The Greatest Gift To Your Health!
It's officially December, which means holiday lights are up, hot chocolate is piping hot, and the smell of peppermint is in the air.
And though peppermint is an amazing holiday and winter treat, did you know the oil of peppermint contains amazing benefits to your skin and oral health year round?
In fact, research is showing that the holiday treat we all take for granted may actually be the secret to amazing mental, physical, and oral health.
In this blog we talk about what peppermint is, four ways it will boost your health, and where to find it so you can enjoy better health today!
Your Health, Upgraded
Peppermint can be many things, but at its core, peppermint is a plant.
Also known as Mentha Piperita, peppermint is actually a blend of two other natural plants - watermint and spearmint. (1)
Though closely linked to these other mints, peppermint is the most popular of all the 25 species of mint in the world. And that's because of its versatility and incredible medicinal abilities. (2)
Peppermint leaves, flowers, and its oil are all applied in an assortment of products, ranging from culinary to cosmetic use. And don't forget the smell that has people dancing around festive trees during the holidays! (3)
FUN FACT: Though popular in the months of December and January, peak growing season for peppermint is actually in the summer! (4)
Though it's used in its entirety, peppermint oil is the most common application of the peppermint plant in skincare and cosmetics. In fact, it can even be concentrated from the peppermint leaf as an essential oil! (5)
In terms of why it's so diverse and amazing to work with, peppermint contains a high amount of menthol, which is a natural way of saying it smells great and can be used for many purposes, like in the production of chewing gum and candles. (2)
And peppermint oil is safe for everyone too, as long as you're not allergic. It's also advised that infants stay away from it to avoid digestion. As always, consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health. (6)
Now that we know what peppermint is, let's talk about four ways it improves your health!
Cooling Relief
The smell is great, but what's just as awesome is the way peppermint relieves pain, itchiness, and soreness. (7)
The amazing way peppermint relieves pain boils down to its strong composition of menthol, which has a cooling effect on aches and inflammation inside and outside the body. (8)
Menthol is such a great pain-reliever that many doctors actually prescribe menthol solely for pain relief and as a counterirritant - another way of saying that it reduces inflammation around application. (9) (10)
Studies are even proving that the application of peppermint (menthol) is even more effective at targeted pain relief than ice over the same period of time! (11) (12)
FUN FACT: Peppermint doesn't just offer slight pain relief. It actually contains almost 41% menthol and 23% menthane, which is why it alleviates pain so well! (1)
Peppermint is also great at relieving pain because it contains what's called antispasmodic properties. (8)
This means that peppermint can be used to remedy the harmful effects of muscle spasms, which can come and go at a moment's notice. That's why it's so important to use a NATURAL PEPPERMINT PRODUCT every single day. (13)
And as an antispasmodic, peppermint also has the ability to relieve symptoms in the abdominal and gastrointestinal area - which is a cause of severe discomfort in millions of people every year. (14)
Circulate The Freshness
In addition to relieving your aches and pains, peppermint is also a vasodilator, which means that it opens up your blood vessels, improving your circulation. (15)
Widening your blood vessels allows your blood to flow more smoothly, which can be seen in a boost to your skin health immediately.
In fact, there is a DIRECT CORRELATION between your circulation and skin health. Healthy blood means staving off the aging process, wrinkles, and unsavory bags. (16)
FUN FACT: Want a quick boost to your mood and blood flow? Try massaging your body with a NATURAL PEPPERMINT PRODUCT for an aromatherapy experience! (17)
The use of peppermint and greater blood flow also means greater nourishment to the cells in your body, including your skin cells.
Peppermint assists the recycling of those dead and dying cells you want to turn over in favor of newer and younger-looking cells you'll want to show off. (18)
And what many people don't know is that peppermint improves your athletic performance, enabling more efficient exercise and greater blood flow. (19)
A Sensory Experience
Everyone knows the unmistakable smell of peppermint, but what many people don't know is that the smell of peppermint is scientifically proven to improve your health.
