peppermint oil

I've been getting a crazy amount of migraines and headaches lately. There are many possible culprits - emotional or mental stress, lack of sun, anxiety, eyestrain, poor posture, the black mold we found in our bathroom yesterday...

This all usually means I end up taking a lot of pain killers - more than I'd like. So I've started looking at trying to incorporate more natural remedies, and really appreciated this great blogpost about home remedies for migraines and headaches. I've tried most of these but one thing I hadn't tried was peppermint oil, and since I love the smell of peppermint and like the idea of using a natural essential oil, I got some from Ellwood's the other day and have been using it ever since. So far, so good. I apply tiny dabs on forehead, temples and back of my neck or ears, or dilute the oil with some water and rub it on. It might be the cooling sensation and the calming smell that does most of the work, but I haven't had to take an advil in a couple of days.

I also like taking sniffs of it to give me a perk. I'm not sure how effective that is yet but I am tickled by the idea of sniffing oils or salts to give me a boost. I feel like one of those old ladies from the olden days. I should carry my peppermint oils in a pretty hanky.

Here are some other nifty uses for peppermint oil that I found here:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Do your own research and try it out!

And of course, what I prove to myself over and over again, is that one of the best remedies to a whole host of problems, including headaches and bad moods, is EXERCISE. Sweating, stretching, deep breathing, or even some light walking, can do a whole lot of good.