For centuries, humans have been using peppermint for everything from adding flavor to foods to aiding in allergy relief. Some of the earliest recorded uses of peppermint were by the Ancient Egyptians to help calm indigestion. Peppermint is a plant with analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant and antitumor properties. With so many uses it’s no wonder humans have relied on it for so long.

So what are some ways you can infuse the wonderful benefits of peppermint in your life?

Meditation

Meditation is all about reflection and self-awareness. Implementing a daily meditative routine can have positive effects on how we react to stressful situations. How? Regular meditation helps you approach life situations from a place of calm and intent instead of reacting in the moment. Many people use meditation to get in touch with themselves or as a way to slow down their busy lives and live more purposefully.

In your next meditation session consider adding peppermint. The smell of the herb can help calm an anxious nervous system and set the mood for your next meditative state. Grab a peppermint filled neck wrap in the shop to make sure you get the sweet smell of peppermint in your next session.

Move Over Morning Coffee

Have you ever tried peppermint tea? It’s wonderful. Peppermint tea is an herbal tea that is naturally caffeine free and has no calories. Try replacing your morning cup of coffee with a powerful cup of peppermint tea. The tea itself is refreshing and leaves the cool sensation of peppermint on your palette.

The great part of peppermint tea is that it is widely available. Go to the tea aisle of any store and you will see multiple tea brands. If you’re concerned about missing out on your daily caffeine pick-me-up, don’t be. While peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, the refreshing mint is enough to wake up even the most fatigued of souls without the caffeine crash later.

Chew Gum to Freshen Your Breath

Have problems with bad breath? Chew peppermint gum. For most, bad breath is caused by food particles being left over from when we eat. Regular brushing and flossing are enough to remove most of the food particles but on occasion some food gets left behind. Our mouths are always working to break down whatever we eat and that can cause bacteria to grow if it’s not properly removed.

If you are frequently suffering from a bit of bad breath, try adding a few sticks of peppermint gum to your day. Having a pack available in your purse is a good way to keep some handy without always having to purchase it from the store.

Add Peppermint to Your Dental Routine

Oral hygiene is more than just preventing bad breath. You want to keep your smile bright, your gums healthy and your teeth strong. To do that, your oral health should be maintained by a comprehensive system of brushing your teeth, flossing and regular checkups with a dentist, at minimum. Adding peppermint to that system can help boost what you’re already doing. Peppermint is the perfect addition for combatting oral health problems because of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. If you want to add more of the great benefits of peppermint to your life, consider using peppermint based dental products.

Look for products that have peppermint as the main ingredient to unleash the full antiseptic benefits to your routine. You can choose peppermint toothpaste, mouth wash, or floss. Or get it in all three!

Sinus Relief

Spring time is a wonderful time of year, full of new blooms and warm weather. While we are outside and enjoying the springtime sun some of us will be dreading springtime sinusitis. Sinusitis is the medical term for sinus infection, those painful infections of the sinus cavities that cause them to swell. It’s important to note that while allergies and sinus problems present themselves similarly, they have different root causes. If you think you are suffering from a sinus infection but are unsure, consult with your trusted medical physician.

Peppermint can help you stave off a sinus infection if you think one may be coming on. Inhale the peppermint aroma by diffusing it. If you have one of our peppermint eye pillows you can pop it in the microwave and enjoy the pleasing smell that way.

Go Away Cramps.

Cramps are bought on by a myriad of medical conditions. Often associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, Chron’s Disease and menstruation, cramps can really get in the way of your lifestyle.

This is where peppermint can help. Massaging crampy muscles with peppermint oil or diffusing peppermint oil in your bedroom can help alleviate those pesky cramps. How does peppermint help? The herbal properties of peppermint work as a natural muscle relaxant. This means that when your muscles tighten or cramp up you can use peppermint to loosen them. If you don’t have one already, we recommend a Ruby. It’s great for applying peppermint directly to your muscles and for releasing the scent of peppermint in the air.

Say ‘Bye’ to Worn Out and ‘Hello’ to Energy

Always feel tired in the middle of the day? Fatigue is a problem we all have to deal with on occasion. Make sure that you are getting enough restful sleep and aren’t relying on too many energy drinks to get through your day. Energy drinks deliver high amounts of caffeine and sugar which can temporarily stimulate a tired body but will ultimately lead to an energy crash.

Eliminate the midday yawns with peppermint. Drinking a steamy cup of peppermint tea may help you relax in the evening while smelling peppermint oil can boost your energy in the daytime. Invigorate your senses whenever you need a little pick me up with this natural herb.

Cure that Sweet Tooth

Food cravings, you can’t live with them and you can’t live without them. In fact, as certain studies have found, food cravings are very common. Despite the best efforts to eat well sometimes you may want something sweet. If you are suffering from a sugar craving and you’re ready to risk it all on a small piece of cake, try reaching for peppermint candy instead.

Readily available as small peppermints or in candy canes, peppermint is a minty cure for sweet tooth.  (You can crush it and sprinkle it on top of that piece of cake anyway. We won’t tell if you won’t.)

Conclusion

Peppermint is a delicious, all-natural herb that humans have been using for centuries. Not only is the herb great as an all-natural flavoring but it can also be used to help treat crampy muscles and boost energy. Consider adding peppermint to your daily life activities to help boost energy or add a little flavor to your food.