Refreshing from head to toe, peppermint leaves have a fresh, minty grass smell with menthol notes. It’s my catnip. My essential oil go to. I can’t help it, it’s my jam… hmmm, peppermint jam! Oh! Let’s not forget peppermint candy, you know those chocolate covered patties. Swoon!
Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. In the United States, Oregon and Washington produce most of the country’s Peppermint.
Heck, I even use peppermint flavoring, along with cocoa powder and coconut oil, in my morning cuppa Joe. Why coconut oil? Because coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in developing strong teeth. It also stops tooth decay… Bazinga! And as a bourbon lover, peppermint makes a great adult drink. Hello Mint Julep! Or just crush some fresh leaves and pop into a glass of ice with club soda. I even brush my teeth with it. For real! Ok, I’ll even give you my peppy homemade toothpaste recipe (and YES it has coconut oil in it) to prove it.
Peppermint coffee. So good!
I plant peppermint wherever I live. It grows just like a weed, so hard to kill. I call it the training wheels of herbs – it’s just so hardy and great choice for those starting out gardening. It’s a sure thing. Even brown thumbs can succeed with peppermint! Starting with a win always helps, gardening is fun but it’s hard work… hence the Mint Julep!
Peppermint essential oil enchants me and for good reason. As I am living in a 30′ camper with Mr. Bluejeans, our daughter and four dogs – I NEED what peppermint essential oil can give me: A pep in my step (literally since I add the oil to my Epsom salt foot bath). A kick in my pants well, ok I don’t use it there but it IS a revitalizer and these days I need constant revitalization! Give this woman Peppermint… STAT!
My favorite essential oil company!
Taking on 60 acres is a daunting task so who do I turn to when I’m feeling a bit mentally drained or have a headache? Why my trusty friend peppermint of course. Peppermint has been used for its health benefits for many years; traditionally it was a treatment for digestive problems, nausea, cholera, colds, cramps and bloating. It was also used as a chest rub in the nineteenth century to ease whooping cough.
This minty perennial also:
- supports your digestive system
- clears up respiratory issues
- eases joint pain
- makes a great astringent
- is a decongestant
- boosts energy
- aids in sunburn relief
There are SO many more great uses of this incredible plant but I’d like to leave you with one more great benefit… it can relieve the munchies! As you read at the beginning of this post, my obsession with this plant seems to revolve around – food. As most of my obsessions do! So I figure if I eat a chocolate mint pattie or two, I am merely keeping myself from eating a whole bag of chips. Take that if you will. Now where’s my Mint Julep?
A go to recipe that I have used for years. It's a minty way to have healthy happy teeth with no chemicals or fluoride!
- 5 TBS Calcium Powder
- 1 TBS Diatomaceous Earth - food grade only -optional BUT a great detoxifier
- 2 TBS Baking Soda
- 3 TBS Xylitol Powder -optional but if you like toothpaste sweet add this
- 3-5 TBS Coconut Oil -use enough to create consistency you like
- Essential Oils peppermint, spearmint, orange, cinnamon -optional
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Mix all powder ingredients in a glass bowl.
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Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil at a time until you achieve desired consistency. You'll need to sort of mash/stir it in. It's all in the wrist.
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Add optional essential oils. My favorite combination is peppermint and spearmint but there are so many options. Have fun and experiment. Cinnamon with orange is good too!
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Store in a glass jar. Like my favorite go to: a Mason Jar!
Does your morning routine consist of toothpaste and mouthwash or just toothpaste?
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