aromatherapy
Peppermint Has Pop in the World of Aromatherapy
Peppermint is a wonderful plant. It is very versatile, smells great and can be used for many purposes. Kids and adults like love peppermint candies all times of the year, especially during the holidays. You can also use peppermint in aromatherapy for medicinal purposes. In fact, studies show that peppermint can actually give your mind a boost. When you are feeling a mid-day slump, pop a peppermint in your mouth or lit a peppermint scented candle and you will be ready to face the world.
Studies suggest that peppermint can be used for medicinal reasons as well. It is soothing to the throat when you are suffering from upper respiratory ailments and can stop a cold dead in its tracks. Plus, peppermint is safe for children, too. You can actually grow peppermint in your garden and use the leaves to spice up your recipes and drinks, too. You simply cannot go wrong with letting peppermint spice up your life a little.
Interestingly enough, the history of using peppermint goes back for centuries. For years, people have recognized peppermint for its unique healing properties. At a time when you could not simply walk into the drug store for a medicine, peppermint was widely available to help. Not only can peppermint heal coughs and colds, it is also well known for helping with digestive disorders. If you are feeling a bit queasy, a dose of peppermint can help. You can also use peppermint to help with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Now you know that restaurants give out peppermints at the end of the meal not just for fighting bad breath!
How about asthma? Peppermint can help with that, too. In fact, you will find a wide range of uses for peppermint that you may have never even considered. Allergies can benefit from peppermint, too.
When you want to use peppermint, the best way to do it is to use it in either aromatherapy or take it internally. It is not recommended to take straight peppermint oil, but peppermint candies work well. You can also grow and harvest your own peppermint plants. Even if you do not have a green thumb, you will find that peppermint is a cinch to grow. It just needs some good light and water. You can even plant peppermint in your garden to ward off pests. Ants and mice hate peppermint, so you can grow it to protect your other plants.
Another great way to use peppermint is to boil a cup of peppermint tea. Pour hot boiling water directly over the fresh leaves. You can even purchase dried peppermint leaves that will work well for this purpose. The smell is wonderful and you will find it helping you in no time at all.
There is perhaps no other plant known that is so versatile and easy accessible. The next time you are thinking about peppermint, remember it is not just for the holidays! You can use it all year long to benefit your health.
Tags: peppermint, aromatherapy, peppermint tea
Important Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils
Using essential oils is a great way to relax and feel good. You can invigorate your mind and your body with a few of your favorite oils. However, there are some important safety rules you should know before you start using any essential oils. The following are important safety tips that will ensure that you are using essential oils with the proper care.
Never apply any essential oil to your bare skin: This is a very important rule for anyone interested in using essential oils. If you put undiluted oils on your skin, it will cause burning and irritation. While essential oils can certainly help you when used correctly, it can cause plenty of problems when used incorrectly. Instead of putting it on your skin undiluted, you will want to get some good carrier oil and mix it in the right amount. This will ensure that you are using it on your skin safely.
Essential oils are flammable: You must remember that all essential oils are flammable. You should NEVER use essential oils over an open flame and this includes candles. There is a method of using essential oils with candles, but extreme caution will have to be use. You will light the candle and allow some of the wax to melt. Then, extinguish the candle and add the essential oils to the wax that is melted without allowing it to touch the wick. You can then relight the candle. Never leave them unsupervised. Make sure you are watching it all times.
Watch for allergic reactions: Just as with any product you use in your home or on your skin, you will have to watch carefully for allergic reactions. It is not too uncommon for people to have allergic reactions to some types of oils. These can include strong oils such as cinnamon. In order to find out whether or not you are allergic to the oil, try adding just one drop to a small amount of carrier and then put it on your skin. If you do not see a reaction after several hours, then you can continue using the oils. This is the best way to make sure that you do not have allergies.
Use caution around pets, children and pregnant women: Interestingly enough, while essential oils are all natural products, care must still be taken when used around pets, children and those who are pregnant. There are some essential oils that can induce premature labor. In addition, essential oils should never be ingested. You should never put the oils where children and pets can get into them. You should also never put the oil on your pets. They could lick it off and it could cause illness.
Watch for interactions with medications: When you take prescription medications or have some type of medical conditions, then you should use care when using essential oils. Those who suffer from asthma and other upper respiratory infections may have trouble using certain essential oils such as rosemary, fennel and sage.
The bottom line is that you should be very careful when using any type of essential oils to ensure your safety.
Tags: safety tips for using essential oils, aromatherapy, essential oils
