Proven health benefits and how to use it
Fresh garlic contains active components like an amino acid called alliin and an enzyme called allinase which are very good for our healthcare.
Garlic can help reduce blood pressure through the actions of its sulfur compounds and its ability to reduce the fatty substances, such as cholesterol, found in the bloodstream. Use of garlic also can help normalize low blood pressure.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) includes a number of different conditions, all of which affect children and all of which have immune-mediated joint inflammation as their major manifestation.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis or JIA.
In Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, the synovial membrane becomes intensely inflamed. Usually thin and delicate, the synovium becomes thick and stiff, with numerous infoldings on its surface. The membrane becomes invaded by white blood cells, which produce a variety of destructive chemicals. The cartilage along the articular surfaces of the bones may be attacked and destroyed, and the bone, articular capsule, and ligaments may begin to be worn away (eroded). These processes severely interfere with movement in the joint.
Jaundice is a disorder in which a person’s skin and the
whites of the eyes are discolored yellow due to an increased level of bile
pigments in the blood resulting from liver disease. Jaundice is sometimes called
icterus, from a Greek word for ‘‘the condition.’’
In order to comprehend jaundice, it is useful to know about
the role of the liver in producing bile.
The most important function of the liver is the metabolic processing of ‘‘chemical’’ waste products like cholesterol, and excreting them into the intestines as bile. The liver is the premier ‘‘chemical’’ factory in the body; most incoming and outgoing chemicals pass through it.
It is the first
stop for all nutrients, toxins, and drugs absorbed by the digestive tract. The
liver also collects chemicals from the blood for processing.
Many of these outward bound chemicals are excreted into the bile. One particular substance, bilirubin, is yellow. Bilirubin is a product of the breakdown of hemoglobin, which is the protein inside red blood cells.
Feverfew is a bushy and herbaceous perennial that grows from a branched and tapering root to produce erect, round and slightly grooved stems. The feathery, aromatic, and bitter-tasting leaves are arranged alternately along the length of the many-branched stem.
They are a yellow-green, stalked, and bipinnate with deeply cut, toothed segments in an oval shape. Flowers bloom in mid to late-summer in flat-topped clusters at the end of stems that may reach to a height of 3feets (1 m).
Smaller than daisies and without the protruding central disk of
chamomile, feverfew blossoms have yellow centers consisting of tightly bunched
tubular florets surrounded by creamy white rays. Bees seem to avoid feverfew,
deterred by its pungent aroma. The plant self-seeds freely and thrives in full
sun or partial shade in most soil.
Among many uses of feverfew, the herb has become a popular and proven herbal remedy for the treatment of migraine headaches.
With frequent use, over time, feverfew can reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine headaches and allay nausea and vomiting. It is most effective when used as a preventative.
Most back pain is preceded by overwork or an injury; it is sometimes caused by inactivity, muscle spasms, or inflammation. Back pain may also arise from different causes – from prolapsed disc to a diseased vertebra requiring hospital treatment.
If it is pain in the upper spine and right shoulder: investigate for gallstones for your good healthcare.
A lot of people suffer chronic back pain because of
an enzyme defect in the blood. Such defect is the cause of an inability to
clear fibrin, a protein which repairs damaged tissue.
In all cases; rest as much as you can to speed healing, and
be sure to see your doctor if the pain is severe or if it is accompanied by
numbness, tingling, or incontinence.
Both passionflower and blue vervain relax the nervous system and soothe sore muscles. This is a deeply relaxing blend, so be sure to take it when you have some time to rest.
Pour the boiling water into a large mug. Add the dried
herbs, cover the mug, and allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes.
Relax and drink the tea slowly. Repeat up to two times per
day.
Precautions: Do
not use passionflower or blue vervain during pregnancy. Avoid passionflower if
you have prostate problems or baldness.
Ginger and peppermint contain potent constituents that penetrate the skin, creating a warming sensation that promotes muscle relaxation. This salve will remain fresh for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place.
In a slow cooker, combine the olive oil, ginger, and
peppermint. Select the lowest heat setting, cover the slow cooker, and allow
the herbs to steep in the oil for 3 to 5 hours. Turn off the heat and allow the
infused oil to cool.
Bring an inch or so of water to a simmer in the base of a
double boiler.
