This holiday season I’m sure you’ve seen your fair share of candy canes – hanging from the tree, doled out by Santa, even making their way into your yummy holiday treats and coffee. But did you know that these peppermint sticks offer more than just a sugar rush and fresh breath? Peppermint oil alone contains omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamins A and C, minerals, potassium, manganese and copper – basically a beauty guru’s gold mine. I used this season’s staple scent for some quick fixes that will leave you relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle (and recover from) all of those holiday parties.
1. Holiday Party Recovery Treatment
3-4 drops peppermint oil
All you need is the oil! For holiday headaches, just dab a few drops on your wrist, close your eyes, and inhale. You’ll notice instant relief. The oil also works wonders for nausea, so keep a small bottle by your bedside for those mornings after you had one too many egg-nogs.
2. Peppermint Sugar Scrub
For a quick fix to smooth dull winter skin, or as a last-minute DIY gift, whip up this three-ingredient sugar scrub.
2 cups granulated white sugar
1/3 cup coconut oil (almond oil also works)
2-4 drops peppermint oil
Add the coconut or almond oil slowly while mixing sugar to gradually create a smooth consistency. Feel free to use less oil if you’d like a heavy duty scrub. Then add the peppermint oil. Voila! A simple (and affordable!) way to de-stress.
Gift Tip: Make this scrub as a gift, and make it festive. Separate the scrub into two bowls. Add a drop or two of red food coloring to one bowl and mix thoroughly. Layer the scrub in a mason jar, alternating the red and white mixtures, to create a candy-cane inspired look! Seal and wrap with a bow!
3. Minty Coconut Hair Mask
2 tbsp coconut oil (conditions, moisturizers, adds body and volume, and aids to reduce protein loss)
1 tbsp honey (make hair shiny, softer, and helps to avoid breakage)
1-2 drops peppermint oil (helps with blood circulation and stress relief)
Microwave mixture for 30 seconds. Apply warm hair mask to wet hair, applying from roots to tip. To be sure you distribute evenly, use a wide-tooth comb and comb the treatment through. Cover hair with a shower cap (or use a plastic shopping bag) and leave on for 1-2 hours. Use this time to do some online shopping, bake some cookies, or catch up on Netflix.
After the mask sits, shampoo and condition hair, comb with a wide-tooth comb and let air dry. You’ll notice a dramatic change and will be stunned by how silky smooth your locks are!
If you take these peppermint DIYs on a test drive, you’ll be coming out with lower stress levels, smoother skin, shinier hair, and higher energy levels. I don’t know about you, but those four are at the top of my wish list. To remain sane this holiday season, all you have to remember is to keep calm and use peppermint oil.
