Peppermint oil is known to have a soothing and calming effect on skin irritations such as hives, poison ivy, and poison oak. This is because when applied topically, the menthol in the oil works to increase the blood flow of the affected area and soothes the skin with a cool feeling.
Catabolic definition, destructive metabolism; the breaking down in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones, with the release of energy (opposed to anabolism). See more. Dictionary.com
Catabolic pathways involve the breakdown of nutrient molecules (Food: A, B, C) into usable forms (building blocks). In this process, energy is either stored in energy molecules for later use, or released as heat.