Sometimes, you just need to cool down. Whether it's the hot and sticky summer weather or an annoying hot flash, my solution is Peppermint.
Peppermint is rich in a compound called menthol. Our bodies respond to the feeling of menthol on the skin with a cooling sensation, but did you know that it needs to be the right type of menthol?
There are actually 8 different ways that a menthol molecule can be put together, because menthol is what's known as a chiral molecule. Just like a right-hand glove doesn't fit on a left hand even though it's the same shape, the same is true of chiral molecules. They are made up of the same number of and the same type of elements (carbon, hydrogen and oxygen), but because there are different places for the oxygen to attach to the carbon chain, there are eight different chiralities of menthol.
In nature, the peppermint plant produces the type of menthol that's a perfect fit for the cold receptors in our skin, and delivers the message of a cooling sensation to the brain.
When a bottle of Peppermint doesn't have much of the right type of menthol in it, it's not going to offer that cooling effect -- even though it might smell quite minty.
It's actually easy for chemists to create synthetic menthol in a lab, and this is what unscrupulous companies use to boost the menthol content of a poor quality Peppermint oil.
The only thing is, chemists cannot control the chirality of the menthol they make, so only about 50% of the menthol produced is the correct, cooling form made by the Peppermint plant. 🤯 Mother Nature does a much better job! (And, our bodies prefer the form made by nature!)
This type of chemistry cheating is widespread in the essential oil industry, because authentic, potent essential oils are MUCH costlier to produce than synthetic imposters.
This is one big reason why it's important to purchase from a reputable essential oil company like dōTERRA. dōTERRA tests every batch of every oil to make sure that what we get in every bottle is absolutely pure.
If you love science and want to understand more about the sourcing, testing and/or chemistry of essential oils, head over to doTERRA's Source To You website.
Now, back to the cooling qualities of Peppermint!
To make a cooling spray, get your hands on a small spray bottle... I like the 2 oz size because it's nicely portable. Fill the bottle to the shoulder with water, and then add 2 drops of Peppermint per ounce of water. Shake it well each time you use it, because the oil will naturally float on the top of the water.
The best place to spray to cool down the body is the back of the neck and the décolletage area. As always, avoid getting essential oils in the eyes.
Keep your cooling Peppermint spray in your gym bag, your purse, by your bedside or in the kitchen -- or all of those places! Use it whenever you feel too hot. Bonus use: if you are worried about bad breath, spritz it right into your mouth!
More tips about Peppermint: it shields you from insects by disguising your smell. It helps to ease muscle and joint pain, and it's great for stomach upset as well. Add a drop to your water for instant refreshment!
Here are 10 ways to use Peppermint, but there are many more! What's your favourite way?
Now Make Way for SuperMint!
In addition to Peppermint, dōTERRA has a blend of mint oils called SuperMint. This blend is fantastic for people who find Peppermint a little overpowering, or who just want more mint variety! It's a mixture of four different mint oils: Peppermint, Spearmint, Japanese Peppermint and Bergamot Mint.
Just like Peppermint, SuperMint is available in 3 formats: a 15 mL bottle, a 10 mL prediluted roller bottle for topical use, and beadlets (perfect for use as a breath freshener). dōTERRA also has a natural toothpaste flavoured with SuperMint!