Essential Oils and Herbs for Summer: Peppermint (Menta x piperita)

Schools out for summer. People are traveling again. Days are getting warmer. Peppermint is fantastic ally to help keep you cool and so much more.

Peppermint is useful in cooling after sun sprays, to support focus and stamina during long drives or flights, to ease achey feet after a long day of site seeing, and the herb makes an amazingly refreshing tea. Let's look at some of the ways peppermint can be a wonderful ally during the summer months.

Peppermint offers cooling and analgesic benefits (among others). After a long day in the sun or at the beach our skin may need a little TLC. While it's important to protect yourself with sunscreen sometimes you might miss an area or it gets washed off or what not and ouch!

Try mixing an ounce of aloe vera, an ounce of distilled water, 10 drops peppermint essential oil, and 10 drops lavender essential oil and add to a spray bottle. Shake before using and spray onto arms, legs, or shoulders to soothe and cool the skin after a long day in the sun.

Traveling? Peppermint essential oil is a great pick-me-up. It can help during long drives (of course be sure to take breaks and stretch your legs) or can be an ally to help support alertness and focus if you experience jet-lag during travel. Add to an aroma inhaler or simply smell it from the bottle.

Peppermint also supports athletic stamina. Inhale peppermint prior to or during a hike or sight seeing adventure to boost stamina, support the respiratory system, and improve focus.

Peppermint also offers analgesic benefits. So if you're sore from summertime adventures such as hiking, biking, surfing, or the like peppermint can help. Add 10 drops per oz to a carrier oil or cream and massage into sore areas for cooling relief.

And whether you grow peppermint, purchase at a store, or use dried makes a wonderful tea. It supports digestive health and tastes amazing.

Are you a fan of peppermint herb or essential oil ? How do you like to use it?

aromatic blessings my friends,

Tricia