Whether you use aromatherapy as a stand alone or as a complementary first aid treatment there are several aromatic oils I'd like to recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit.

My recommendations include important details for you to consider when purchasing an oil, such as its Latin Name, Country of Origin, Method of Extraction and Part of the Plant Used. I also list the best oils to consider when creating a synergistic blend.

PEPPERMINT ( Mentha piperita ) - Certified Organic, Steam Distilled Leaf, England and USA have wonderful distillations.

Peppermint is a fluid, colorless oil with a fresh, distinctly penetrating scent.

Keywords: COOL & REFRESHING Peppermint acts as a regulator and has a relaxing or invigorating effect depending on the circumstance for which you are using it.

A good blood cleanser it is both antiseptic and antibacterial!

Peppermint is well known for relieving migraine type headache, as well as headache resulting from weak or poor digestive forces, congestion or sluggish circulation.

It is also known to relieve nausea from motion sickness.

As well as being helpful for treating acne, swollen gums, mouth thrush, or ulcers and toothache.

Soak your tired feet in a foot bath with a drop or two of Peppermint (disperse oil in water by blending first with a teaspoon of honey or jojoba oil before adding to your foot bath) to relieve tired, swollen ankles and feet.

Peppermint relieves congested sinus cavities, aids concentration and is good for memory retention, restorative for mental fatigue, use alone or in a blend when studying for an exam.

Known to clears brain fog when fatigued Peppermint is great for keeping alert!

An analgesic or pain reliever use Peppermint for relieving tummy aches, or sore, achy muscles and joints.

May be used to ease a variety of skin irritations, including Poison Oak and Poison Ivy. Add a drop or two to your favorite anti-itch lotion or ointment when treating insect bites and stings.

Use as a food flavoring in recipes that call for mint, or add a drop to your favorite cooling summer drink and enjoy a refreshing break in your day!

Try a synergistic blend of Peppermint with any of the following aromatic oils: Basil, Black Pepper, Ginger, Orange, Marjoram and Rosemary.

CAUTION: Although excellent for nausea, peppermint should be avoided during pregnancy due to its stimulating properties. Peppermint cools by constricting your blood capillaries therefore please use in extremely weak dilutions. Peppermint Oil may aggravate GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease), a type of heart burn.

Please join me for Part VIII in this series of articles to learn about the next essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, TEA TREE ( Melaleuca alternifolia ).

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest