Peppermint Oil Is Not Just a Candy…It can Help You Relax Too
Use Pure Essential Peppermint Oil for soothing massage, the perfect bath, or the many delights of aromatherapy. Aromatic oil, breath freshener, even a cheerful cartoon character named Patty . . . the joys of peppermint take many forms. Long known to humankind, peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid cross between watermint and spearmint. The Assyrians used it in their rituals to their fire god. The Greeks and Romans used mint not only to flavor their sauces and wines, but also for making crowns to rest on their noblemen’s heads. In fact, the botanical name Mentha was derived from Greek mythology. Menthe was a beautiful nymph who was loved by Pluto, the god of the underworld. Persephone, who had been abducted by Pluto to reign with him over his dominion, became very jealous of Menthe and changed her into a fragrant but lowly plant, the mint. Bad luck for Menthe. Great news for us! And when the British saw the value in commercial cultivation of peppermint in the late 1600s–for both culinary and medicinal uses–peppermint’s popularity was assured.
The joys of aromatherapy
Peppermint contains menthol, an important ingredient for massage and aromatherapy. Peppermint Oil can be oh-so soothing as a liniment when it’s rubbed gently and generously all over your body, leaving your skin soft and smooth. Then there are so many extraordinary uses for peppermint in aromatherapy. Of course, a bath is the first that comes to mind, the sheer perfection of a hot and steamy tub, blissfully aromatic with the scent of peppermint oil. There are not too many guarantees in this life – but a bath may be the most effective, relaxing therapy ever devised! Foot Baths are also wonderful, an excellent end-of-the-day delight for sore “dogs.” Soaking your hands can ease stiffness, aches, and soothe skin.
An aromatherapy compress focuses oils in a specific area and keeps it moist. There is no end to all the inventive aromatherapy ideas . . . salve (thickened with beeswax), inhalant, even a “sitz” bath.