Drape a piece of cheesecloth over the upper half of the double boiler. Pour in the infused oil, then wring and twist the cheesecloth until no more oil comes out. Discard the cheesecloth and spent herbs.
Add the beeswax to the infused oil and place the double
boiler on the base.
Gently warm over low heat. When the beeswax melts
completely, remove the pan from the heat. Quickly pour the mixture into clean,
dry jars or tins and allow it to cool completely before capping.
Using your fingers or
a cotton cosmetic pad, apply one (1) teaspoon to the affected area,
massaging well. Use a little more or less as needed. Repeat the treatment up to
four times per day.
Precautions: Do
not use ginger if you take prescription blood thinners, have gallbladder
disease, or have a bleeding disorder.
You can mix, equal parts of:
Pinch Cayenne pepper can also enhances action.
You can mix, equal parts:
The Powders. To alleviate low backache accompanying fluid retention. Use
Take half a teaspoon after meals thrice
daily: children over 12 years can also use it.
For topical treatment for back pain, Use:
For aromatherapy:
After massage, wrap affected area
with damp hot towel.
Thyme is one of the classic herbs in Mediterranean cuisine that dates back to ancient times. It was used to both flavor food and prevent it from spoiling.
Thyme has tiny, narrow, gray-green leaves that grow in opposite pairs on the square, woody stems. The edges of the stalkless, slightly hairy leaves are rolled inward.
The blossoms may be white to rose colored or a blue to purple hue, depending on the species and variety. Flowers are tiny and tubular and grow in terminal clusters up to 6 in (15.2 cm) long.
Flowering time
is mid-summer. Seeds are minuscule and abundant. Thyme thrives in sunny
locations on dry, stony banks and heaths. The aromatic herb attracts bees that produce
a uniquely flavored honey from the herb. It also acts to repel whiteflies.
Thyme has been known since ancient times for its magical, culinary, and medicinal virtues. Tradition held that an infusion of thyme taken as a tea on midsummer’s eve would enable one to see the fairies dancing.
Young women wore a corsage of blossoming thyme to signal their availability for romance. The generic name may have been inspired by one of thyme’s traditional attributes.
Greek men particularly liked the pungent scent of thyme and would rub the herb on their chests.
The Roman people believed that adding thyme to bath water would impart energy. They also included thyme in bedding to chase melancholy and to prevent nightmares.
The strong scent of thyme was employed as a moth repellent, and burned as
fumigating incense.
A tincture of thyme can also ease digestive complaints. Take one half to one teaspoon up to three times a day.
The following tea helps to reduce the discomforts of PMS, too. Because
thyme contains a number of minerals including iron, it is beneficial at the end
of a menstrual period as well as during menopause.
Combine the herbs and pour the water over them. Steep for ten
(10) to twenty (20) minutes and strain.
Thyme is useful for a range of respiratory problems including chest colds, wet coughs, hay fever, sinusitis, sore throat, and tonsillitis.
Its warming and drying properties aid in clearing congestion. For a respiratory tea, combine equal amounts of thyme and sage.
Thyme medicinal honey can soothe the throat and help expel mucus. Brew a tea with just thyme to use as a mouthwash and gargle, which will fight throat infection as well as gingivitis and bad breath.
Thyme soothes inflamed mucous membranes and brings
relief from asthma attacks.
Make a tea with equal amounts of marjoram and lavender to
drink or to use for a warm compress for the chest. Not only does this herb
fight infection, it also provides support for the immune system.
Like many herbs, thyme eases headaches as well as migraines.
Make a mild tea with 1 teaspoon of thyme and 1 cup of water. The tea can also
be used for a compress on the temples or neck to relieve a tension headache.
Make a stronger infusion to relieve a hangover headache.
Thyme’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it useful in treating boils and sties. Brew a strong tea and carefully dab it on with a cotton swab.
Add the tea to a foot soak to relieve athlete’s foot. It can also be used to make a warm compress to decrease discomfort and fight infection of an earache.
A thyme tincture will disinfect and help heal cuts.
Also, try an infusion for the bath to heal irritated or rough skin.
There are a number of thyme essential oils. The one
discussed here is called Thymus vulgaris CT linalool. This essential oil ranges
from clear to pale yellow.
It has a herbaceous and slightly sweet scent.
It is important to know a little about thyme essential oils. The first distillation of thyme produces an oil called “red” thyme.
This is because the color can be reddish, reddish-brown, or reddish-orange. Distilling the plant material a second time results in white thyme oil, which is clear or pale yellow.
Also, the chemical constituents of thyme vary widely according to where it is grown, which is why you will find many types of thyme oils.
They are designated with “CT” meaning chemotype. Thyme has about six or seven chemotypes, each with different therapeutic properties.
I suggest using Thymus
vulgaris CT linalool, which is known to be more gentle. Designated as one of
the “white” thyme oils, it is often used for people who are sensitive to the
stronger types.
During flu season, use the essential oil in a diffuser to
disinfect a sickroom.
Used as an inhalant, thyme can soothe the inflammation and ease the discomfort of sinus infections.
Place a few drops of the essential oil in a clean bottle to use as a nasal inhaler, or increase the potency by mixing it with hyssop and peppermint. Without touching the bottle to your nose, take a couple of deep inhalations.
Repeat in a half hour to an hour. The combination
of these three herbs, or just thyme on its own, works well as a steam
inhalation, too.
Combine the oils in a small bottle with a tight lid. Thyme helps to reduce the inflammation and irritation of acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Mix it with a carrier oil to use on the skin or combine it with lemon balm to make
a salve.
Place the jojoba or beeswax in a mason jar in a saucepan of water. Warm over low heat until it begins to melt; add the carrier oil.
Stir gently for about fifteen (15) minutes. Remove from heat, add the essential oils and stir. Test the thickness by placing a little on a plate and letting it cool in the fridge for a minute or two.
If you want it firmer, add more jojoba or beeswax. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of oil. Let it cool and then store in a cool, dark place.
This herb’s anti-inflammatory properties also work well in a
massage oil to reduce the muscle and joint pain of arthritis and the discomfort
of sciatica.
Additionally, try it as a bath soak with sea or Epsom salts.
Thyme can also be used to relieve scabies. Apply it on its
own in a carrier oil or mix equal amounts of thyme and lavender and dab it on
the affected areas.
Very small amounts of thyme used in culinary preparations are generally safe. In large amounts, thyme acts as a uterine stimulant.
Pregnant women should not use the herb, tincture, or the essential oil of
thyme.
Excessive use of the undiluted essential oil is toxic.
If the oil is ingested, it may cause gastrointestinal
distress such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Other adverse toxic effects may include headache, muscular weakness, and dizziness.
The oil of thyme may act to slow the heartbeat,
depress respiration, and lower body temperature. Applied externally in
undiluted form the essential oil may cause skin irritation.
The oil should be diluted before use.
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rated thyme as ‘‘food safe.’’ The PDR For Herbal Medicine lists ‘‘No health hazards or side effects’’ when the herb is properly administered in designated therapeutic dosages.
Dandruff is a natural and harmless scalp condition in which the shedding of dead skin cells occurs at an unusually fast rate.
Dandruff occurs when the fine cells of the outer layer of skin on the scalp are shed at a faster rate than normal, causing the characteristic flakes of dead skin.
The disorder of the sebaceous glands causes dandruff. If too little sebum is secreted the hair is dry and dandruff appears as white flakes; if too much sebum is produced the hair is greasy, and the dandruff yellow.
In the other hand the cause of dandruff can be attributed to the overgrowth of skin cells that make up the scalp.
Scientists have suggested that dandruff may be a hypersensitive reaction to the proliferation of Pityrosporum ovale, a yeast that occurs naturally on the scalp.
It is not known what accelerates this cell growth but the following
problems tend to aggravate dandruff:
Alternative treatments for dandruff include nutritional therapy, herbal therapy,
relaxation therapy, Aromatherapy and Homeopathy.
For the sake of your good healthcare use the follow these nutritional changes:
Avoid potential allergenic foods.
Put a limitation on
the intake of milk and other dairy products, seafoods and fatty treats.
Reduce animal
proteins and eating mostly whole grains, fresh vegetables, beans and fruit.
Increase your intake of the following
Diet supplemented
with B-complex vitamins, which may alleviate dandruff condition.
Avoidance of
You can taking 1
tablespoon of flaxseed oil per day; because flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3
fatty acids, which may be effective in treating a variety of skin conditions including
dandruff.
Massaging tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) into the
scalp may help prevent or relieve dandruff.
Rosemary improve circulation to the scalp. Rosemary is the
herb of choice, taken internally as a tea and used as an application.
