Archive for August, 2008

Aromatherapy, Congestion, Indigestion and Irritable Bowel Benefits of Peppermint Oil and Side Effects

In small doses, diluted and in a warm environment, peppermint oil is generally safe for healthy, non-pregnant, non-allergic adults. You can purchase peppermint oil as bulk herb oil, enteric-coated capsules, soft gel caps and liquid forms.

Peppermint oil/leaf is being used by some for a myriad of health conditions or environmental annoyances, such as:

  • lice
  • fever
  • hives
  • nausea
  • itching
  • asthma
  • arthritis
  • enteritis
  • gastritis
  • anorexia
  • vomiting
  • headache
  • influenza
  • joint pain
  • tendonitis
  • toothache
  • gonorrhea
  • gallstones
  • nerve pain
  • indigestion
  • mouthwash
  • tuberculosis
  • chicken pox
  • decongestant
  • liver disorders
  • intestinal colic
  • rheumatic pain
  • local anesthetic
  • flatulence ~ gas
  • stomach cramps
  • morning sickness
  • bile duct disorders
  • mosquito repellent
  • gallbladder disease
  • musculoskeletal pain
  • respiratory infections
  • bowel motility disorders
  • common cold symptoms
  • mouth/throat inflammation
  • dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps
  • intestinal disorders ~ IBS, Crohn’s, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis

That’s quite a laundry list of conditions and annoyances, some of which are rather common. The techniques used to treat this extensive list with peppermint oil encompass:

  • orally
  • aromatherapy
  • massage therapy
  • topical application

So what about this miracle stuff.

Peppermint is a flowering plant that is widely cultivated for its fragrant oil, the U.S. being one of the principal producers.

You’ll find peppermint as a refreshing ingredient in chewing gum, toothpaste and mouthwash. There is a bit of positive research evidence that cleaning your mouth with a diluted oil mixture of tea tree oil, peppermint oil and lemon improves bad breath.

But what else does the evidence say about peppermint oil?

Well, a combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil may be beneficial for dyspepsia (heartburn) symptoms. On the flip side, it could also cause you some heartburn.

Sticking to the stomach, peppermint may improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and intestinal spasms issues. Preliminary research suggests that peppermint oil, taken orally, improves gastric emptying.

Diluted peppermint oil messaged into forehead and temples has been tested for headaches, with unclear results.

Peppermint tea treatment for urinary tract infections is not clear. Thus, it is not recommended to rely on peppermint tea alone to treat this condition. (Wonder if mixing it with cranberry juice works.)

Menthol, a constituent of peppermint oil, is sometimes included in inhaled preparations as an aromatherapy for nasal congestion. For concentrated beneficial relief, apply a little peppermint oil under your nose and sniff.

Peppermint oil is not without the risk of side effects. When used in your mouth it can cause:

  • mouth ulcers
  • throat closing
  • asthma symptoms
  • breathing problems
  • bronchial constriction

When used on your skin, peppermint oils potential side effects are:

  • rash
  • hives
  • eye irritation
  • contact dermatitis

Ingested peppermint oil may result in:

  • heartburn
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • anal burning
  • slow heart rate
  • muscle tremors

And if taken in very large doses it can cause muscle weakness, brain damage and seizure. Always read your product label for proper dosage.

Peppermint oil should be used cautiously by people with G6PD deficiency or gallbladder disease. Also, this oil may interfere with the way your body processes certain drugs, herbs or supplements.

So, if you have a chronic medical condition, taking other drugs, herbs or supplements, you need to consult your physician before embarking on any peppermint oil therapy. Peppermint is not recommended for children under 18, needs more extensive testing.

Possibly a daily cup of peppermint tea in your diet regime will offer some benefit to your digestive system.

Diabetes Diet, Diabetic Diet, Diet for Diabetes, Diabetics Food Basics

If you have diabetes, then your existence is all about controlling your blood glucose (sugar). Non diabetics don’t give a thought to their blood sugar because their body’s take care of this issue all by itself. This is not your case.

As a diabetic, your diet (what you eat regularly) is a major component to staying healthy. Adhering to a diet not conducive to maintaining blood sugar levels results in drastic blood sugar fluctuations, which in turn leads to diabetes complications.

So what are diabetic foods and diabetes diet? A healthy diabetic diet consists of making wise carbohydrate food choices, consuming them regularly, often and in small amounts. The three large meals per day gig is not an advisable diet program for diabetes.

Whether on insulin or not, your goal is to keep you blood sugar level above 70 and below 180. That’s it.

Some basics for a healthy diabetic diet include:

  • eat often
  • physical activity
  • reduce fat intake
  • limit sweets/alcohol
  • take your insulin as directed
  • consume whole grain starches
  • eat lots of fruits and vegetables
  • carefully monitor how many carbohydrates you consume

And regularly monitor your blood glucose levels before and 2 hours after you eat. Each time notice how you feel so that you can make individual adjustments to your diabetic diet as needed.

In the world of diabetes, there is not a one diet fits all. You will have to become your body’s research scientist. Discovering what works and what doesn’t. Then adjust accordingly.

It is what it is, so take on your dietary role with diabetes vigor. The consequences if you don’t are not good.

There is some research support that consuming a low fat vegetarian type diet improves your body’s insulin response. And that is a good thing for a diabetic.

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