The smell of peppermint improves brain function and overall mental health by relieving stress and cognitive distress. (20)
And this form of aromatherapy is nothing new. In fact, essential oils have been used like this for over 6,000 years, with research showing that the pathways the neurons our sense of smell take are right en route to the emotion and memory centers of our brain. (21)
FUN FACT: There's a reason smelling peppermint makes you feel better: smelling peppermint makes room in your nasal passageways for better breathing and congestion relief! (22)
The smell of peppermint not only calms your mind, but also your body.
Peppermint relaxes your muscles, including the ones in your stomach, which relieves indigestion, cramping, and even the symptoms of IBS. (23)
And that's not all. Peppermint is also anti-microbial, which means that peppermint is known to both clean and deodorize where it's applied, leading to a refreshing environment and soothing atmosphere. (22)
Your Daily Advantage
For the longest time, peppermint has been used topically and diffused as an essential oil, sanitizing both its user and the environment, but did you know that some of the most incredible properties of peppermint are seen in your mouth? (24)
For example, peppermint is a cooling and refreshing ingredient when used in oral care, and its antiseptic properties also make it capable of soothing tooth pain and gum aches. (24) (25)
Peppermint also kills the bacteria that leads to gum disease and tooth problems down the line. (25)
FUN FACT: Ever get that sticky, gross feeling on your teeth? This is called biofilm, and can be dangerous to your oral health. Peppermint reduces this film, and leads to overall better oral health! (26) (27)
Peppermint also does something else that you want in your oral care product:
IT FRESHENS BAD BREATH.
And not just a little. Peppermint fights bad breath germs fast and reduces plaque, leaving you with that fresh-breath feeling in your mouth that lasts. (28) (29)
In fact, peppermint is more effective than over-the-counter mouthwashes in reducing the bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities, tooth pain, and bad breath. (29)
Now that we know some of the amazing benefits of peppermint, let's talk about where you can find this amazing ingredient this winter:
For all of our best oral care products featuring the antibacterial power of peppermint, check out our 100% All-Natural Oral Care Trio, which contains our:
Natural Tooth Powder: a gentle mineral blend featuring clay + charcoal to naturally whiten, strengthen enamel, and leave your mouth feeling clean and minty fresh
Natural Oxy Pulling Pre-Brush Rinse: helps detoxify, loosen buildup, support gum health, and prep your mouth for the deepest clean
Natural Antibacterial Mouthwash: mint-infused to neutralize odor-causing bacteria, balance your oral microbiome, and deliver long-lasting fresh breath
Natural Ginger Clove/Peppermint Body Wash - gentle purifying, renewing, and revitalizing body wash made with peppermint essential oil
Natural Peppermint Lip Balm - hydrates, protects, and softens; perfect for staving off winter dryness
And for instantly fresher breath you can feel confident rocking all day, check out our Natural Peppermint Breath Freshener Spray, the convenient way to feel fresh on the go!
ALSO MAKES A GREAT STOCKING STUFFER!
ORDER YOUR FAVORITE ALL-NATURAL PEPPERMINT PRODUCTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS TODAY!
*Disclaimer: Contact a doctor/health care professional if you have any questions about you or your kid's/baby's health. Contact a doctor/health care professional before product use. Don't ignore medical guidance or delay getting help because of content on this site. The content on this site is not meant to replace or as a substitute for any advice, treatment, or diagnosis from a medical health professional. The content on this site is not medical advice or guidance. Speak to a health care professional before you or your kid/baby begin any kind of medical/skin care/oral care routine. We are not fully guaranteeing prevention or remedying of any infections, oral problems, skin problems, breathing problems, or diseases with the content on this site or with our products. Speak to a health care professional when mixing skin care/oral care products. Speak to a health care professional before essential oil use. Do not ingest or inhale any product without medical/professional advice. Always read labels carefully. It is advisable to consult a doctor/dentist before you use any skin care or oral care products, especially if you have skin or oral disease. This is important so as to avoid potential bodily damage or adverse side effects. Please see site and packaging for additional warnings and information.
**Updated: This blog has been edited from a previous version.
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