As part of our Organic Skin Care 101 series, we will be providing useful information about our favorite ingredients, including therapeutic essential oils, Chinese herbs and specialty oils.
As we languish in the end of summer heat, it seems only appropriate to consider one of our all time favorite cooling essential oils-Peppermint (Bo he). Used by traditional healers in China, this herb most notably treats respiratory infections that have a hot presentation (fever, sore throat, yellow nasal discharge). As an essential oil, peppermint can be applied to the forehead by diluting in alcohol (15-20% dilution), or added to baths (2-3 drops) to treat fevers. It can be inhaled to open the sinuses (2-3 drops in a cup of hot water), and directly applied (1 drop) to acupuncture points to calm pms symptoms and relieve cold symptoms. It’s minty fresh aroma combines well with with essential oils like eucalyptus, citrus scents, lavender and tea tree oil.
Emotional Healing
Peppermint is a useful oil to calm irritability, improve mental focus and uplift emotions. It blends well with lemongrass, lavender and bergamot for these effects. You can find these ingredients combined together in our Calm and Rejuvenate Room and Body Sprays and our Lemongrass/Mint Sugar Scrub.
Physical Healing
By itself, or paired with oils like eucalyptus, frankincense and myrrh, peppermint can improve fatigue, relieve stomach pain, calm itching from bug bites, alleviate pain, lower a fever and calm a sore throat.
Mini-Treatments
PMS
Mix 5-8 drops of peppermint essential oil in a a teaspoon of base oil (olive oil, jojoba, sweet almond, etc). Apply 1-2 drops to the following acupuncture points. Hold for one minute on each point for best results.
Pericardium 6: On the palmar aspect of the forearm, about 2 inches above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the two tendons in the center of your arm. These tendons are more visible when you make a fist.
Liver 3: On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the 1st two toes.
Cold-Ease
Peppermint can be especially useful when you are experiencing the following cold symptoms: fever, sore throat, stuffy nose with slight yellow discharge.
At the onset of these symptoms apply the above mixture to the following acupuncture points. Hold for one minute for best results. You may also add a few drops to a hot bath, or inhale a steam made with a few drops of peppermint oil and hot water.
Large Intestine 11: With the elbow flexed, the point is on the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease.
Large Intestine 4: On the dorsal side of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones,in the depression between the thumb and 1st finger.
Laura Kauffmann and Beth Hooper are licensed acupuncturists and Chinese medicine specialists practicing in New York City and co-founders of She Essential Beauty, an organic skin care line formulated to enhance your beauty from within.
Disclaimer: In no way is the information provided here intended to replace or be taken as medical advice. Whenever investigating alternative treatments we recommend you consult your doctor and speak with a trained medical professional.