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…

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.