Something I love about the Paleo lifestyle is that once you start purging toxic chemicals out of your food and beauty regime, the easier it becomes and the more inspired you are to do it. The same holds true for this homemade peppermint lip gloss!
I recently started using spearmint in my daily beauty routine to help prevent dry scalp, and I even use it to make my own mouthwash. It’s not only tasty (just don’t eat it!), but it also helps me feel awake and energized in the morning.
Although I’ve said goodbye to my makeup kit and anything unnatural in it, I started to miss my favorite minty lip gloss. I wanted something to dress up my daily beauty look.
This peppermint lip gloss recipe is my natural replacement to my coveted mint gloss. I apply it in the morning on my lips and even on my forehead, temples, and wrists when I’m feeling unusually stressed or if I feel a migraine coming.
It’s really easy to make this peppermint lip gloss. Just remember to keep it stored in a cool or room temperature location. I recommend making a new batch of gloss every 1-2 months or as needed.
The Benefits of Using Natural Ingredients
Tea tree oilis one of my favorite essential oils. Its powerful antifungal properties make it a natural remedy for fungus and blemishes, and its rise in popularity has made it a go-to active ingredient in a number of cosmetic and household products.
Peppermint oil is great for easing indigestion and, thanks to its minty smell, also acts as a refresher to help wake you up.
Coconut oil will act as a carrier oil in this recipe, and adds both shine and moisture to your lips.
If you’re a peppermint fanatic like me, feel free to add an extra drop or two of peppermint oil to your gloss. If you’re sensitive to mint or smells, reduce the amount of peppermint you add to your gloss.
Regarding the coconut oil, you MUST use fractionated coconut oil in this recipe. The difference between fractionated coconut oil and your typical coconut oil?
Fractionated coconut oil maintains its liquid form regardless of temperature. Regular coconut oil hardens when stored in cool rooms.
Peppermint Lip Gloss with Coconut Oil
Recipe by: Destiny Lalane
This natural mint lip gloss adds shine and moisture, while also helping to reduce stress and headaches!
Tools:
Small bowl
Strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag
Funnel
15ml roll-on applicator
Ingredients:
8 drops peppermint essential oil
1 drop tea tree essential oil
1 T fractionated coconut oil
1 loose mint leaf
Instructions:
Pour coconut oil, mint, and tea tree oil into a bowl. Mix well.
Add mint leaves to the mixture and let sit for 20-30 minutes in your refrigerator.
Strain the lip gloss, removing any remaining mint leaves from the gloss.
Destiny is a lifestyle blogger and entrepreneur. Her mission is to inspire others to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. When she’s not creating recipes and sharing life hacks on her blog DestinyLalane.com, she enjoys photography, travel, and trying new things.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
23 Peppermint Oil Uses to Naturally Boost Your Health
Peppermint oil has been used for thousands of years across ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome for its medicinal properties.
Now that research on peppermint if is well established, there has been a resurgence of its popularity in treating a variety of issues many of us experience every day.
Peppermint oil is an extremely versatile oil that offers countless benefits. Its main component, menthol, has been widely studied and found to help with the following issues:
There are many other ways you can use peppermint oil, including using it as a natural bug repellent or as an easy way to freshen your breath (hello, DIY mints).
Read on to discover the ways to use it to boost your health and lifestyle!
23 Natural Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits
1. Boost Energy
Instead of reaching for energy drinks whenever you need a boost, give peppermint oil a try. Studies have shown it improves physical and mental energy levels and performance just five minutes after ingesting it.
To use: Inhale the scent of peppermint directly for a boost of energy and clarity, or put a few drops in your favorite diffuser to inhale the vapors throughout your day. Internally, add one drop to a large glass of water (yes, a little goes a long way!) and drink.
2. Get Rid of Dandruff
Peppermint oil possesses antifungal and antimicrobial properties that make it excellent for combating dandruff.
To use: Add 2 drops to your regular shampoo and concentrate on massaging your scalp as you shower.
3. Relieve Muscle Pain
Menthol, one of the main compounds in peppermint, has significant anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and painkilling effects. Studies have shown it can help reduce muscle soreness and lower inflammation, while also raising your pain threshold.
To use: Combine 1/4 cup coconut oil with 5 drops of peppermint oil, then rub on sore muscles.
4. Soothe Joint Pain
The anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects of menthol in peppermint can also be used to relieve joint pain when applied topically.
To use: Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to a small dollop of olive or coconut oil, rub together in your hands, then rub on sore joints.
5. Curb Cravings
Many people swear by peppermint oil as a natural way to ease cravings by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller faster.
To use: Place a few drops in a diffuser before mealtimes, or dilute a couple drops in a carrier oil like olive oil and rub it on your chest.
