As the rest of the country embraces fall, we in Southern California crank up our air conditioners, or head to the beach to cool off. This heat wave happens just about every September and much to the shock of our friends in neighboring states. This heat comes with what feels like a vengeance and we are left to find ways to navigate the sweltering heat.

If you’re without an AC or you’re in the mode of conserving energy, please know that there are some natural ways to beat the heat that won’t cause a “burn-out”in your neighborhood.

So how can we all keep cool you ask? The answer is with peppermint!

So what’s the deal with peppermint?  Peppermint contains a high percentage of menthol, which has several well researched properties.

Menthol is proven to be:
Analgesic
Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial
Antispasmodic
Stimulating
Cooling

What does this mean for people like us who are standing bravely against the heat? It means that incorporating the cooling properties of peppermint essential oil, there is great relief which can take you to a cooler place both mentally and physically.

Here are three easy ways to keep cool with Peppermint.

Fresh Mint Foot Renewal

Our spa party menu includes this amazing Sea Spa peppermint exfoliate. The fresh minty exfoliate is applied to feet or hands and the cooling properties of the peppermint do their magic.

Next we wrap your feet or hands in ice-cold towels and follow this treatment with a rejuvenating massage. Doesn’t this sound heavenly?

Imagine the cool minty aromas as you sit and relax during this heat.

Minty Foot Lotion

Another ways is to blend  5–8 drops of Peppermint essential oil in 1 oz (30 ml) in jojoba oil or unscented organic lotion to create a stimulating and refreshing foot cream.

This one’s great for foot massages and even hand massages! Purchase your peppermint oil at your local health food store.

Revive your tired feet while relaxing to the wonderful mint aromas! Peppermint can keep you cool, relaxed and revived. How does this sound to you? I’d love to know!

Iced Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is an excellent choice for a refreshing iced tea, as well.
It is a natural coolant and, with its minty taste, peppermint tea is absolutely delicious served over ice.

You’ll need…

• 2 peppermint teabags, 2 heaping teaspoons of dried peppermint loose-leaf tea, or a handful (2 – 3 stalks) of fresh, blemish-free peppermint leaves
• 8 oz. (about 250 ml) fresh, delicious water, brought just to the boil
• Optional additions to taste, such as honey,  or orange, lemon, or lime

To make the tea…

If you’re making your tea with fresh peppermint leaves, rinse the leaves first and crush them just a bit with your hands, the back of a spoon, or a mortar and pestle to release the wonderful aroma and beneficial oils.

• Add the teabags, loose-leaf tea, or fresh leaves to your cup. (With loose-leaf tea or fresh leaves, you may want to use an infuser or infuser mug.)
• Cool the just-boiled water slightly (peppermint tea, like other herbal teas, is truly at its best when brewed in hot, rather than boiling water), and then pour it into your cup.
• Cover and steep the peppermint tea for 5 to 10 minutes (longer steeping times bring out the best flavor and fullest health benefits of herbal teas). Fresh leaves will benefit from an extra minute or two of steeping time.
• Remove the teabags or tea leaves from the cup.
• Pour the tea immediately into a tall glass of ice, or you can chill the tea to enjoy over ice later.
• Optional – Iced peppermint tea is wonderful with a splash or slice of citrus, such as orange, lemon, or lime. You may want to add a bit of honey  to taste, as well.

Enjoy your delicious, beneficial iced peppermint tea.

Why not take a glassful and a good book or magazine out to the hammock for a while?

Resources from Aroma Head and TheTeaTalk.