Candy canes, mints, gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes, foot creams — these are some of the products that are usually flavored or scented with peppermint.
Many of us are very familiar with the characteristic odor and taste of peppermint, but not a lot of people are aware of the fact that it actually offers a variety of physical and mental perks. Did you know that it is something that can wake up your senses and lift your mood?
If currently you are on the hunt for a healthier alternative to coffee or antidepressants, keep on reading. Below you will learn why you could benefit a lot from having a bottle of peppermint essential oil.
It’s Quite Invigorating
Aromatherapy is a form of all-natural healing that involves the use of aromatic compounds obtained from various plant sources, and it’s been around for centuries now.
For those who are lacking in energy and mental alertness, aromatherapy experts highly recommend the use of peppermint essential oil. This volatile oil possesses a scent that is scientifically-proven to help invigorate a mind that’s exhausted or stressed. Meaning to say, it’s perfect for those who are in great need of an instant boost in cognitive functioning.
Coffee can make one alert, and that’s no secret. However, it can also leave one feeling anxious and dizzy, especially if he or she is extremely sensitive to caffeine. Too much caffeine can also put the life of a person who is diagnosed with heart-related conditions in some form of danger as a result of increased blood pressure and irregular heart rate (arrhythmia).
It Helps Bring Happiness
Based on numerous studies, the unmistakable smell of peppermint essential oil is capable of lifting one’s mood. So in other words, it has the ability to cheer you up each time you are feeling down.
Experts in the world of aromatherapy highly recommend peppermint essential oil for dealing with the various symptoms of depression. It is able to help ease sadness and also alleviate mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, excessive daytime sleepiness and increased appetite associated with the said form of mental illness that is affecting millions today.
Unlike the administration of antidepressants, the use of peppermint essential oil doesn’t come without unfavorable side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness and nausea that can further mess up with one’s mood. So in other words, peppermint essential oil is capable of making you smile without complications.
It’s Good for Relieving Stress
A little stress every now and then is actually beneficial and completely harmless. However, health authorities confirm that too much of it for days, weeks or even months can be detrimental to your physical health and mental wellness.
Unwanted weight gain, elevated blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, increased blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke — these are some of the most serious health-related problems that may come your way if you fail to keep your stress to a minimum. You may also wind up with anxiety and depression.
Peppermint essential oil is proven by scientists as something that can help to lower the levels of stress hormones in your bloodstream. It does so very well by encouraging your body and mind to relax without any delay. This aromatic oil works best if paired with deep breathing, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation.
How to Use It
There are many ways to use peppermint essential oil for attaining much-needed alertness or relief from depression. One very simple method is to uncap the bottle and place it a couple of inches to your nostrils. Since essential oil can get damaged by contact with the elements, it’s a good idea to place a couple of drops on a handkerchief or tissue paper and then take a whiff of it. Remember to replace the cap immediately.
You may also add a little peppermint essential oil to your massage oil or fill the air with its characteristic smell using an essential oil burner or diffuser.
