6. Peppermint & Ginger

PEPPERMINT AND GINGER These two herbs are very healing to the gastrointestinal tract and share many of the same benefits to the body. Peppermint is a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin C. Its properties are cooling and energizing. Peppermint can be used as a tea, taken internally as an oil, topically or inhaled through aromatherapy, as well as fresh peppermint in foods and beverages. Ginger contains Gingerol, which gives it many of its healing properties. It’s aromatic, spicy and pungent. Ways to use ginger include fresh, dried, powdered, as an oil or in juice. • Ginger is a warming, yang herb, beneficial for conditions of Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency and Yin excess. • Peppermint is cooling which is yin and is beneficial for conditions of Yang excess. • If you haven’t taken the Energy Kinesiology course, you’ll learn more about the properties of Yin and Yang there. • You can muscle test to see which herb is indicated. Their Health Benefits include: • Both herbs have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. • They help alleviate excess gas. • They are anti-spasmodic to relax tension. • They are antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. • As an anti-fungal, they can be used to alleviate Candida overgrowths. • Both can help motion sickness. • Ginger tea can be made with 1 tablespoon of freshly grated or sliced ginger and a slice of lemon to 8 ounces of boiling water. • Peppermint and Ginger support the immune system. !1 of 3 Their Benefits to the Gastrointestinal System: • Peppermint oil capsules and ginger help to alleviate symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. • Both herbs can alleviate abdominal bloating, cramping and digestive tract discomfort. • They regulate the bowels and are useful for both diarrhea and constipation. • They both help heartburn and acid reflux by calming the stomach and relaxing the muscles of the throat and esophagus. • The aroma of peppermint stimulates the saliva glands and glands that secrete digestive enzymes. • Peppermint and ginger taken before eating greasy or fried foods will stimulate bile production aiding the breakdown of fat. • For indigestion, 2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil in 4 to 6 oz. of water may be beneficial. • Peppermint and ginger can both be used for nausea, especially morning sickness and nausea associated with chemotherapy and radiation. • Two drops of peppermint oil in 2 ounces of water is a very effective mouthwash, inhibiting the growth of cavity causing bacteria. Their Benefits to the Lungs and Respiratory System: • Both of these herbs are good for colds, flu and fever. • For fever, muscle test to find if ginger tea or peppermint tea is best, but don’t use both. • Peppermint oil may inhibit histamine which is helpful for seasonal allergies and hay fever. • Menthol in peppermint acts as a decongestant. Rub 1 to 2 drops on the chest directly, or use in a vaporizer. • You can also apply 1 to 2 drops on a hot cloth and put it on the chest to relieve congestion, coughs and cold symptoms. !2 of 3 Their Benefits for Menstruation: • Ginger powder may significantly reduce menstrual pain. • 1 gram of ginger powder per day for the first 3 days of the menstrual period has proven effective in reducing pain. • For late or irregular periods, peppermint tea taken 3 days before the anticipated onset of menstruation can help regulate flow. Other Uses of Peppermint include: • Smelling the essential oil of peppermint can improve memory and alertness. • Peppermint oil can also relieve headaches. Apply 1 to 2 drops to the temples or back of the neck where the pain is, or use a vaporizer. • Peppermint tea can help reduce fever by reducing inflammation in the body. • The menthol in peppermint oil can help alleviate muscle aches and pains. Add a few drops to a massage oil, or add a few drops to a warm bath. • Peppermint oil applied topically can be beneficial for shingles pain. • It can be used topically as an insect repellant and for insect bites and bee stings. Other Uses of Ginger include: • It can help alleviate muscle pain and osteoarthritis. • It helps lower blood sugar as well as reduce the risk of heart disease. • Ginger can lower cholesterol and triglycerides. • Ginger's anti-inflammatory effects may also be beneficial to improving brain function and protecting against Alzheimer’s Disease. • Low thyroid can be helped with ginger. Since ginger is warming, it turns up the body's thermostat, stimulating higher metabolic function. Contraindications are: • People who are allergic to menthol should not use peppermint. • Pregnant women should be careful or avoid the use of peppermint and ginger because their antispasmodic properties can increase the risk for miscarriage. !3 of 3 .

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