We (in the the Northern Hemisphere) are in the the heat of summer. To be fully present with the theme of this post, I am writing outside where it’s 94 deg F.

You may be wondering, “What are the benefits of peppermint essential oil? Why is it considered a great oil for summer?”

You can be sure my peppermint essential oil is nearby. Simply smelling the pungent, cool aroma from the bottle opens my respiratory pathways, brings a smile to my face, and makes the heat more tolerable.

Summer is the season of fecundity, growth, expansion, assimilation, light and heat.

While we benefit from the sun and nature’s bounty that thrives in peak growing season (for warm-weather crops), we can have too much of a good thing.

The heat waves and extreme events in the climate system are a cause for concern. I will write more about this along with tangible steps we can take. For now, let's talk about my top oil for summer – Peppermint.

Peppermint essential oil cools the body and mind and opens the heart and higher sensibilities.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the plant. From an emotional perspective, Peppermint is known as the Oil of a Buoyant Heart¹ and is said to evoke inspired action.² For me, it sparks openness and a sense of levity.

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Benefits and Suggested Uses

Diffusion: Mixing a few drops of peppermint essential oil with Sweet or Wild Orange (in equal parts) in a diffuser is my favorite way to elevate my mood and enliven my senses.

Topical: Applied (safely diluted*) peppermint essential oil to the skin is especially effective for mitigating the heat. Add one drop of peppermint to a damp cloth and apply to the back of your neck or your forehead to cool. You can also add a few drops to a foot bath  to beat the summer heat.

*Notes on safe use: Pure Peppermint essential oil should always be diluted before applying to the skin. Almond oil or coconut oil are great for this, but any carrier oil will work.  

Always avoid the eyes when using essential oils. If you *do* get oils near the eyes or other sensitive area, flush with a carrier oil – not water. Remember, “like dissolves like.”

You can find additional uses and what essential oils blend will with peppermint at the oil spotlight here.

 

Embodiment Practice

Aroma is powerful and can activate breath awareness to soothe and calm your anxious mind. This can be easy. Simply open the bottle and hold it near your nose. Inhale. It really only takes a single breath. 

If you have a moment, sit comfortably with your Peppermint essential oil and repeat an affirmation to ground and nurture yourself. A few I enjoy are:

1. I seek to understand, then to be understood.²
2. I am steadfast in my attention and vision.
3. My mind is calm, cool, and clear.

I’m creating short potent guided reflections to accompany each oil. If you’d like those delivered right to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter below.

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Are you curious?

I am proudly aligned with doTERRA’s mission for bringing the purest essential oils to the market via sustainable and ethical farming and cultivation practices.

I welcome curious, compassionate seekers who want to invest in themselves to improve their health and livelihood. If this is you, contact me.

Experiment with any of these practices and let me know in the comments below what you learned. We grow together in community.

If you want more information on how essential oils can soothe a worried mind, calm your restless body or mind for better sleep, sign up for my newsletter (below).

Gift giving is my love language, so expect easy-to-follow guides for feeing your best!

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¹ Essential Emotions, LLC. 2018. Emotions and Essential Oils, 7th edition. Essential Emotions, 167 pp.

² Barralet, A. and V.J. Boscarello Ovens. 2019. Gifts of the Essential Oils. Alchemy House Publishing, 243 pp.