How to Keep Cool With Peppermint Essential Oil

In the last couple days we have experienced a heat alert here in Southwest Ohio. The temperature was in the 90’s but the heat index was well over 100. Because we have more humidity here than say Arizona, that is pretty hot. My grandsons love to play outside, but  even they said it’s too hot! They would rather be inside where it’s cool during these times.

It is summertime and so we are to expect this kind of weather. Honestly, I would take this heat any day over cold weather. Precautions however should be taken in any extremes in weather. Dealing with heat related illnesses can be tricky because it can sneak up on you FAST. This is true especially for babies and young children, the elderly and people who have chronic health issues. But even healthy individuals and young people can become victim if doing strenuous physical activities.

Many people succumb to extreme heat each year even though heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Between 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused more deaths in the U.S. than that from hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, earthquakes and floods combined. 

What causes heat-related illnesses?

The bodies normal way of cooling itself is by sweating. But sometimes, under some conditions, that just isn’t enough. Then what happens is the body temperature will start to rise quickly. Very high body temperatures can cause damage to vital organs and the brain.

Several factors will affect the body’s cooling ability during extreme hot weather, such as high humidity, and conditions like dehydration, mental illness, sunburn, alcohol use, prescription drug use, poor circulation and heart disease.

Warning signs of heat stroke.

Heat stroke is serious. It can cause permanent disability or death if emergency treatment is not provided.  The sweating mechanism fails, the body’s temperature rises rapidly and the body cannot cool itself down.

Here are some warning signs of heat stroke..

• Strong rapid pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• High body temperature
• Hot red dry skin
• Unconsciousness

Heat exhaustion can occur after several days of exposure to high temperatures and not having enough fluids. Those most prone to this milder form of heat-related illness are people with high blood pressure, the elderly, and people exercising or working in a hot environment.

Here are some warning signs of heat exhaustion..

• Paleness
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heavy Sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Headache
• Fainting

If you have any of these signs and suspect either of these conditions, seek medical help immediately.

How to keep cool with peppermint essential oil.

My husband works in a non-air-conditioned factory and right now it is very hot even with fans. We make sure he has plenty of pure water to drink during the day. But in that water we add peppermint essential oil. Just 2-3 drops in a gallon of water is all that is needed per gallon. That’s because Young Living’s peppermint oil is so powerful, one drop is equal to drinking 26 cups of peppermint tea! Peppermint will keep the body temperature cool so you are much less likely to suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke. I also made up a 2oz. bottle of peppermint spray using distilled water with 3 drops of peppermint oil in it. He mists his face with it during the day and that keeps him cool as well.

Peppermint is one of the essential oils that I always have with me. I also keep a bottle in  my natural medicine cabinet and in the kitchen. It is well known to help with any digestive problems. I also use it for headaches and of course pain. You know me and my injuries!

More ways to protect yourself.

Increase your fluid intake. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. By then you will sure to be dehydrated. If you work out in the heat, drink water before bed and upon arising as well as all through the day. And remember to add peppermint oil. Be sure to drink about 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) each hour. I know that seems like a lot but that’s how much you need to prevent dehydration. If your fluid intake is limited by your doctor, please consult with them about the amount you should drink. Avoid very cold drinks, alcohol and drinks with large amounts of sugar since these cause your body to lose even more fluid.

Replace minerals and salt. Minerals and salt are necessary to the body and are lost during heavy sweating. They must be replaced. Instead of the popular sports beverages  I prefer the Ningxia Red to provide the needed key trace minerals, 18 amino acids and the vital essential sugars plus other nutrients my body needs. A couple ounces diluted with 2 ounces of pure water will help the body recover immediately. 

Wear the appropriate clothing. Loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing is best. 

Carefully schedule outdoor activities. It would be best to have outdoor activities either during the morning or evening hours, avoiding the most intense heat of the day. Resting often in shaded areas also gives your body a chance to recover from heat.

Slow down. If you are use to working or exercising outdoors, start out slower and gradually increase your pace. If you begin to notice symptoms of heat illness, then stop all activity. Get into a cool place or the shade. Drink fluids (peppermint water), or Ningxia Red. You can also put a drop of peppermint oil in your Ningxia Red. It tastes really good! Give your body a chance to recover. If you are drinking the necessary amounts of water and fluids this really should not be a problem.

Stay indoors if necessary. Air-conditioning is best, but if you do not have that, then visiting places like shopping malls, libraries, or senior centers that are air-conditioned may be a possibility. Other options are fans to circulate the air, taking a cool shower or bath, and limiting the use of your oven which heats up your home.

Watch out for each other. If you work outdoors with others, keep an eye out for the condition of your co-workers. Make sure they are not showing symptoms of heat illness. With the buddy system, everyone will stay safe.

Keep an eye on those at risk. These ones include infants, young children, people 65 years of age or older, the physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure. Also those taking certain medications. Preferably adults should be visited or checked on twice a day. Infants and children need more frequent watching for any signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. And remember Do Not leave children in cars. Cars can heat up quickly even in cooler temperatures and even with the windows cracked open. They will be in danger of heat stroke and possible death.

Keep cool with peppermint essential oil and these tips and you will have a fun summer!

To your good health,

Carol Wickett

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Tagged as: essential oils, extreme heat, headaches, heat exhaustion, heat illness, heat stroke, natural medicine cabinet, Ningxia Red, pain, peppermint essential oil, Young Living Essential Oils