For dry hair, rub rosemary-infused oil into the scalp before washing.
For greasy hair, add rosemary vinegar or a few drops of rosemary
essential oil to the rinsing water.
Take a combination of the herbs burdock, kelp, and
heartsease internally to improve the general condition of the scalp.
This very simple antifungal remedy combines a natural, unscented conditioner designed for your specific hair type with rosemary essential oil, which is highly concentrated and wonderfully fragrant. If you don’t have rosemary essential oil, you can use tincture in its place.
In a large bowl, combine the conditioner with the essential
oil, using a whisk or a fork to blend well. Use a funnel to transfer it to a
BPA-free plastic bottle with a squeeze top.
After shampooing, apply a nickel-size dollop of conditioner to your scalp, using a little more or less as needed to cover it completely.
Wait two (2) to five (5) minutes, then rinse the conditioner out with cool
water. Style your hair as usual. Use daily for best results.
Do not use rosemary if you have epilepsy.
Echinacea attacks candida, which is often to blame in severe cases of dandruff, and witch hazel helps put a stop to the itching.
If your scalp is damaged from itching, the witch hazel will help it heal for your good healthcare. This spray stays fresh for up to a year in the refrigerator.
In a dark-colored glass bottle with a spray top, combine the ingredients and shake gently to blend completely.
Apply one (1) or two (2) spritzes to each part of your scalp where dandruff is a concern. Massage the spray in with your fingertips, then brush or comb your hair.
You can style your hair as usual and leave the spray
in all day if you like, or you can leave it in for one (1) to two (2) hours and
then shampoo it out. Use daily for best results.
Do not use Echinacea if you have an autoimmune disorder or
are allergic to ragweed.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga may help
relieve stress, which exacerbates dandruff.
There is no cure for this natural harmless skin condition.
Because a greasy scalp is associated with dandruff condition, more frequent
hair washing using regular shampoo is usually all that is needed. In more severe
cases, medicated shampoo may be necessary.
The two most commonly used anti-dandruff shampoos are
selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione.
To get the best result, one should leave the shampoo on for
as long as possible.
Products containing salicylic acid and sulfur are reserved
for more severe cases. Salicylic acid loosens the dead skin cells so that they
can be sloughed off more easily. Sometimes, antibacterial shampoos are used to
reduce bacteria on the scalp.
Recently, antifungal products, such as ketoconazole
(Nizoral) shampoos, are available over-the-counter (1% preparation) and by
prescription (2% preparation).
These products may be helpful if dandruff is not relieved by
other shampoo treatments.
The most severe and recalcitrant dandruff conditions may require tar shampoos. These shampoos reduce the growth of top skin cells on the scalp.
It is recommended that the shampoo be left on the hair for at least 10 minutes for best results.
Coal tar shampoos can be messy and can stain blond or
white hair. Coal tar also can be carcinogenic (causing cancer).
Because anti-dandruff shampoos may lose effectiveness after
a while, it may be helpful to rotate between a medicated shampoo and a regular
shampoo or try a different type of anti-dandruff shampoo.
Rosemary, cedarwood, tea tree, or patchouli can be massaged
into the scalp, added to unscented shampoos, and used in the final rinse when
washing your hair.
Dilute lavender oil in a little almond or coconut oil and
massage into the scalp to eliminate dandruff.
Constitutional treatment may be useful, but the following
remedies may help:
Preventive measures include regular hair washing, reducing stress, eating healthy foods and increasing humidity inside the house.
In addition, excessive use of hair curlers, hair sprays and gels, and frequent hair coloring should be avoided.
These tend to irritate the scalp and may worsen dandruff.
Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by pimples on the face in particular, chest, and back. It happens when the pores of the skin become blocked with oil or fat and bacteria.
It occurs mostly in women as a result of excess male hormone
production; irregular menstrual cycles; and premenstrual flare-ups of acne. It
can also be caused by a condition of toxicity in the intestines or liver.
The interaction between the body’s hormones, skin protein,
skin secretions, and bacteria determines the course of acne. There are other
factors such as:
Age: Acne is
mostly seen in teenagers than any other age group.
Gender: Acne
affects boys more often than girls.
Disease: A disorder
in the Hormone can aggravate acne in girls.
Heredity: The
family history can also be a contributing factor in individuals.