6. Reduce Allergies
Peppermint oil is also great for allergy symptoms such as drainage and coughing due to its ability to help expel mucus and phlegm.
To use: Diffuse the oil in a diffuser along with eucalyptus in your home to reduce allergy symptoms throughout the day and night.
7. Cool Rashes + Itching
Studies have shown that peppermint oil’s cooling and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe minor itches, from bug bites to poison ivy.
To use: Dilute 2 drops of peppermint oil in olive oil and rub on the affected area.
8. Repel Bugs
Essential oils have been utilized for thousands of years as natural insect repellents. Many of the volatile compounds in oils (such as peppermint) are overwhelming to insects like mosquitoes, making them the perfect natural option to keep bugs at bay.
To use: To repel pests from your body (like mosquitoes), dilute several drops in a carrier oil and rub all over exposed areas of your body. To repel bugs in your home, add peppermint oil to your floor cleaner or countertop cleaner.
9. Calm Acne
Peppermint oil contains several antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin. Not to mention, the cooling menthol will also help to reduce inflammation from painful cystic acne.
To use: Mix a drop of peppermint oil with jojoba oil and dab on the affected area twice a day.
10. Relieve Headaches
Research shows that peppermint oil has a significant relaxing and pain-reducing effect on headaches. In one study, peppermint oil reduced sensitivity associated with headaches.
To use: Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil and rub on your temples. If your headache feels more like a tension headache coming from your neck area, massage the oil on your shoulders and neck.
11. Promote Hair Growth
Studies show that massaging peppermint oil into your scalp can help promote hair growth and encourage hair to become thicker, even without participants changing their diets.
To use: Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your favorite shampoo and massage deeply into your scalp.
12. Relieve IBS + Bloating
Peppermint oil is one of the best natural treatments when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers believe its ability to relax the gastrointestinal wall, as well as cool inflammation, play a role in its effectiveness. Studies also show peppermint oil has a significant effect on abdominal pain and distension, as well as gas.
To use: You can either take peppermint oil in capsule form (follow the dosage instructions on the bottle) or rub a few drops mixed in a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil, on your abdomen.
13. Reduce Nausea
Peppermint oil may also be able to help quell bouts of nausea and vomiting. Studies on postoperative nausea show participants who were given peppermint oil experienced significantly lower levels of nausea.
To use: Take one or two capsules at the onset of symptoms.
14. Freshen Breath
Peppermint is an ingredient in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, and for good reason. Not only does peppermint smell wonderful, but it also has potent antibacterial properties that help freshen breath.
To use: Look for a toothpaste with pure peppermint oil as a main ingredient, or make your own breath spray by combining a couple drops with a cup of water in a spray bottle. You can even make your own homemade breath mints using peppermint and coconut oil!
To use: Apply 4-5 drops directly on discolored nails daily.
16. Combat Bacterial Infections
Studies have shown peppermint oil to be effective against up to 22 strains of bacteria and fungi, making it an excellent choice to help fight infections.
To use: Follow the dosage recommendations on your peppermint oil in capsule form.
17. Help Fight Cancer
It turns out that the compound menthol present in peppermint oil can also inhibit cancer growth. Studies have shown it causes cancer cell death while also helping protect against radiation damage from chemotherapy.
18. Relieve Stress
Peppermint oil is popular in aromatherapy for its relaxing and refreshing effects. Studies show that it can be an effective treatment against nerve disorders and mental fatigue, making it an excellent option to help relieve excess stress.
To use: Inhale the scent of peppermint for a boost of energy and clarity, or put a few drops in your favorite diffuser to inhale the vapors throughout the day.
To use: Diffuse peppermint oil throughout your home when you have a cold to reduce bacteria in the air and help with a stuffy nose and congestion.
22. Relieve Sunburns
Peppermint oil’s cooling and anti-inflammatory properties also make it an excellent remedy for sunburn.
To use: Combine 2 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil (and even some aloe if you’d like) and rub on affected areas.
23. Sharpen Memory
Studies show that peppermint can help improve concentration and focus while also improving memory, making it a great option to help with the symptoms of ADHD.
To use: Dilute 2 drops in a carrier oil and rub on your chest before you start your day, or carry the oil with you and inhale it directly from the bottle when you need to focus.
As you can see, the uses of peppermint oil are virtually endless. With such a broad base of benefits, this is one oil you should have stocked in your kitchen at all times.
Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
Oil Pulling 101- Natural Benefits & A Step-By-Step Guide
Could swishing oil around in your mouth be the secret to whiter teeth, fewer cavities, and fresher breath?
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for improving oral health. It is believed to heal more than 30 systemic diseases when performed regularly.
