HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER

Making your very own homemade oil diffuser isn't as hards a you may think. In fact, you probably have most of the things you need to make your very own right in your very home. 

My daughter and I make it a little project of ours when it's time to make the house smell better; which is often since we have 3 cats and 2 dogs. Anyway, I bring out all my essential oils, each of us grab a glass container, some reeds (or bamboo skewers) and become mixologists.  I'm really into Citrus Bliss, Clove and a tiny hint of Ylang Ylang.  She likes to keep things simple with either Lavender, Wild Orange or Peppermint.  

We make multiple diffusers. I keep one on my nightstand, near the kitchen sink and near the little where I blog.  She likes to keep hers in her room and one mobile diffuser for wherever she chooses to study.  

My point is, make it a "thing". Have fun and try out different scents in different areas of your home. 

doTERRA Citrus Bliss & Clove make a great invigorating scent

What you'll need

• Small glass bottle with a narrow opening  
• Rattan reeds (I found mine at Michaels, but Amazon has them too)
• 1/4 C  almond oil or grapeseed oil 
• 2 tsp. vodka or rubbing alcohol (must be at least 90% alcohol)
• 10-15 drops of essential oils (10 drops minimum per 1/4 c. oil) 

What to do

1. Combine oil, alcohol and essential oils together in the glass container
2. Add reeds (or bamboo skewers) to the oil mixture
3. After an hour, flip reeds so the dry end is now in the oil

My favorite blend for the summer is 10 drops doTERRA Citrus Blend + 3 drops doTERRA Clove + 2 drops doTERRA Ylang Ylang.   What's your scent?

  

3 WAYS TO PURCHASE

1. Purchase them from my online store.  

2. Order as a  Preferred Member.

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As a doTERRA Wellness Advocate you’ll receive the deepest discounts possible.Everything you purchase will be at wholesale price, which is 25% off retail. It costs $35/year to sign up as a Wellness Advocate.  Membership renewal is only $25 each year, PLUS you will receive a free bottle of Wild Orange Oil to perk your senses. 

HOW TO PREVENT & TREAT INSECT BITES NATURALLY

Summertime calls most of us to spend time outdoors. Alas, bugs can be a real buzz-kill at best, and carriers of disease at worst. Additionally, most commercial insect repellants contain a chemical known as DEET, which should be used with caution, if at all.  

Luckily, there are loads of ways to keep bugs at bay that don't call for harsh chemicals.  Personally, I love doTERRA Terrashield. It has a great scent, works on animals and is still gentle enough for children. 

  

In addition to repellents, it's important to make sure to wear protective clothing.   A determined bug will completely disregard your oils and elixirs, so cover up in areas that are overrun with weeds and pools of stagnant water. 

Should your preventive measures fail, there are well over a dozen different home remedies that can help, from herbs to baking soda to ice packs or heat, whether in the form of a heated or cold spoon.

Treating Bites and Stings Naturally

You've been bitten; now what?  There are plenty of natural remedies to try that will relieve the pesky itch and swelling. 

Aloe vera:  130 active compounds and 34 amino acids that are beneficial to your skin.	Calendula:Soothing, moisturizing and rejuvenating properties.	Chamomile: The most soothing herb of all, whether used in a tea or applied to the skin.
Cinnamon: Said to repel mosquitoes, it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.	Cucumbers are helpful for reducing swelling.	Basil: Relieves itching. Either crush up some fresh herb and apply directly to the bite, or buy the essential oil.
Lavender: One of the most popular essential oils for its calming scent, lavender is as antimicrobial as it is soothing.	Lemon:  Anti-itch, antibacterial and antimicrobial actions. Avoid applying citrus juices to your skin when outdoors.	Peppermint: Its cooling sensation can block other sensations, such as itching, providing temporary relief.

Place a cooled chamomile tea bag over your bite to reduce swelling. For bites all over your body, take a long soak in a bathtub filled with warm water and 2 cups of apple cider vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar can help stop the maddening itch.

No apple cider vinegar? Dissolve some baking soda in your bath and soak for about 30 minutes. 

Not into soaking? Mix some baking soda with a small amount of water or witch hazel to create a paste, and apply directly to the bite. This concoction will aid in reducing the swelling

"Where do I pick up these oils Jess?" Don't worry, I've got you covered. Visit my Essential Oil page on ways to purchase doTERRA oils of your very own. 

Want to know more about essential oils? 

Join the ESSENTIAL OIL LOVER'S Facebook Group

So, you've read what I have to say about natural bug remedies, but now I want to know what you use.  Share your bug repellent and remedy favorites by commenting. 

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OREGANO OIL BENEFITS

Oregano, the fragrant herb commonly used to flavor pasta and meat dishes, is renowned for its versatility in the kitchen. But did you know that it can also be transformed into an herbal oil with a wide range of benefits? Read on to learn more about oregano oil.

What Is Oregano Oil?

Oregano oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of oregano (Origanum vulgare), a hardy, bushy perennial herb, and a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It's native to Europe, although it grows in many areas around the world¹ The plant grows up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) high, with dark green leaves that are two to three centimeters long.²
The ancient Greeks and Romans have a profound appreciation for oregano, using it for various medicinal uses. In fact, its name comes from the Greek words "oros" and "ganos," which are words for mountain and joy,– oregano literally means "joy of the mountain." It was revered as a symbol of happiness, and it was an ancient tradition to crown brides and grooms with a laurel of oregano.³
There are over 40 oregano species, but the most therapeutically beneficial is the oil produced from wild oregano or Origanum vulgare that's native to Mediterranean regions.⁴ Beware, though, as many of the oregano oils sold in grocery stores are not made from this variety, and may have little to no therapeutic value. Opt only for oregano oil made from Origanum vulgare and Thymus capitatus, a variety that grows in Spain.⁵
To obtain oregano oil, the dried flowers and leaves of the wild oregano plant are harvested when the oil content of the plant is at its highest, and then distilled.⁶ The resulting oil is golden to dark yellow, with a strong spicy odor.⁷

Uses of Oregano Oil

I highly recommend adding oregano oil to your arsenal of natural healing tools, as it has a wide range of uses. This herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off infections. Oregano oil also has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Other ideal uses for oregano oil are:⁸

• Treating foot or nail fungus. Put a few teaspoons of oregano oil in a basin of water and soak your feet in it. You can also dilute the oil (mix a drop with a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil), and then apply it on your nails or skin.
• Killing parasites and infections. Dilute the oil (mix a drop with a drop of a carrier oil such as coconut oil), and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for a few minutes, and then rinse it out. Repeat this at least four times a day.
• Alleviating sinus infections and colds. Put a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of steaming water, and then inhale the steam.

I also encourage using the antiseptic powers of this herbal oil to clean your home. Here's one way how: combine four drops of oregano oil with 10 drops of lemon oil and a quarter-cup of white vinegar, and then add to a bucket of water. Use this mixture to wipe and clean surfaces.⁹

Composition of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is high in phenols, which are natural phytochemical compounds with beneficial antioxidant effects. The two most abundant phenols in it are:

• Thymol - a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It helps boost your immune system, works as a shield against toxins, and even helps prevent tissue damage and encourages healing.
• Carvacrol – found to be effective against various bacterial infections, such as candida albicans, staphylococcus, E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella, klebsiella, the aspergillus mold, giardia, pseudomonas, and listeria.

Other healthful compounds in oregano oil include:¹⁰

• Terpenes – known for their powerful antibacterial properties.
• Rosmarinic acid – an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and has shown promise in treating allergic asthma and preventing cancer and atherosclerosis. It also works as a natural antihistamine that reduces fluid buildup and swelling caused by allergy attacks.
• Naringin - inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps boost the antioxidants in oregano oil.
• Beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) - this substance inhibits inflammation and is also beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis, as well as metabolic syndrome.^{11, 12}

Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, boron, and niacin are also found in oregano oil.

Benefits of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has wide-reaching health benefits, but is most associated with respiratory and immune system health. It is known for helping prevent and treat infections, such as:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria like E. coli, Proteus,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.¹³
• Respiratory infections brought on by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria strains.¹⁴
• Yeast infections, even those that are resistant to the commonly used antifungal drug Diflucan.¹⁵
• Parasitic infections caused by the amoeba giardia – it was even found to be more effective than antibiotics like Tinidazol.¹⁶
• oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug.
  Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection – A team of Indian and British researchers found that oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug.¹⁷

Oregano oil has also shown promise in preventing food-borne illnesses caused by pathogens like listeria,  salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella dysenteria. Adding it to foods not only helps kill the bacteria, but may also alleviate food poisoning symptoms. An animal study from University of Arizona researchers also found that oregano oil can help kill norovirus,¹⁸ which causes gastroenteritis.
Oregano oil is also a prized antiseptic essential oil in aromatherapy because its proportion of phenols is said to be the highest of all aromatic plants. Aside from using the steam method to relieve coughs and other respiratory illnesses, you can also use it to:

• Ward off insects. Carvacrol in oregano oil works as a natural insect repellant. Try putting a few drops on outdoor furniture, or apply a diluted mixture on your skin when heading outdoors.
• Relieve bug bites and rashes, including poison ivy rash. Apply oregano oil diluted with olive oil on the affected areas.¹⁹
• Help heal cold sores, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Some experts also advocate using a diluted version to treat acne and rosacea.
• Ease sore throat. Simply add a few drops to a glass of water. It can help alleviate toothache as well.
• Relieve muscle and joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sprains, and cramps.²⁰

How to Make Oregano Oil

Extracting oregano oil requires a special distillation process. However, there is a simple way to make your own oregano oil at home. Here's a basic recipe from HomegrownandHealthy.com:²¹
Ingredients:

• Oregano leaves, chopped orcrushed
• Olive oil, almond oil or grape seed oil
• Sanitized jar with lid

Procedure:

1. Boil some water in a sauce pan. Once it has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat.
2. Place your oil of choice and chopped oregano leaves in the jar.
3. Put the jar in the hot water and let it sit for about five to 10 minutes. This heats up the oil and helps the oregano release its natural oils.
4. Remove the jar from the water bath and place beside a sunny window for one to two weeks. Shake the jar every few days.
5. Once the two weeks is up, strain the oil from the leaves and place into a sanitized jar. Store the oil in a dark, cool place.

To preserve the oil, add a few more drops of grapefruit seed oil.

OR you can buy some  

Visit my essential oil page for more information on retail and wholesale pricing. 

How Does Oregano Oil Work?

The compounds in oregano oil work together to provide the antimicrobial effects this oil is so well-known for. Carvacrol is its most important component, and is responsible for many of its health benefits. Carvacrol has powerful antimicrobial properties, and has been shown to help break through the outer cell membranes that help protect bacteria from your immune system.²²
Oregano oil can either be applied topically or ingested, depending on the condition you're using it for. However, I advise against using the oil full-strength, as it can irritate your skin. Do not apply it to broken skin and open wounds as well.
Oregano oil is meant for short-term use only, and, if using orally, should be taken in small doses of four to six drops for only seven to 10 days.²³

Is Oregano Oil Safe?

Yes it is, as long as it's diluted in water or with a carrier oil (some of my top choices are jojoba, olive, and coconut oils). Clinical herbalist Michelle Lynde says the ideal ratio when diluting this herbal oil is one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil.²⁴
I recommend doing a spot test as well to check if you have any allergic reactions to oregano oil. Simply apply a diluted drop on your arm and see if any irritation occurs.
Be careful when buying oregano oil because some manufacturers sell adulterated oils and oils made from thyme, Spanish oregano, or cultivated oregano, which DO NOT provide any health benefits.

 Join the discussion in the ESSENTIAL OIL LOVER'S Facebook Group.

