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Aromatherapy/Peppermint / Spearmint Oils

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Expert: Rachel A. Markel - 8/29/2009


Question
Hi,
Thank you in advance for your help in this matter.  My elderly Mom is having a mouse problem in her home in the country.  I have read the 100% pure peppermint or spearmint oil placed in metal lids at the back of a cabinet can help repel mice.  I have also read however that if you have arrythmia problems or are an epileptic you should not use these oils.  
I cannot find out however if this just applies to ingesting the oils of if it also means we should not inhale it if the above medical conditions apply.  Mom and I both eat peppermint candy, and use Vicks Vapor rub (menthol) often with not ill effects.  Am I just being too protective?  Or would it be safe to use a little peppermint oil at the back of the cabinet to repel the little pesks?

Answer
Dear Rob,

Hello and thank you for inquiry!  With regards to using peppermint or spearmint essential oil, you can find numerous references about this on the Internet.  The reason why it is works is because mice do not like the smell and are acutely affected by the aroma.  I would recommend saturating a cotton ball and strategically placing it where you find droppings or at entry points throughout the home.  

I would also advise you to make sure that the droppings are being picked up and the area is cleaned on a regular basis.  There are health risks associated with the droppings going airborne or coming into contact with food, plates, utensils, etc.  You may also consider cleaning with Peppermint Terpenes or esssential oil, you can make a multipurpose spray bottle, employ fumigation or other methods.  If you are interested in knowing more about this please let me know and I will be happy to address this issue as well.

I am very sorry to hear about your Mom's arrythmia, I would be most concerned if she was applying the oil directly, ingestion is not recommended without the consultation of a trained medical practitioner.  The amount of peppermint oil used in candy is minute and the essential oils used in Vicks products are synthetic, not pure and natural.

At the end of the day, I think that using essential oils would be far better for your Mom then using toxic pesticides or other chemical methods.   Please let me know if you have additional questions and how this works out for you.

Be well,

Rachel

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Rachel A. Markel

Expertise

For the past 15 years I have been working in the field of Complementary Alternative Medicine with a focus on plant based medicines. Through my educational and supply company, eoilco laboratories,llc., I have trained practitioners from every level of western and non-traditional medicine. Currently, I lecture at Miami Dade College, Barry University and the University of Miami. I have been afforded the opportunity of working with medical professionals throughout the United States. I have also developed protocols using plant based medicines; essential oils and herbs. The use of Plant Based Medicines is experiencing a resurgence in many aspects of patient care and preventive medicine as well. My background and degree is in Health Psychology, I realized years ago as a student at FIU that essential oils had powerful and quantifiable affects on the human body. Research is now showing all of this and more. From the classroom to the lab I have found that today's educated consumer no longer distinguishes between good for your body and good for your soul. Driven by over 70 million consumers, health and well-being is a holistic movement that strives for equilibrium between family, work and self. The new wellness is balance. Currently, I am on a mission to change how my city, Miami is being cleaned. To see the main ingredient that is being used by parks, municipalities, schools, universities and families visit www.GreenTerpene.com. In my spare time I write a weekly blog for www.BalanceBoost.com, a Wellness and Green Social Network. Sign-up to receive the weekly Wellness Guide. For additional information visit my websites: www.eoilcolab.com---Visit my Ingredient Manager to find out more about e.o.'s www.eoilco.com---Over 500 raw materials for manufacturing all natural products www.GreenTerpen.com---My cleaning solution made from Orange Peels www.BalanceBoost.com---Read my weekly Alternative Therapies Blog

Experience

I have worked in the field of Aroma Therapy for over 15 years and I am currently an Instructor at Miami Dade College, Miami, Fl.

Organizations
NAHA

Education/Credentials
BA, Health Psychology- FIU MPH, Environmental Health

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