A headache, or migraine can be a real pain in the... behind so to speak. So, since you always carry a little bottle of mint oil with you anyway, (right?!?!) now is the time to use it!
A dram of peppermint oil. Click on photo to shop.
First, let's talk a little about the different types of headaches and, more severly, migraines. The most common cause is stress, but often people forget that dehydration can be a major contributor to headaches. Make sure you drink plenty of water spread out during the day. Stay away from coffee, sodas and juices since they actually dehydrate the body.
Fatigue and emotional stress often go hand in hand, so make sure you get sufficient sleep and relaxation time.
A headache can also be caused by tight back and shoulder muscles, repetitive motions, or bad posture. Strained eyes and staring at a computer screen all day long is not beneficial either. Taking a walk away from your desk, doing a few stretches during your breaks can prevent a lot of discomfort.
Lack of oxygen, induced by dry, air conditioned environments and another cause of headache, can be prevented by regular deep breathing throughout the day and a short walk outside.
As soon as you feel the aching coming up, put a few drops of peppermint (or spearmint, but peppermint tends to be somewhat more powerful) in the palm of your hand and rub this into both temples (stay away from your eyes!), across your forehead and/or into your scalp where the pain is located. Expect relief in a few minutes. Repeat as necessary.
Essentialoil n. An oil derived from a natural substance, usually either for its healing properties, flavoring or as a perfume.
Essential oils are extracted most commonly through hydrodiffusion, also known as steam distillation. Other methods include Carbon Dioxide Extraction, Cold Press Extraction, or the use of absolutes. Steam distillation is the classic and most traditional method. In the 11th century, a Persian chemist by the name of Avicenna invented the process to extract essential oils. His invention contributed not only significantly to the development of the perfume industry, but also to the scientific world because now, compounds could be derived from organic material in a most pure form.
How it works
The mint is grown on our rich “muck” soil, in what we call Mint Valley in St. Johns. When it is time for harvest, the mint is cut and chopped into a mint wagon. Once positioned in one of the stalls in the still, the wagon gets hooked up to steam. During distillation, the steam runs through the plant material and breaks downPeppermint Jim pouring mint oil at the still during harvest. the cells of the plant. The water carries the essential oils to a cooling chamber, or condenser, where the hydrosol (water portion of the plant) and the essential oil (volatile oils of the plant) are separated. The end result of the oil production is subject to many factors; climate, soil, growing methods and the expertise of the distiller. One mint wagon holds four ton of plant material from about one acre of mint and this can yield 35 up to 40 lbs of oil.
Once the oil comes out of the condenser, it is stored in a barrel. From there, it is bottled up in small bottles and sold directly to the customer, or the company that produces the added value products like our mint soy candles, candy and honey.
Because of our non-traditional farming practices and ecological accountability our oil is tested to be chemical, herbicide, insecticide and pesticide free, as well as free of banned and industrial chemicals.
Now what?
Mint oil, like most pure, essential oils, has many benefits to our health and can do a lot to help you feel good on a daily basis thanks to these eight properties:
Peppermint in bloom
Antiviral;
Antibacterial;
Anti-inflammatory;
Antimicrobial;
Antispasmodic;
Antioxidant;
Analgesic;
Antifungal.
We may soon be adding to this list. Currently our oil is being used in cancer research.
Peppermint or Spearmint? Peppermint or Spearmint? Pep….?
Because of the high menthol content, peppermint is known as the cool, uplifting and vitalizing variant, where spearmint does not have menthol and therefore has a more relaxing, warming effect. Both can be used for the following purposes, and the choice of which to use is based on personal preference and taste. The oils can be diluted with your liquid of choice, but works well with water, tea and olive oil.
Internal uses:
* Please note that our mint oil is pure and undiluted. We advise you to start with one to two drops and dilute with your liquid of choice. As long as you can smell the mint, the benefits are there.
Breath refresher: add one drop to your water, or put a drop on your finger and apply to the tongue.
Congestion/snoring: add oil to (mouth) water, swoosh and swallow.