Side Effects of Oregano Oil

Some people may experience stomach upset when ingesting oregano oil (or even the herb itself). Those who are allergic to plants from the Lamiaceae family (mint, lavender, sage, and basil) should also avoid this oil, as they may also develop an allergic reaction.
Oregano oil is also NOT advisable for infants and children. Pregnant or nursing women are also discouraged from using oregano oil both topically and orally, as it can encourage blood circulation within the uterus, which deteriorates the lining that encompasses the fetus within the womb. Oregano oil also has a potential to induce menstruation, and may be dangerous to your unborn chil

           

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TOP 5 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR YOUR HEALTH

Essential oils carry the physical properties of flowers and plants in a highly concentrated form. They are, in short, the essence of the plant and can provide therapeutic benefits in very small amounts. The particles in essential oils, which come from various parts of the plant such as the flowers, twigs, leaves or bark, can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin and their use can be traced back for thousands of years. Essential oils were even used in ancient Egyptian times, and were made by soaking plants in oil and then filtering the oil through a linen bag.

Most essential oils have antibacterial qualities and have varying physical and emotional effects depending on the oil, such as stimulation, relaxation, pain relief and healing. The most common ways to use essential oils include:

• Aromatherapy
• Massaging them (blended with a carrier oil) into the skin
• Adding them to bathwater
• Using them in a compress
• Burning them in a diffuser

In The Maker’s Diet, Dr. Jordan Rubin recommends 14 essential oils that have unique healing properties. He suggests putting five to 10 drops (total) of these "top healing oils" into a warm bath for a real "healing treat." Below you will find five beneficial essential oils along with their uses. I encourage you to check out The Maker’s Diet to learn more about some of the more exotic, but highly effective, essential oils available.

I'd also like to point out that essential oils are not the same thing as fragrance oils. Essential oils come from plants while fragrance oils are artificially created and often contain synthetic chemicals. While they may smell good and are typically less expensive, they will not give you the therapeutic benefits of organic essential oils--and you don't want to be inhaling any synthetic chemicals! So, please be sure that the essential oil you use is of the highest quality and 100 percent pure.

Ready to purchase your 5 Essential Oils? 
Visit my essential oil page for more information on retail and wholesale pricing. 

Join the discussion in the ESSENTIAL OIL LOVER'S Facebook Group.

Caution: Essential oils can produce very strong and significant changes in tiny amounts. They must be used with caution, especially during pregnancy. It is important to consult someone knowledgeable in aromatherapy before experimenting with these oils.
* Although sandalwood is a beneficial oil, the trees must be felled to collect the product and there has been much over-harvesting. Indian sandalwood is controlled by the Indian government, which allows a limited amount of the essential oil to be traded on the world market. However, due to its high value sandalwood may be produced illegally without replanting programs in place. There is concern that this oil should be on the endangered list and many essential oil producers are contemplating not selling it, so you may want to seek an alternative oil, such as Western Australian sandalwood.

           

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D.I.Y. LEMONGRASS FACIAL TONER

For years I've spent more money than I'm willing to be honest about,  on toners and serums for my skin. Ooooh my sad aging skin. Constantly looking for that miracle to save me. Alas, I'm aging and thats that. 

Anyway, in order to save my money (and sanity) I began playing with essential oils a bit more than usual.  I've always used them as a form of perfume and rarely used for any medicinal purposes. A little oil really goes a long way, which makes it a budget friendly household essential.  

With a bit of research and I found the perfect toner for my skin. Note the word "MY". Not everyone is the same, that's the one thing we all have that's the same...hmmm. Depending on what's going on in my life, my hormones get a little outta whack and I have to modify amounts slightly. However, my new favorite toner recipe below has worked really well on both my daughter and my skin. 

D.I.Y. LEMONGRASS FACIAL TONER

• In a large glass container combine
• 1/2c. rosewater
• 1/4 c. witch hazel (alcohol free)
• 1/4 c. distilled water
• 4 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
• Apply at night with a cotton ball

This facial toner has been working wonders.
Of course, like everything, you may need to adjust according to your body chemistry.

     

   

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ROSEMARY

Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosmarinus officinalis
Considered sacred by ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Hebrews, Rosemary has been revered by healers for centuries for its digestive uses and for muscle aches and pains*. For aromatic, topical, or dietary use.

 Health Benefits of Rosemary

For centuries, one of the most common medicinal uses for rosemary has involved improving memory, not just for the flavor it adds to food. This herb, especially the flower tops, contains antibacterial and antioxidant rosmarinic acid, plus several essential oils such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, and α-pinene that are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties.

