Proof The Bible Is True

But if this time of year has you feeling frazzled and stressed out instead of merry and bright, you’re not alone.

A recent survey found that Christmas is the 6th most stressful event of our lives — right behind divorce, moving, and starting a new job!

Mainstream doctors are quick to prescribe anti-anxiety medications.

But these drugs have some serious downsides. They can leave you confused or disoriented. You feel exhausted but are unable to sleep. And they severely impair your memory.¹

I recommend using natural ways to ease anxiety that doesn’t cause nasty side effects. One of my favorites is perfect for this time of year — peppermint oil.

You can massage a drop or two onto your temples when you feel anxiety coming on. Within minutes, you’ll feel calmer and more focused.

But this essential oil does more than eliminate stress. It also:

• Gets Rid Of A Headache. A German study found that rubbing peppermint oil on the forehead reduced headache pain as effectively as taking 1,000 mg of acetaminophen…without any side effects and in only 15 minutes.²Simply mix a drop or two of peppermint oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Massage into your temples, forehead, or back of neck.
• Soothes An Upset Stomach. For centuries, our ancestors used peppermint to treat stomach issues. And new scientific research shows it’s powerful enough to even ease the pain of irritable bowel syndrome.In one study, researchers found that IBS symptoms were significantly reduced among 75% of patients who took peppermint oil capsules for a month. Only 38% who took a placebo reported any relief.³

  A second 2016 study found that patients taking peppermint oil experienced a 40% reduction in a total IBS symptom score, versus a 24% reduction in placebo users.⁴

• Increases Your Energy. A recent study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition studied the effect of peppermint oil on sport performance.Researchers gave the participants .05 mL of peppermint oil in a drink every day for 10 days. By the end of the study, they were able to increase their energy output by 51%. They were also able to work out 25% longer without getting tired.⁵
• Curbs Cravings So You Eat Less. It’s so easy to indulge this time of year. But, if you’re looking to get a handle on your diet, now or in the new year, then simply smelling peppermint oil can reduce your urge to eat.In a recent study, volunteers were asked to smell peppermint oil every two hours. They reported not feeling as hungry as people who didn’t get a whiff, plus they ate 2,800 fewer calories throughout the week.⁶
• Boosts Memory And Improves Alertness. Menthol, the active compound in peppermint, can stimulate the central nervous system.And now, a new study has determined that the aroma of menthol improves memory and increases cognitive abilities in animal models with and without Alzheimer’s.⁷ It works by reducing brain inflammation.

Get Peppermint’s Benefits In A Cup Of Healing Tea

My favorite way to use peppermint is to make a hot cup of tea. It’s easy and only takes two ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 large sprigs of fresh peppermint (about a handful of leaves)
• 1 cup of fresh, filtered water

Directions:

1. Wash the peppermint sprigs in cold water. Gently roll the leaves to release their natural oils and flavor. Remove the leaves and discard the stems.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil in a pot.
3. Place the mint leaves into a mug. Pour the boiling water over the leaves.
4. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer the flavor. Cover your mug during this time to lock in the aromatic oils.
5. Strain the leaves from the liquid using a fine mesh strainer and discard the leaves.

Add honey or a slice of lemon and enjoy.

You can also supplement with 200 mg of peppermint oil before meals. Look for enteric-coated capsules to increase effectiveness and avoid heartburn.

Peppermint is easy to cultivate, and I recommend you grow your own. Commercially grown peppermint leaves are likely to have been sprayed with synthetic chemicals and pesticides.

Because they are an aggressive grower, plant them in a pot to keep it from taking over your garden.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD, CNS

References:

1. Chowdhury Z et al. “The Effect of Chronic Alprazolam Intake on Memory, Attention, and Psychomotor Performance in Healthy Human Male Volunteers.” Behav Neurol. 2016; 2016: 3730940.
2. Göbel H, et al. “Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type.” Nervenarzt. 1996 Aug;67(8):672-81.
3. Klinger B. “Peppermint Oil.” Am Fam Physician. 2007 Apr 1;75(7):1027-1030.
4. Cash B, et al. “A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms.” Dig Dis Sci. 2016 Feb;61(2):560-71.
5. Meamarbashi A, et al. “The effects of peppermint on exercise performance.” J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013; 10:15.
6. Raudenbush B, et al. “Effects of Peppermint Scent on Appetite Control and Caloric Intake.” Accessed December 11, 2025
7. Casares N, et al “Improvement of cognitive function in wild-type and Alzheimer´s disease mouse models by the
   immunomodulatory properties of menthol inhalation or by depletion of T regulatory cells.” Front Immunol. 2023 Apr
   27;14:1130044.