEAN!!

& lastly, are you breastfeeding? I’m not although Pixy might disagree? Ha…anyway, “peppermint water helped to prevent nipple cracks and pain in breastfeeding mothers.”

If you guys are interested in a full post on all the essential oils I use, let me know & I’ll totally do one huge-ass post on the topic.

For more peppermint benefits, click here.

- Lauryn, xx.

{ my other favorite oil: TEA TREE OIL! }