Most recipes call for a few teaspoons of rosemary rather than 100 grams, but the above chart indicates the balance of nutrients, which are many. The same amount provides 16% of the daily value of vitamin A for free radical-zapping antioxidant properties, vision protection, healthy skin and mucus membranes, and increased protection from lung and mouth cancers. Mostly renowned for fighting infection, the vitamin C content synthesizes collagen, the protein required for optimal blood vessels, organs, skin, and bones.

Manganese, another of the more prominent minerals in rosemary, plays such a critical antioxidant role in the body - specifically aided by its cofactor superoxide dismutase - that it's associated with lowering the risk of cancer, specifically breast cancer.

Rosemary also contains iron (part of the hemoglobin inside red blood cells, determining how much oxygen the blood will carry) and potassium (a component in cell and body fluids which helps control heart rate and blood pressure). There's also fiber, copper, calcium, and magnesium, and an abundance of B vitamins, such as pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, folates, useful for DNA synthesis and for women just prior to conception, which helps prevent neural tube defects in newborns.

Being concentrated, the dried version of rosemary provides a bit more of everything: 93 calories, 12 grams of fiber and 45% of the daily value in iron, 35% of the calcium, 29% of the vitamin C and 18% of the vitamin A needed each day.

Rosemary Nutrition Facts Serving Size: One ounce of fresh rosemary (28 grams)
Amt. Per Serving
Calories	37
Carbohydrates	6 g
Fiber	4 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	2 g

Rosemary Healthy Recipes: Lemon Rosemary Salmon

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 salmon filets, bones and skin removed
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange half the lemon slices in a single layer in a baking dish. Layer with 2 rosemary sprigs, and top with salmon fillets.
2. Sprinkle salmon with salt, layer with remaining rosemary sprigs, and top with remaining lemon slices. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes in preheated oven, or until fish is easily flaked with a fork.

(Source: AllRecipes.com)

Or try
Crispy Rosemary Chicken Thighs 

Rosemary Fun Facts

During Medieval times, rosemary was believed to grow only in the gardens of the righteous. Sixteenth century Europeans also carried it in the heads of walking sticks to ward off the plague.

Summary

Ironic, isn't it, that the taste and aroma of rosemary, often used for improving memory, is unforgettable? This ancient herb from the Mediterranean, whether fresh or dried, is one of the most popular for kitchen use, and can be added to soups, sandwiches, cheese, dips, and even for making infused oil. But with the wide array of nutritional benefits rosemary provides, what this herb does for human health is truly remarkable.

The litany of vitamins and minerals in rosemary is a long one, with corresponding uses in the body for each. Unique compounds and oils include rosmarinic acid and essential oils such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, and α-pinene, providing anti-inflammation, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. And research provides ample evidence that rosemary not only improves memory, but helps fight cancer.

Isn't it great that all we have to do to improve our health is to eat "close to the earth" – or in this case, the herb garden?

Learn more or purchase HERE

POWER OF PEPPERMINT: 21 HEALTH BENEFITS REVEALED

 

Why might you want to add peppermint to your natural medicine chest? Here are 21 valuable uses for this therapeutic plant.²

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Peppermint oil capsules have been described as “the drug of first choice” in IBS patients,³ as it safely helps alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Research has shown that it is effective in children and adults alike, with one study showing a 50 percent reduction in “total irritable bowel syndrome score” among 75 percent of patients who tried it.⁴

2. Colonic Spasm and Gas
Peppermint oil is an effective alternative to drugs like Buscopan for reducing colonic spasms.⁵ It may also relax the muscles of your intestines, allowing gas to pass and easing abdominal pain. Try peppermint oil or leaves added to tea for gas relief.

3. Gastric Emptying Disorders
In people with functional gastrointestinal disorders, peppermint may be useful to enhance gastric emptying.⁶

4. Functional Dyspepsia (Upset Stomach and Indigestion)
Supplementing with 90 milligrams (mg) of peppermint oil, along with caraway oil, “much or very much improved” symptoms of functional dyspepsia in 67 percent of patients.⁷ If you have an upset stomach, try drinking a small glass of water with a few drops of peppermint essential oil added.

