3 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer with Peppermint

Its finally starting to feel real isn't it? The sun is peaking through the clouds more then its not and the temperature is starting to take hold to flip flop season. You might not be feeling as excited for the summer months if you have pain that gets worse when its hot out, get hot flashes, or generally are prone to sun stroke or just have a difficult time when the environment is warm.

Of course you know I'm going to tell you to get acupuncture, its kind of my job to be the cheerleader of acupuncture because I get to see it work all day long. I also know that as much as you might want to come in all the time for a treatment sometimes its just not feasible with your busy life. Enter peppermint.

Therapeutic grade Peppermint essential oil is cooling in nature and will make your skin feel tingly with a cool feeling. Read on for 3 great ways to use peppermint to keep your body temperature where you want it to be but first a bit about safety. (If you are familiar with aromatherapy skip over this next paragraph)

{Not all essential oils are created equal. I use essential oils from a company called Young Living and have been for the past 10 years. They process their high quality oils with standards used in Europe where aromatherapy use is more respected and prevalent. Most essential oils you will find in health food stores and bath stores have what are called cosmetic grade essential oils, this means that the oils smell pretty but don't have a therapeutic function. Just like anything you put in your body or on your skin (your body's largest organ) you want to read the label. An essential oil that is therapeutic grade will not have an expiration date on it and may have a nutrition facts label because they are safe to take internally. Cosmetic grade essential oils are sometimes grown in an environment where pesticides are used, extracted in ways that make them lose therapeutic status or are mixed with solvents or other scentless chemicals in order to use less of the oil to maximize profits. Usually it is these solvents that cause the headaches from scents or skin irritations not the essential oils themselves.}

#1: Peppermint and Acupressure

If you are feeling overwhelmed on a hot day or fed up with bouts of hot flashes apply peppermint on the following acupressure points.

Du14 is at the base of the neck near the 7th cervical vertebrae or in layman's terms near where your torso becomes your neck, by the most prominent bump if you hold your hand on the spine of your neck and look down. For more information and pictures of Du14 visit here.

UB40 is the hollow parts of the back of your knees. For more information and pictures of UB40 visit here. 

Tai Yang: otherwise known as your temples. For more information and pictures of Tai Yang visit here. 

#2 Cool Moist Compress

Take a wash cloth and wet with cool or cold water and apply to the acupressure points above after applying peppermint. The cool water helps to magnify the effect of the peppermint oil and the body's own ability to cool down with these points.

*** If for any reason your skin feels uncomfortable after you apply peppermint to the skin, get peppermint essential oil in your eyes or the effect is too intense do not mix with water! Oil and water do not mix and you will make your discomfort worse. Instead use a vegetable oil such as olive oil or coconut oil to "cut" the essential oil in the area the feels uncomfortable. It will take the discomfort away almost immediately. ***

#3 Peppermint Water

Place a drop of peppermint essential oil (therapeutic grade only) in a cup of water. Drink throughout the day to stay cool. You will feel that same tingly sensation internally when you drink the water and it will also freshen your breath. If you are having trouble concentrating or are feeling drowsy you can also apply a drop of peppermint neat into your mouth for an invigorating experience.

Other fun facts about peppermint:

Peppermint is anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, anti-parasitic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, digestive stimulant, pain relieving, and curbs appetite.

Can be used for rheumatism, respiratory infections, obesity, viral infections, fungal infections, digestive problems, headaches, nausea, skin conditions, scoliosis, lumbago, and back problems.

I am happy to place an order for essential oils on your behalf. Orders go out on the 2nd of every month. Peppermint essential oil from young living is appx $25 after tax and shipping. A 15 ml bottle if you are using daily for last 3-5 months.

Sarah Zender LAc

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St
Crystal Lake IL 60014
815.893.9825
www.clnap.com