The idea behind oil pulling is that swishing certain oils in your mouth (such as coconut, olive, or sesame oil) helps “pull”, trap, and remove the bacteria that cause plaque buildup, tooth decay, bad breath, and gingivitis – resulting in whiter teeth, healthier gums, and fewer cavities.
The benefits of oil pulling may go deeper than just a squeaky clean mouth. Since your mouth acts like a “mirror” to your overall health, oil pulling has also been said to improve digestion, skin health, and even mental clarity when done regularly.
In just a moment, I’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to do oil pulling, and which oils are best to use. First, let’s look closer at the other benefits of having a daily oil pulling routine.
Natural Benefits of Oil Pulling
Eliminates Bad Breath
Say goodbye to the days of worrying if you’re all out of mints!
As we covered above, oil pulling is effective for removing the bacteria that causes halitosis – the technical term for unpleasant breath odor.
One study showed that oil pulling can also fight oral malodor, which is bad breath caused by bacteria stuck in the oral cavity. In fact, sesame oil was shown to be just as effective for treating oral malodor as chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Oil pulling can also help remove the thick coating on your tongue that encourages bacterial growth. With fewer toxins, bacteria, and plaque buildup in your mouth, you’re also less susceptible to cavities and tooth decay.
Fights Gingivitis
A common cause of bleeding gums is not flossing daily, which can allow plaque to build up along your gumline and between your teeth. This can lead to a condition called gingivitis, which causes sore, swollen gums and bleeding when you brush your teeth.
A study done on oil pulling and gingivitis showed that when done for at least seven days, oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil caused a significant decrease in plaque buildup, and scores continued to decrease each day thereafter. By removing this plaque, oil pulling can also help relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Using oil pulling to draw out toxins and bacteria from your mouth can help eliminate and prevent bacteria from entering further into your system. While there’s currently a lack of studies to prove that oil pulling can help soothe digestive disorders, it’s worth trying for a few months to see if you notice a relief in your symptoms. All you have to lose is that bad bacteria!
May Improve Skin Health
While make-up, skin care products and environmental toxins can contribute to acne, a lesser known fact is that the majority of skin issues are caused by toxins and bacteria in the GI tract. This is why chronic digestive conditions and symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and constipation, are often seen with acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
The first place to begin healing your skin is to heal your gut. Since oil pulling can help reduce the amount of toxins and bacteria that make their way to your GI tract, it may also promote clearer skin when done consistently, for longer periods of time.
Oil Pulling FAQ’s
Who Can Benefit from Oil Pulling?
Since there are no adverse effects from oil pulling, everyone can benefit from it!
While it’s found to be especially helpful for people with oral health problems, there’s no downside to having fresher breath, and healthier gums and teeth.
What is the Best Oil to Use for Oil Pulling and Why?
While all oils work in the same way to trap and remove bacteria, coconut oil is the best oil you can use for oil pulling because of its powerful antibacterial properties.
The medium chain fatty acid found in coconut oil, called lauric acid, has potent antimicrobial action which has been shown to inhibit Streptococcus mutans, the specific type of bacteria that causes tooth decay.
What Other Types of Oil Can You Use for Oil Pulling?
Sesame seed, olive, sunflower seed, and coconut oil are the most common types of oils used. Sesame oil was the most popular oil used traditionally, because it’s easily accessible in India.
Are There Any Cautions with Oil Pulling?
There is one extremely important precaution to take with oil pulling: do not swallow the oil you swish with. When you swish the oil around in your mouth, it essentially becomes a big blob of trapped bacteria and plaque. This is not something you want to down the hatch with because it could make you sick.
One other factor to be cautious of with oil pulling, is where you spit the oil out, because it can clog your pipes – especially if you have a septic system. Spit out your oil into a trash can instead.
One last precaution to take: don’t use an oil for oil swishing if you’ve ever had a negative reaction to it. For example, if sesame oil has caused symptoms for you in the past, opt for coconut or olive oil instead.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Oil Pulling
Step 1: First thing in the morning, before eating or drinking, take 1-2 teaspoons of your oil and begin swishing it in your mouth. Do this before you brush your teeth or have a glass of water.
Step 2: Swish for 15-20 minutes. Personally, I like to oil pull while I’m getting ready in the morning and having a shower. The time passes much quicker!
Step 3: Once your 15-20 minutes is up, discard your oil in the garbage.
Step 4: Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Step 5: Brush and floss as normal. Repeat each day, or at least 4-5 days per week, for best results.
Brandi Black is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and the creator of Feel Best Naked, a health blog for women who want to clear up their skin, lose the muffin top and make the bloat disappear. After years of experiencing (and then healing) her own unbalanced hormones, she’s now obsessed with helping other women feel spectacular in their own skin with natural remedies for hormone balance.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
