#TuesdayTip – Peppermint Essential Oil vs NSAIDs for Pain

Did you know that one of the most prescribed drug’s from doctor’s are analgesics (pain killers)?

What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Most likely, if you are like the majority of Americans, you have over-the-counter pain drugs such as: aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. 2.5 Billion dollars is spent on NSAIDs each year! Most people don’t even think twice about popping one or two for common issues like back pain or headaches. Popping one or two starts adding up to 3 or 4 or more a day, especially if you have chronic back pain or headaches.

One of the most well-known side effects of acetaminophen is liver damage.

“Although [acetaminophen] has been used for years and overall is extremely safe, liver toxicity can occur with use of more than 4,000 milligrams in a day,” says Dr. Glaser. “This would be eight 500-milligram pills, which is the dosage of extra-strength Tylenol. Liver damage or failure may also occur at lower doses in those who drink alcohol regularly or who have pre-existing liver disease, such as hepatitis C.”

Ibuprofen doesn’t normally cause liver damage but can cause damage to the stomach lining and when used in conjunction with other pain killers can cause serious damage. All NSAIDs can also cause ulcers and raise blood pressure as well. Obviously, if you use them for a long period of time or in conjunction with other medications there can be serious side effects.

Want a Safer Alternative?

A safer alternative to NSAIDs is peppermint essential oil.  Peppermint oil is a cooling oil as well as being a counter stimulant that helps to override the sensation of pain.

“A PubMed study notes that a solution of 10% peppermint oil diluted in ethanol (alcohol) and applied to the forehead and temple areas was as effective as taking 1000mg of acetaminophen.”

Now, 1000mg of acetaminophen sounds like a really large dosage, but as stated earlier; eight 500-milligram pills of acetaminophen is equal to two pills of Extra-Strength Tylenol.

Overdoses from acetaminophen send 55,000 to 80,000 people in the U.S. to the emergency room each year and kill at least 500, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.  Acetaminophen can be found in more than 600 over-the-counter and prescription products used by nearly one in four American adults every week, including household brands like Nyquil cold formula, Excedrin pain tablets and Sudafed sinus pills.

Not to scare any of you, but the facts are the facts and it can be quite easy for many people to abuse pain killers. Most people don’t realize how much they have taken or that it’s also in other products they use as well.

Stop popping the pills and switch to a safer alternative: Peppermint Essential Oil.  For easy use, dilute peppermint essential oil in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil.

I have used peppermint oil with lavender oil for my headaches and I can say honestly that it gets rid of my headache within seconds. My husband even swears by peppermint oil for his headaches as well. I make a “halo” around my whole hairline, massaging it into my temples and back of neck and skull.

Stay Healthy my Friends,

XO,

Carrie A Groff
– Healthy, Fit & Barefoot!

“Happiness is Barefoot on the Beach!”

P.S. –  Peppermint should not be used around children ages 3 and under. Not for use during pregnancy except during the very early stages to ease morning sickness. 

P.S.S. – If you decide to use Peppermint essential oil and you are currently taking other OTC meds or prescriptions please be aware of these contradictions:

The following medications carry a “moderate” potential for interaction with peppermint oil:

Neoral, Sandimmune, Elavil, Haldol, Zofran, Inderal, Theo-Dur, Calan, Isoptin, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Diazepam, Valium, Soma, Viracept, Cataflam, Voltaren, Ibuprofen/Motrin, Mobic, Feldene, Celebrex, Elavil, Warfarin/Coumadin, Glucotrol, Iosartan, Cozaar, Mevacor, Nizoral, Sporanox, Allegra, Halcion.

The following medications carry a “minor” potential for interaction with peppermint oil:

Over-the-counter and prescription antacids including Tums, Rolaids, Ripan, Bilagog, Amphojel, Tagamet, Zantac, Axid, Pepcid, Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium.