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Add Some Pep This Holiday Season with Peppermint

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Though the song may say this is the most wonderful time of the year, for most people, the holidays and all the events they bring along with them cause stress and even depression.  Did you know there is a sweet treat popular this time of year that is refreshing and may be used to help relieve tension and decrease mental exhaustion?  Use this seasonal treat to reduce anxiety, restlessness, and de-stress so you might enjoy your holiday.  Tis the season… for peppermint!

http://thebathtubdiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/peppermint1.jpgPeppermint, and other mints, have been used throughout time for medicinal purposes.  This herb is a popular ingredient in food, beverages, and as a fragrance in beauty products.  Peppermint, and its oil, has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties.  It is an ingredient frequently used in cleaning products thanks to its antimicrobial properties.

Peppermint tea was used to garnish banquet tables and it, and other mint teas were offered to arriving guests in many cultures.  You can buy peppermint tea in your favorite grocery store, but for best flavor, steep fresh leaves in a cup of warm, not quite boiling water for 5 or more minutes.  Feeling under the weather?  Peppermint is an expectorant and decongestant.  The tea, and its vapors, will help relieve cough and cold symptoms while clearing your nasal passages and respiratory tract.

Peppermint is said to help with nausea, motion sickness, and upset stomachs.  This mint is often found in toothpaste because it combats halitosis and helps teeth and gums fight germs.  It’s anti-inflammatory and cooling properties help to reduce swelling and may help with dental pain.

Added into your bath, peppermint is an energizing soak that soothes sore muscles.  It helps to moisturize the skin and regulate the skin’s oil production thanks to it being a natural astringent.  Peppermint can reduce your skin’s redness, brighten your skin, and even-out your skin tone.  Blend a little peppermint oil into your shampoo to combat dandruff and dry scalp problems.

Have a tension headache coming on?  Blend 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil.  Massage a small amount of the mixture to your temples and forehead and find your tension begin to leave.

Share this great treat with your friends by making a Peppermint Sugar Scrub.  Mix together 1 cup granulated sugar, up to 10 drops peppermint oil, and ¼ cup grapeseed oil.  Put in a pretty jar with an air-tight lid.  Use to exfoliate and moisturize the skin by rubbing a small amount into the skin.  Rinse thoroughly, then pat skin dry.

Wishing you the happiest of Holidays this season!

 

 

 

 

Jaime Johnson’s passion for all-natural products started as a challenge to produce high-quality health and beauty products, at home, from common household ingredients.  This research lead to the creation of her book, Natural Beauty (www.naturalbeautythebook.com).  She welcomes opportunities to speak, teach, and/or give product creation demonstrations relating to the benefits of all-natural products to interested organizations and groups.  Jaime can be contacted via the Natural Beauty website.

A staff report from the online editor of Hers Magazine.

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