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Peppermint
Oil
Peppermint essential oil has always been revered
for its clean, fresh scent and its ability to make mind and body
feel renewed. It can be added to cremes, body sprays, lotions, or
used directly in bathwater or other forms of plain water. Peppermint
is often used, for example, in toothpaste, to add that sparkling
clean feel to your mouth. Peppermint tea is used throughout the
world in holistic healing for relief of headaches caused by stress
or sinus pressure, for minor stomach upsets, and, applied diluted to
the skin, peppermint essential oil is used for healing of minor
cuts, scrapes, bruises, rashes, and other skin problems.
Peppermint essential oil has also been reputed by some to be able to
clean out negative thoughts and emotions from the mind, and for this
reason, it is often used in stress relief. The best way of doing
this is by a steam facial. Add 5-7 drops of peppermint essential oil
to a basin (it must be stainless steel or glass; never use aluminum
or Teflon with your essential oils, as these may have an adverse
reaction to the oils). Pour boiling water over the peppermint
essential oil and hold your head above the basin. Drape a towel over
your head and tuck it around the basin so that none of the steam is
permitted to escape. Remain there for 15-20 minutes. The heat of the
steam will open the pores on your face, allowing dirt and impurities
to escape your skin, and some say that it will do the same for your
mind.
After the 15-20 minutes are up, gently pat your face dry with the
towel. Never rub, as this can damage sensitive and newly-cleaned
skin. Avoid applying any makeup for at least an hour or two
afterwards. You will feel cleansed and renewed from the peppermint
essential oil, probably both in body and in mind. If possible, cap
your steam facial with a slow, luxurious cup of peppermint tea (most
tea distributors make tea that is pure peppermint; be sure to use
one of these). If possible, too, spend a little time sitting by a
window, on a deck, or in a garden, to allow more time for cleansing
and refreshment. Steam facials should not be used more than once or
twice a week, so make it a special time for yourself. Your body and
mind will thank you.
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