When I am working and need a little “pick me up,” I either drink a glass of water or peppermint tea. I also add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to my deep conditioner when I wash my hair. Peppermint has dozens of uses. Following is information about peppermint from books and around the web. Please consult your health care provider before using any supplements.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.

According to Balch and Balch, peppermint “enhances digestion by increasing stomach acidity. Slightly anesthetizes mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract. “ Peppermint is useful for chills, colic, diarrhea, nausea, poor appetite, rheumatism, and spasms.

webmd.com

Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant a cross between water mint and spearmint that thrives in Europe and North America.

Peppermint oil also is used for a variety of health conditions and can be taken orally in dietary supplements or topically as a skin cream or ointment.

The Best-Ever Vegetarian Cookbook by Nicola Graimes

“Peppermint tea is recommended as a digestive to be a drunk after a meal,” writes Graimes. “ It is also effective in settling other stomach problems and for treating colds.”

livestrong.com

Peppermint oil relaxes muscles, helps control cravings, can help raise your energy level and clear your head.

Peppermint oil revs up your metabolism.

Peppermint can help improve one’s weight loss efforts, especially if you combine it with a healthy diet. Peppermint increases the amount of oxygen in your blood. The more oxygen, the better your concentration.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

Peppermint oil is an anti-inflammatory used to treat arthritis and is prescribed by doctors on the trade name “Coperin,” according to Worwood. “It is well known that peppermint is used by confectioners; and less well known that it is also an ingredient in aftershave lotions,” says Worwood. Peppermint is also used to clear ant nests.

blackhair101.com

Peppermint oil can be used for both dry and oily hair conditions. It balances the hair’s pH. Peppermint oil stimulates the hair follicle by increasing blood circulation and oxygen supply.

hairyscalp.com

Peppermint oil is also very useful in getting rid of head lice, according to hairyscalp.com. “I’m sure that most of you do not suffer from them,” says the site, “but your scalp is certainly going to have important bacterial colonies that are simply making it extremely weak and defenseless.“ Peppermint oil rejuvenates hair follicles and can help hair grow by increasing the hair follicle activity. Peppermint oil also shields the follicles from germs and yeasts. This helps them live longer and remain productive.

**Additional reporting by Danso Fredricks