Hormonal changes:
Acne is likely to increase before menstruation, during pregnancy, and menopause
in women.
Diet: Some foods
may trigger up or make the condition worse even though they are not the main
cause.
Drugs: The side
effect of using antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and anabolic steroids can
lead to acne.
Personal hygiene:
Use of harsh soaps, hard scrubbing of the face, or handling pimples will often
make acne worse.
Cosmetics:
Oil-based makeup and hair sprays worsen acne.
Environment: Sweating
in hot weather, exposure to oils and greases, polluted air, can all escalate
acne.
Stress: Emotional
stress could lead to acne.
Friction:
Continual pressure or rubbing on the skin by such objects as bicycle helmets,
backpacks, or tight clothing can worsen acne.
The most common and general places where acne appear are the
face, chest, shoulders, and back.
For teenagers, acne is found on their forehead, nose, and
chin. But this changes somehow as people age.
Adult women may have acne on their chins and around their mouths. The elderly often develop whiteheads and blackheads on the upper cheeks and skin around the eyes. Inflamed lesions may cause redness, pain, tenderness, itching, or swelling in affected areas.
Whether the acne affects only your face or has spread to
your chest, back, or other body parts, herbal remedies help you look and feel
better
With soothing calendula that addresses inflammation, this simple toner also contains witch hazel, which targets bacteria while softening your skin.
When kept in a cool, dark place, this toner stays fresh for at least a year.
In a dark-colored glass bottle, combine the ingredients and
shake gently. With a cotton cosmetic pad, apply 5 or 6 drops to your freshly
washed face or other areas of concern. Use a little more or less as needed.
Repeat twice per day while acne persists. Store the bottle
in the refrigerator if you think you’d like a cooling sensation.
Agrimony and chamomile, combined with aloe vera gel, soothe redness and ease inflammation. Store the gel in the refrigerator. When kept an airtight container, it will remain fresh for up to 2 weeks.
In a saucepan, combine the agrimony and chamomile with the
water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
Simmer the mixture until it reduces by half, then remove it from the heat and
allow it to cool completely.
Dampen a piece of cheesecloth and drape it over the mouth of
a funnel. Pour the mixture through the funnel into a glass bowl. Squeeze the
liquid from the herbs, wringing the cheesecloth until no more liquid comes out.
Add the aloe vera gel to the liquid and use a whisk to
blend. Transfer the finished gel to a sterilized glass jar. Cap the jar tightly
and store it in the refrigerator.
With a cotton cosmetic pad, apply a thin layer to all
affected areas twice a day. Precautions Omit the chamomile if you take
prescription blood thinners or are allergic to plants in the ragweed family.
Cai Feng Zhen Zhu an Chuang Wan/Margarite acne pills. This
is an excellent remedy for acne. It contains Pearl.
Treatments to clear excess Heat in the Blood and Stomach include
chrysanthemum, dandelion, and honeysuckle, with cucumber and watermelon juice
applied externally.
A facial steam with chickweed, elderflower, and marigold may
be useful for soothing and drawing out infection. Take echinacea, burdock root,
cleavers, or yellow dock, sipped three times daily as a decoction, to cleanse
the system and fight infection.
Massage comfrey ointment into any old spots to reduce
scarring.
Supplementation with herbs that are blood cleansers or blood
purifiers is recommended. These herbs strengthen the action of the liver and
the kidneys, helping with detoxification and excretion. Dandelion root tincture
(Taraxacum officinale) is recommended.
Other recommended products include burdock root (Arctium lappa), also known as gobo, which can be purchased fresh at health food grocers or in Asian markets. It can be used either raw or cooked in salads, stir-fries, or other vegetable dishes.
Burdock root tincture can also be used. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) makes a pleasant tea that can be consumed throughout the day.
Milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) can either be taken in tincture form
or the seeds can be ground up and eaten in combination with hot cereal, granola,
or other foods.
Other herbs useful in the treatment of acne include Echinacea
spp. and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).
Goldenseal is particularly helpful in clearing up underlying conditions of intestinal toxicity. Herbal remedies used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for acne include cnidium seed (Cnidium monnieri), and honeysuckle flower (Lonicera japonica).
Supplementation nutrients, such as
essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamin B complex, zinc, vitamin A or
beta-carotene, and chromium are also recommended.
