Pep Me Up with Peppermint!
Peppermint - so much wonderful in one plant! Use of peppermint as a herbal remedy goes all the way back to the times of Ancient Egypt, around 1550 BC, as a calming agent for stomach pains. Peppermint was so highly valued that it also was used as a form of currency. During Roman times It was used to stimulate the appetite and used as a tooth polisher by Monks during the Middle Ages. Over the years it became highly regarded in Europe as a culinary herb. (source)
I love peppermint tea. I just add a few leaves into a cup and add hot water. The aroma is amazing and the benefits of peppermint tea are equally amazing. Peppermint seems to calm the walls of the stomach and intestines to soothe an upset stomach. It also has been known to improve digestion, and some report it helps relieve the discomfort that comes with irritated bowel syndrome. (source)
Peppermint is known to also soothe a sore throat and quiet coughs. (source)
Peppermint is quite easy to grow, but be wary. It is a perennial so don’t make the mistake of growing it in your garden. It will quickly take over far more space than you’d like. Growing it in a pot works best.
Not everyone has access to peppermint to soothe an upset stomach, or may be concerned about too much or too little peppermint. doTERRA has an answer for that. It’s Peppermint Softgels can be used for occasional upset stomach for children eight years and older. Just take one softgel before meals about 30–60 minutes before meals. But, there’s more good news. Watch this video to learn more about Peppermint Softgels.
Culinary Uses
doTERRA Peppermint Essential Oil is a great way to enjoy all the benefits of peppermint, including adding it to your deserts. Add a drop of peppermint oil into your favorite hot chocolate recipe and have a touch of the candy canes of Christmas all year long! There’s truly no limit to the flavor spark of peppermint in just about any desert.
From one chocolate & peppermint lover to another, here are two of my favorites!
Peppermint Chocolates
Ingredients
1 ½ cup organic coconut oil
¼ cup raw honey3 drops Peppermint oil
1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 candy cane, crushed
Instructions
Whip solid coconut oil, raw honey, and Peppermint essential oil together with hand mixer. The whipped filling should be white and fluffy when complete.
Refrigerate whipped filling for about five minutes.
Use a small scoop or measuring spoon to make small mounds of mint filling. Press down with spoon or finger to make a flat shape.
Place each piece on sheet of parchment paper on top of cookie sheet. Return mints to freezer until ready to coat with chocolate.
In small saucepan or double boiler, gently melt chocolate chips over low heat.
Take mints out of freezer. Use fork to dip each piece in melted chocolate. Place on top of cooling rack.
For holiday fun, sprinkle with crushed candy cane immediately after coating.
Put chocolates back in freezer to cool until hardened. Serve chocolates immediately or store in refrigerator until you are ready to eat them.
Click HERE to download this recipe from the doTERRA website.
Peppermint Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 large eggs
¼ cup cocoa powder
⅔ cup honey
⅓ cup coconut oil
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
2–4 drops Peppermint oil
¾ cup chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Place all ingredients, except for chocolate chips, in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Pour batter into large bowl and stir in ½ cup chocolate chips.
Pour into greased 8x8-inch pan and top with ¼ cup chocolate chips.
Bake 30–35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Click HERE to download the recipe.
For Skin Irritations
Wonders of wonders, peppermint appears to be helpful, with a cooling effect, when applied to rashes and hives. This is an amazing plus for those who suffer from rashes, or break out in hives (such a pesky occurrence).
Some cautions are in order. Hives and rashes can be quite serious, so be sure to contact your doctor or dermatologist before using peppermint essential oil on them. Also, according the Natural Geographic’s Nature’s Best Remedies (source), people with gastroesophageal reflux disease or suffer from a hiatal hernia should refrain from ingesting peppermint capsules. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement.
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