5. Infantile Colic
Peppermint is at least as effective as simethicone in the treatment of colic in infants.⁸

6. Breastfeeding-Associated Nipple Pain and Damage
Peppermint water helped to prevent nipple cracks and pain in breastfeeding mothers.⁹

7. Tuberculosis
Inhaled essential oil of peppermint helped to rapidly regress tuberculosis inflammation, with researchers suggesting it may help prevent recurrences and exacerbation of the disease.¹⁰

8. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Extracts from peppermint leaves may inhibit histamine release, which suggests it may help alleviate hay fever symptoms.¹¹

9. Shingles-Associated Pain
A topical treatment of peppermint oil resulted in near-immediate improvement in shingles-associated pain, with the results lasting for two months of follow-up treatment.¹²

10. Memory Problems
The aroma of peppermint has been shown to enhance memory and increase alertness.¹³

11. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
Peppermint oil effectively reduces chemotherapy-induced nausea, and at a reduced cost compared to standard drug-based treatments.¹⁴

12. Prostate Cancer
Peppermint contains menthol, which may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.¹⁵

13. Radiation Damage
Peppermint may protect against DNA damage and cell death caused by radiation exposure.¹⁶

14. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Peppermint has been shown to help inhibit drug-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1.¹⁷

15. Dental Cavities and Bad Breath
Peppermint oil extract has been shown to be superior to the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine in inhibiting the formation of biofilm formations linked to dental cavities.¹⁸ Powdered peppermint leaves have also been used historically to freshen breath and whiten teeth; you can even add a drop or two directly to your toothpaste.

16. Respiratory Benefits
Peppermint oil acts as an expectorant and decongestant, and may help clear your respiratory tract. Use peppermint essential oil as a cold rub on your chest or inhale it through a vaporizer to help clear nasal congestion and relieve cough and cold symptoms.

17. Headaches
Peppermint oil may help relieve tension headache pain. For headache pain, try dabbing a few drops on your wrist or sprinkling a few drops on a cloth, then inhaling the aroma. You can also massage the oil directly onto your temples and forehead.

18. Stress
Peppermint oil is cooling and energizing. Add a few drops to your bath, or dap a few drops directly on your body then get into the tub, for near-instant stress relief. You can also put the oil into a burner for a stress-relieving aroma. 

19. Hair and Skin
Try blending peppermint oil into your massage oil, shampoo, bodywash or body lotion. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help cool your skin and remove dandruff (and lice) from your scalp.

20. Asthma
Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid (also found in rosemary), which may help to reduce inflammation-causing chemicals in people with asthma.

21. Muscle Pain
Peppermint may help to relieve muscle spasms and pain. Try massaging its essential oil onto sore muscles or adding it to your bath water for muscle pain relief.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OILS AND PURCHASE HERE

Peppermint 101: A Quick History and How to Use It

Peppermint comes from the mint plant (there are about 25 different species of mint), and is actually a natural hybrid cross between water mint and spearmint. In addition to its medicinal properties, mint leaves were rubbed on tables to welcome guests in Greece, and mint tea is still customarily offered to arriving guests in the Middle East.¹⁹
When selecting peppermint for your own use, the fresh leaves will impart a superior flavor to dried leaves (such as for use in tea). Look for fresh leaves that are green in color without any dark spots or yellowing. In addition to using fresh mint leaves in tea, you can add them to soups, fruit salad or gazpacho. Peppermint essential oil is also widely available, as is peppermint extract in supplement form.
The essential oil is ideal for muscle and chest rubs, headache pain, dental care and aromatherapy. You can even add it to your homemade cleaning supplies for extra antimicrobial power and natural fragrance.

If you want to give the therapeutic properties of peppermint a try, simply add a drop or two of natural peppermint extract or a few crushed mint leaves into a glass of pure water (either iced or hot). For even more therapeutic punch, and with flu season upon us, try a tea made from a combination of elderflower, yarrow, boneset, linden, peppermint and ginger; drink it hot and often for combating a cold or flu. It causes you to sweat, which is helpful for eradicating a virus from your system.  Try it in a recipe like Peppermint Chocolates or a Peppermint Cake. 

 


        

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