It’s not only the sights of the holidays that we love, it’s also the scents. And among them, you won’t find any as symbolic and popular than peppermint. Just how peppermint became associated with the holiday season isn’t clear, writes the Dallas Observer. The news source explains that centuries ago parents gave their children unflavored white sugar sticks to pacify them and that the sticks eventually got bent into the shape of a shepherd’s cane. Around the 1900s, the canes got red stripes and peppermint flavoring.
We do know however that well before canes appeared, the Romans used peppermint to stimulate the appetite; and medical records from Egypt indicate its use for easing stomach pains. Peppermint, which is a perennial herb, is a native of the Mediterranean but now is cultivated in other part of the world. Today, cooling and refreshing peppermint essential oil is used in aromatherapy to stimulate the mind, increase mental agility and to increase focus, while cooling the skin and reducing redness. It also helps to boost the digestive system.
While rich in phytonutrients, vital vitamins such as A and C, and anti-oxidants, the most prominent ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol. It affects the cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, mouth and throat and is responsible for the natural cooling-sensation experience when it is inhaled, eaten, or applied to skin. That’s why you find menthol used in the preparation of cough/cold reliving remedies like syrups, lozenges and nose inhalers
Menthol has analgesic (painkiller) and anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve muscle and joint pain. It also nourishes dull skin and boosts the texture of oily skin. For these reasons, you’ll find peppermint oil in many of our BIOTONE massage products, including, Aromatherapy Massage Lotion, Herbal Select Foot Therapy Massage Lotion, Marine Therapy Pedi Balm, Marine Therapy Pedi Scrub, Polar Lotion and Sore Muscle Relieving Customizing Complex.
Peppermint Mocha Wrap
Peppermint Mocha Mud Wrap, a stimulating and detoxifying wrap, is the perfect recipe to get your clients ready for the holidays. It helps revive tired skin with a combination of caffeine, cocoa and peppermint. This treatment includes an exfoliating treatment followed by a Black Baltic Mud Wrap.
Ingredients:
- Micro-Buff Body Polish 1/4 cup
- Black Baltic Body Mud 1/2 cup
- Smoothing Massage Butter 2 tablespoons
- 100 percent cocoa powder 2 teaspoons
- Ground coffee beans 2 teaspoons
- Peppermint essential oil 40-50 drops
Directions:
1) Mix Micro-Buff Body Polish, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon ground coffee and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil. Warm prior to application.
2) Add ½ cup Black Baltic Body Mud, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon ground coffee and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil and mix together. Warm prior to application.
3) Add 2 tablespoons of Smoothing Massage Butter and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil and mix well. Warm prior to application.
4) Apply an exfoliation treatment using the protocol for BIOTONE Micro-Buff Body Polish. Remove with wet towels.
5) Apply Black Baltic Body Mud in an even layer to each body part, following BIOTONE protocol, quickly covering each area with plastic wrap. Cover the client with a towel to keep warm.
6) Cocoon the client in layers of sheets, thermal wrap and blankets.
7) Let the client rest for 15-20 minutes.
8) Remove plastic sheets, removing as much mud as possible with the sheet.
9) Remove remaining mud with warm wet towels.
Perform finishing treatment with Smoothing Massage Butter.