Monday 5 March 2012

PEP UP with Peppermint Essential Oil!


Invigorating, stimulating and energised!!

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Originated from North America, the Mediterranean and Great Britain.
It was one of the main ingredients used by grave robbing bandits to protect themselves during the black plague in the 15th century. (Part of Thieves essential oil blend) It is a highly regarded digestive stimulant, Medical Doctors in France have been known to use it to treat liver and respiratory disease for years.

Peppermint essential oil's main chemical constituent is, Menthol. This is one of the most synthetically reproduced compounds in the pharmaceutical industry. It is in many products from mouth wash, toothpaste, chest rub, body wash, shampoo, mints and ice cream, lots of things have been created from peppermint! So instead of buying a peppermint essence made from alcohol in the supermarket, you can have the real thing, pure, potent powerful, safe and very concentrated!!
I love cooking with it, I have added it to chocolate ice cream and chocolate drinks, and this is one of my favourite easy recipes choc peppermint brownie slice that my Nana gave me (well she use to make it without the peppermint oil, wish she could be here to taste the new and improved version!)

Chocolate Peppermint Brownies (Vegan)
You will need:
1/2 cup pure organic coconut oil
3/4 cup organic maple syrup/agave
3 drops of peppermint essential oil
1/2 silken tofu
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
3/4 organic SR flour
1/4 cup cocoa



Melt coconut oil and cocoa in saucepan. Mix until smooth, beat in maple syrup/agave and silken tofu. Add peppermint oil, walnuts, sifted flour and mix well.
Place on lined baking tray, (don't forget to let your little one lick the spoon, like Zola here, best bit about baking!) Then, cook for about 25 minutes at 180 degrees. Cool before cutting. ENJOY!

*(This recipe has been taken out of my book: "An Aromatic Life" -Natural Lifestyles using Essential Oils. Such a handy book covering lots of topics including; Pregnancy, babies and kids, Chemical-free Cleaning, Intuition, Diffusing for a healthy home, Essential Aid written by a Naturopath, Natural Beauty, Emotional Clarity and Oils with Animals!)


The variety of uses for peppermint oil is incredible!
Take today for example; I have used it as an energiser instead of having another cup of coffee, around mid afternoon, (or if you are into those sugary energy drinks, get the boost without the fat!) I put one drop on the back of my hand and lick if off, instantly feeling a boost and full of life!
Or you can place one drop in a cup of very warm water or green tea for a pure energising tea!
I then used it on the back of my neck and shoulders, to ease my tight muscles as i sit here at the computer. It also has worked in helping me keep cool during this sticky humidity.

In the past I have used it with my girls, on the soles of their feet to reduce their high temperatures and also in my diffuser as they have started getting a runny nose. (they both love smelling oils from their bottles especially this one, not that they need any MORE energy!)

If i feel a bit blocked up and stuffy in the sinusy department, it clears my head staight away and helps me think more clearly!
Medicinal properties of peppermint oil include: Anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, is a pain reliever and curbs appetite.
Many uses include arthritis, respiratory infections, candida, headaches, nausea and indigestion.
Sometimes I need a bit of motivation to go for a walk or do some sit ups or any exercise really, so I’ll just inhale out of the bottle, with about 10 deep breaths, going over my intention for that moment and I find it does push me to just get in there and start moving! You can really feel the oxygen flowing in your mind.

Diffusing or inhaling this oil improves alertness, concentration and accuracy. It has been massively researched and studied and one of my favourite studies from the University of Cincinnati found that it improved mental accuracy by 28% when inhaled.  It is purifying and stimulating to the conscious mind. Therefore I think it would be another nice oil to have during meditation as it can bring more awareness and focus.

I have also used it while traveling in the car, my husband sometimes gets travel sickness, I rub it on his belly to stop the feeling of nausea.

***Peppermint oil and water in a glass spray bottle to freshen yourself up outside in the sun, re awaken, uplift or spray around the house in the morning to give a fresh energy….***

A great pest control as it deters rats, mice, ants and cockroaches. I place a few drops on cotton wool and rub the area where they are coming from and leave it there. Or have a spray bottle and spray the surface.

“The very smell of it alone recovers and refreshes the spirit” Peppermint oil enhances our receptive capacities on both mental and spiritual levels, and like clary sage it benefits those in need of inspiration and insight.  Known as a visionary oil.

So as you can see Peppermint oil is highly beneficial in so many ways! This is one oil that I never leave home without!

If you would like any more info you can connect with me via:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous
Website www.naturallyjoyous.com

Thankyou for stopping by, I hope that something caught your eye and made you smile. These beautiful oils are truly life changing and I would love everyone to experience the same health benefits that I do everyday - Naturally!

Joyous Health and Harmony,
Amy Marais
xo


References:
-My own personal direct experience
-Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, 1999
-Essential Oils Desk Reference, 2009
- An Aromatic Life, 2011


This information is from my direct personal experience and is not intended to diagnose, prescribe or treat any illness or dis-ease. Please seek medical advice from a qualified health professional. 

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