Post by Rhiannon on May 5, 2006 9:10:27 GMT -5
[glow=black,2,600]Well now, since our lovely Oils & Scents moderator Raven told us a bit about Peppermint Essential Oil, I thought I would expound on more of the herb's therapeutic uses.
Peppermint has both a cooling and a warming effect, and when taken internally it induces heat and sweating, and improves circulation. This makes it very useful in fighting a cold, fever, flu, and chills. It has astringent and decongestant properties to help stuffiness and congestion. It has a cooling and numbing effect that carries to the lungs helping with cough and asthma as well.
Also taken internally, peppermint is a good digestive aid, relieving flatulence, heartburn, indigestion , hiccups, nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. It is also useful for treating diarrhea, constipation , irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.
Taken externally, peppermint can be used to help itching and inflammation. Peppermint is an analgesic pain reliever, proven to ease general aches and pains, headaches, sciatica, menstrual pain, neuralgia, arthritis and gout. Because of this, its essential oil is often added to rubs.
Peppermint has many other uses, as well, including easing tension and anxiety, and cleansing the liver and gallbladder, which helps with gallstones. It has been known to treat food allergies, colic, and irritable bowel syndrome. And it makes a great tonic that recharges energy and keeps lethargy at bay.
Although peppermint is generally safe, there are a few things to watch for. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should only take miniscule amounts. If you have a history of miscarriage, do not use. (You may still use externally.) If using peppermint in oil form always dilute to avoid rash or irritation.
Peppermint is easy to grow, though it should be started inside 1 1/2 to 2 months prior to the last frost and transplanted when it reaches about 2 inches in height or has at least two pairs of leaves. It can also be grown in pots. It does best in partially shaded, moist soil. It grows very rapidly, and can be slightly invasive. Leaves can be harvested at any time.
The biggest differences between peppermint and spearmint are the size--peppermint tends to be slightly shorter, the color--peppermint is a darker green, and the strength--spearmint tends to be a bit milder.
Want an instant remedy? Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto a heaped teaspoon of the dried peppermint and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. Drink as often as desired. [/glow]
Peppermint has both a cooling and a warming effect, and when taken internally it induces heat and sweating, and improves circulation. This makes it very useful in fighting a cold, fever, flu, and chills. It has astringent and decongestant properties to help stuffiness and congestion. It has a cooling and numbing effect that carries to the lungs helping with cough and asthma as well.
Also taken internally, peppermint is a good digestive aid, relieving flatulence, heartburn, indigestion , hiccups, nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. It is also useful for treating diarrhea, constipation , irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.
Taken externally, peppermint can be used to help itching and inflammation. Peppermint is an analgesic pain reliever, proven to ease general aches and pains, headaches, sciatica, menstrual pain, neuralgia, arthritis and gout. Because of this, its essential oil is often added to rubs.
Peppermint has many other uses, as well, including easing tension and anxiety, and cleansing the liver and gallbladder, which helps with gallstones. It has been known to treat food allergies, colic, and irritable bowel syndrome. And it makes a great tonic that recharges energy and keeps lethargy at bay.
Although peppermint is generally safe, there are a few things to watch for. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should only take miniscule amounts. If you have a history of miscarriage, do not use. (You may still use externally.) If using peppermint in oil form always dilute to avoid rash or irritation.
Peppermint is easy to grow, though it should be started inside 1 1/2 to 2 months prior to the last frost and transplanted when it reaches about 2 inches in height or has at least two pairs of leaves. It can also be grown in pots. It does best in partially shaded, moist soil. It grows very rapidly, and can be slightly invasive. Leaves can be harvested at any time.
The biggest differences between peppermint and spearmint are the size--peppermint tends to be slightly shorter, the color--peppermint is a darker green, and the strength--spearmint tends to be a bit milder.
Want an instant remedy? Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto a heaped teaspoon of the dried peppermint and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. Drink as often as desired. [/glow]
