Peppermint

Naturopathic Essentials for Camping

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TentAside from the camping essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, first aid kit, etc., there are also some naturopathic essentials that can aid you while you are camping. I have outlined a couple of items that can help with camping through their diversity – meaning they can be used in multiple ways and in multiple situations. One should keep in mind that these items do not replace the need to seek medical attention in the event of experiencing signs and symptoms of any dysfunction.

  1. Coconut water – coconut water acts as a great electrolyte which can be beneficial for those who are quite active while camping. It can help to nourish muscles and keep you hydrated – and hopefully prevent some muscle cramping. In addition, it can help those experiencing diarrhea, due to the potential to become dehydrated.
  1. Essential oils – everyone has their own preference for which essential oils they like, but I will recommend several of my favourites. Citronella and vanilla essential oils can both be beneficial as bug repellents. Using a couple of drops on your neck, wrist or ankles may help to ward off these pests. Keeping in mind that your sleep may be impacted while camping, having some lavender essential oil on hand may be helpful to encourage you to sleep.
  1. Homeopathics – Homeopathics can be quite useful for a variety of different concerns. In particular, I would most likely recommend at least Arnica and Apis – for trauma and bee stings respectively. If you are interested in knowing the top 5 homeopathic remedies to keep at home, visit my previous blog: https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/top-5-homeopathics-to-keep-at-home/
  1. Peppermint tea – Peppermint tea is a powerful therapeutic tool, because it can help with so many potential problems that could happen with camping. It can help to encourage sleep, settle upset stomachs, encourage movement with constipation, and fight infections. For more information on peppermint as a therapeutic herb, look to my previous blog: https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/health-benefits-of-peppermint/
  1. Coconut oil – Coconut oil and coconut water are quite different. Though they have similar constituents, they can help in different ways. Coconut oil can act as a great fungal infection fighter. In addition, using coconut oil for oil pulling can be beneficial if you cannot use toothpaste while camping. Oil pulling involves swishing some coconut oil around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. This helps to keep your breath nice and fresh. It also has an SPF between 4 and 6, and can help moisten dry skin.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Health Benefits of Peppermint

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With the holidays comes all of the tasty treats that often include candy canes and peppermint. However, as you may know, peppermint is not just a tasty accessory for all of the holiday baking. It can have some beneficial properties that can improve overall health. For instance, from a botanical medicine perspective, there are several ways that peppermint may be used. Often, I will prescribe it in tea form where an individual will be using the leaf. This herb can also be used as an essential oil and tincture. Each of these forms have different characteristics in themselves that may make them more useful for different situations than the other form. For example, if someone is has an infection in their lungs, breathing in an essential oil may be more effective than drinking a peppermint tea. Regardless, all forms are valid and carry beneficial properties for various conditions.

Main Actions

In botanical medicine, one of the main areas that we explore with her are a plant’s main actions. This aids in discovery of a plant’s whole potential. In regards to peppermint, it is a unique herb in the sense that it has many actions that can affect many different organ systems, from the liver to the lung.

  • Spasmolytic – relieves spasms
  • Carminative – helps with digestion
  • Cholagogue – aids with liver functioning
  • Anti-emetic – relieves nausea
  • Anti-microbial – kills bacteria
  • Mild Sedative – helps to put you to sleep
  • Diaphoretic – helps you to produce a fever and fight off infections
  • Analgesic – relieves pain

These main actions of peppermint can help us to determine what this herb could potentially help us with. The main indications for peppermint might include digestion, pain, sleep, and infections. However, the research surrounding this herb may reveal more around the benefits of this herb. Research has shown that peppermint in its various states, may help with the following conditions:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome – abdominal pain, abdominal distention, flatulence, cramping, and gastric emptying all improved
  • Non – ulcer dyspepsia
  • Post – operative nausea
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Congestion
  • Wheezing in asthma
  • Tension – both mentally and within the muscles.

The information above in no way reflects the full potential of this herb or a comprehensive review of the research. However it does provide you with an idea of the potential of this herb to benefit one’s health. There are some cautions that individuals should be aware of though. For example, peppermint can cause an increase in GERD and acid reflux symptoms. Also, certain genetic syndromes disable an individual from effectively processing peppermint, making it potentially harmful for some. Finally, peppermint can inhibit iron absorption, and so, it should not be consume before or with meals. As always, I should mention that peppermint is not for everyone, and so, please contact your health care provider to determine if you should be consuming peppermint as part of your health plan.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!