Bowel toxicity may contribute to acne flare-ups and should be addressed. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus should be taken in yogurt or in capsules to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora.
Goldenseal can be used to kill toxic bacteria. Allergic foods should be identified and removed from the diet. Dietary fiber, such as oat and wheat bran, beans, fruits and vegetables and their skins, and psyllium seed, should be increased in the diet.
The fiber absorbs toxins and carries them through the colon to be excreted.
Acne treatment consists of reducing sebum and keratin production, encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells to help unclog the pores and killing or limiting bacteria. Treatment choice depends upon whether the acne is mild, moderate, or severe.
Complicated cases are referred to a dermatologist or an endocrinologist, who treats diseases of the glands and the hormones.
Counseling may be necessary to clear up misconceptions about the
condition and to offer support regarding the negative effect of acne on the physical
appearance.
There are no sure ways to prevent acne, but the following
steps may be taken to minimize flare-ups:
Gentle washing of affected areas once or twice every day.
Avoidance of abrasive cleansers.
Limited use of makeup and moisturizers; with avoidance of
oil-based brands altogether.
Frequent shampooing of oily hair which should be worn up,
away from the face.
A healthy, well-balanced diet that emphasizes fresh fruits
and vegetables. Foods that seem to trigger flare-ups should be avoided.
Gentle washing of the face, twice daily, with a soap compounded
of sulfur, Calendula officinalis, or other substances that are useful against
acne.
Avoidance of handling affected areas excessively.
Pimples should not be squeezed or prodded, as this may
contribute to scarring, as well as spreading the acne lesions.
Control over emotional stress.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is an aromatic perennial plant that
grows to a height of about 3 feet (1 m). It has light purple flowers and green
leaves with serrated edges.
It is a natural
hybrid of water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata).
To prepare the tea,
DOSAGE.
NB: this is not a
prescription consult your doctor for additional instructions
Both mints soothe the nerves, and either one with chamomile works as a sleep aid.
Spearmint can be used in equal amounts with chamomile but if you make it with peppermint, use less of it than chamomile.
A mild spearmint tea with lemon balm can help calm a child’s anxiety or hyperactivity, while a strong peppermint tea is good for an adult’s after-lunch perk-up in place of coffee.
Drink one or two cups a day of the Calming Spearmint Infusion for a day or two
to ease anxiety.
The essential oil of peppermint is a pale yellow or greenish liquid that is made by distilling the flowering herb.
When inhaled, the oil can reduce fever, relieve nausea and vomiting, improve digestion, and soothe the respiratory system.
Various studies have been performed on the oil’s ability to improve the sense of taste and smell and improve concentration and mental acuity when inhaled.
The oil blends well with other essential oils such as benzoin, rosemary,
lavender, marjoram, lemon, eucalyptus, and other mints. Essential oils are
available at many health food stores or through a qualified aromatherapist.
Peppermint essential oil can be used in several ways:
Below are some applications for the use of peppermint
essential oil:
A few drops of the essential oil of
peppermint are placed in a large bowl of hot water. The person should cover his
or her head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and inhale the steam.
A few drops of
essential oil should be places on a tissue and inhaled.
A few drops can be placed
on a cool, wet towel and used as a compress on the forehead. Or, massaged into
the neck, back, temples, and/or forehead.
Several drops of diluted
oil massaged on the stomach or the pure oil rubbed onto the bottoms of the
feet.
Several drops
placed on the tongue. Also a tea made with either peppermint or spearmint is an
effective mouthwash for bad breath as it prevents gingivitis and tooth decay.
Several drops of diluted oil placed into a tepid bath to relieve stomach complaints, nasal congestion, headache, or menstrual cramps.
If essential oil is not available, a bath can be
made by adding to the water a cloth bag filled with several handfuls of dried
or fresh peppermint leaves.
As with any essential oil, caution should be taken when using it. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a vegetable oil prior to external use to prevent adverse reactions, as some people are allergic to peppermint or its essential oil.
The oil may cause a skin reaction if the dosage is excessive. Avoid contact
with the eyes.
If the essential oil is not used properly it can cause dermatitis
and other allergic reactions.
Rare reactions to enteric-coated capsules may occur. These reactions include
skin rash, heartburn, slow heart rate, and muscle tremors.
Large internal doses of peppermint essential oil may result in kidney damage.