Drowsiness: ingest oil as needed, inhale, massage on back of neck and across forehead.Shop here for essential mint oil products
Dental care: promotes healthy teeth and gums, helps with bad breath.
Flavoring: add drop to tea, water, baked goods, drinks, salad dressing, sauces.
Intestinal flora imbalances, parasites: ingest as needed.
Nausea, motionsickness: ingest a drop with water.
Upset stomach/IBS: ingest oil as needed.
Sore throat, infection: add to liquids (water, tea), gargle and swallow.
Stress: ingest oil as needed (spec. spearmint).
Toothache: apply oil on cotton ball and place on tooth or apply directly.
External uses:
Acne: dab on spots as needed.
Airway infection/diseases: add to vaporizers.
Athlete’s foot and fungi: apply directly between toes twice a day or more as needed.
Arthritis: massage on painful joints to soothe the pain and stimulate blood flow and circulation, and decrease inflammation.
Clean: use on hard surfaces around the house and on toothbrushes.
Focus: rub small amount underneath nostrils for increased focus and concentration during work, exams and driving. Found to be highly effective by NASA!
Hair, head and skin care: add to soap/shampoo to stimulate and clean hair follicles. We recommend adding peppermint to the bathwater on a hot summer day and spearmint during the winter for a warm and relaxing effect. The best way to distribute the oil is by saturating a spoonful of (sea) salt and stirring this into the water.
Headaches: apply on temples, across the forehead or massage into the scalp.
Household: add to dish water, laundry, or use as humane pesticide against mice, ants and critters. Add a few drops to air vents in room and car.
(Insect )bites, wounds: apply on injury or bite to disinfect, for pain relief, anti-swelling, anti- itching and promote healing.
Itching: add to bathwater, massage or olive oil, or apply directly on skin
Migraine: massage across forehead, into scalp or local where pain is located.
Sinus congestion: apply underneath nostrils, across the forehead and chest. For children; we recommend adding a few drops to a washcloth and placing this inside the pillowcase at night.
Sore muscles/joints: apply on painful areas
Stress: add to massage oil/bathwater/shower floor for aromatherapy.
Restoring important elements in your body only by taking a bath. This sounds almost too good to be true. Keep reading and find the scoop on Epsom Salt and why it is so healthy for you.
Of all the elements that make up one human cell in the body, Magnesium ranks in the top 4 of most important positive charged ions in the body, and together with calcium, magnesium is crucial for healthy bones and teeth. But there is more. While approximately 65% of the element is found in bones and teeth, the remaining 35% is distributed between body fluids, tissues and organs. There, it helps with energy production and plays a major role in cardiovascular functions, electrical activity and the elimination of toxins. Where Calcium is responsible for muscle contractions, Magnesium does the exact opposite; it relaxes the muscles. A majority of the American population suffers from low magnesium levels, which can lead to or aggravate a variety of health issues; cardiovascular diseases, stroke, insomnia, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, osteoporosis, and many more.
To restore low levels of magnesium, supplements can be taken, but are not always as effective because magnesium is not easily absorbed by the digestive tract. Certain foods, drugs and chemical makeup of stomach fluids may all inhibit adequate uptake of magnesium. Soaking in a bath tub however, with magnesium sulfate crystals, the scientific name for Epsom Salt, has shown to raise magnesium levels in the body since both magnesium and sulfates are easily absorbed through the skin.
Sulfates are needed for the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help detoxify the body of medicines and environmental contaminants.
Health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council are as follows:
Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
Improved oxygen use.
Improved absorption of nutrients.
Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
So, enjoy a deserved hot bath at the end of your day, without feeling guilty. You’re doing it for your own health and well being after all! Use two cups of Epsom salt and soak for 10-15 minutes up to three times a week.
That’s all, soaks!
If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts. This information is not intended to replace a professional health care provider’s advice.
Get Mint Trading Co. Spearmint Eucalyptus Bath Soak 16oz $12,50 ea. 2 for $20! Limited time only.
Try our brand new Get Mint Trading Co. bath soak made with Spearmint and Eucalyptus oil.
Wed, March 3, 2010 at 3:50PM 
A dram of peppermint oil. Click on photo to shop.
