Peppermint oil provides some calorie-free pep.
Inhaling the vapors from a few drops of peppermint oil, rubbed into your fingertips or palms, opens your sinuses, not to mention your eyes. This aromatic oil is an invigorating help for those who can’t tolerate caffeine or need to reduce their consumption of it.
If you struggle to shake off the groggies first thing in the morning or need a pickup during the dreaded afternoon slump, a few deep breaths of peppermint fumes provide a little boost without sacrificing sleep or giving you the jumpy jitters that can accompany caffeine.
Unlike a ginormous mocha joe with whipped cream and sugar, the peppermint oil involves no calories, no post-caffeine crash and no coffee stains on your clothes.
In Lake Elsinore, Calif., find peppermint oil at The Herb Cottage Holistic Health Center, 31869 Mission Trail, 92530. (Phone: 951-674-7022.)The shop sells the oil in 5 ml bottles – tiny, but a little of this stuff goes a long way and the supply will last many months.
The Herb Cottage sells oil produced by Nature’s Sunshine Products Inc. The back of the box points out that the oil is edible, and suggests adding a few drops of to 8 oz. of water for an instant flavor infusion.
Another use, cited by this month’s Real Simple magazine: Peppermint oil helps battle tension headaches.
“Peppermint contains menthol, a natural anesthetic that dulls pain receptors,” the magazine informs. To ease an aching head, try mixing two drops of another oil, such as sweet almond, with some peppermint oil, then massage the combined oils into the skin.
Peppermint oil can irritate skin, so diluting it this way is important. When inhaling its vapors, be sure not to touch your oil-laden fingers to your face.
Real Simple added that peppermint oil may also soothe an unhappy stomach. It suggests swallowing a ½ teaspoon of the oil, or find a coated peppermint oil tablet at drugstores. (As always, it’s best to ask your doctor before using this or any other homeopathic treatments.)
Comments