Relieve Your Cold Symptoms with Peppermint Oil

The Facts About Peppermint Essential Oil

-Naturally derived from the peppermint plant which is a cross between water mint and spear mint!

-Can help with motion sickness/upset stomach as well as heartburn (when paired with caraway oil).

-According to livestrong.com, peppermint essential oil naturally contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

-Temporarily relieves nasal congestion and respiratory problems due to it being an effective expectorant (it thins the mucus).

-Relieves headaches due to its analgesic properties.

-Can be used topically (less concentrated version) to treat pain and inflammation!

Peppermint Essential Oil Uses to Relieve Common Cold Symptoms

*Note- The use of peppermint essential oil is not approved by the FDA. All essential oils are very concentrated and can be toxic to the body in excessive form, therefore you should notify your doctor before using any amount of concentration internally or externally.

Stuffy Nose- Apply one drop of peppermint oil to your pinky and lightly dab it beneath both nostrils. This may cause your nose to run (be extremely careful NOT to get it anywhere near the eyes).

Sore Throat- Apply one drop on your tongue and inhale slowly/deeply OR make warm tea and add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil and sip slow.

Swollen Lymph Nodes in Throat- Sometimes the tonsils can swell and cause a great deal of pain. Apply a small drop of peppermint essential oil to ring finger, rub with other ring finger and gently dab onto swollen area (usually beneath outer jaw bone). Temporarily will reduce inflammation and pain.

Sinus Headache- Heat some water in a bowl and then apply 2-4 drops of peppermint essential oil. Place your face over the steaming water and inhale through your nose. You can also apply one drop to the palm of your hand, using your ring finger apply the oil to the forehead, the bridge of the nose and then to sinus cavities on your cheek bones. See this page for a map of the facial sinuses- http://www.webmd.com/allergies/picture-of-the-sinuses

Respiratory Problems- Apply peppermint essential oil to the throat, neck and chest. You can also try the same steamed water remedy with peppermint essential oil in it OR even a warm bath (just add 4-6 drops since there will be more water).