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Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Flowering plant
Note Classification: Top
Aroma: Fresh, very minty, hot, herbaceous, with a vegetative back note
Largest Producing Countries: India
Traditional Use: Has many culinary and pharmaceutical uses. It is also used for its soothing qualities on the digestive system.
Properties: Analgesic, anesthetic (topical), antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, cordial, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, nervine, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, vasoconstrictor, vermifuge
Benefits: Acne, asthma, bronchitis, cholera, colds, cough, cramps, dermatitis, diarrhea, exhaustion, fainting, fever, flatulence, flu, gaseous indigestion and irritated colon, halitosis, headache, hysteria, indigestion, insect bites, kidney stones and gallstones, mental fatigue, migraine, motion sickness, mouth or gum infections, muscular pain, nausea, nerve pain, nervous disorders, neuralgia, palpitations, poor circulation, respiratory disorders, sinusitis, toothache, travel sickness, vertigo, vomiting. DIffusing peppermint into the air may help with many ailments, from headaches to an upset stomach.
Blends Well With: Basil, benzoin, black pepper, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, niaouli, pine, ravensara, rosemary, tea tree
Of Interest: Mild climate stress in the growing conditions of the plant increases the oil content and sesquiterpene levels in the oil.
Safety Data: Avoid in epilepsy and while pregnant. May cause skin irritation. Avoid with homeopathics.
Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil [ Top ]
The health benefits of peppermint oil include its ability to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms and pain. Due to the presence of menthol, menthone and menthyl esters, peppermint and peppermint oil find wide applications in manufacture of soap, shampoo, cigarette, toothpaste, chewing gum, tea and ice cream.
- Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint and is native to Europe. Historically, the herb has been known for its medicinal uses. Hence it is often termed as the world’s oldest medicine.
- Unlike many other herbs and essential oils, numerous health benefits of peppermint and peppermint oil have been studied and proved by the scientific community. As a result, peppermint oil is also sold in the form of capsules and tablets.
- Peppermint oil is also used as a flavoring agent. You will find very few people who will not find peppermint suitable to their palate.
- Peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil [ Top ]
The many uses for peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) in aromatherapy range from digestive aid to pain relief to energetic applications. In this lens, I'll show ways to use peppermint oil.
The plant is a creeping herb with minty fresh and slightly camphor-like scented leaves. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and stem of the plant. The oil's main components are menthol (30-34%) and menthone (12-20%), and it also contains Menthofurane, 1.8 Cineol, Pulegone, and Menthyl Acetate.
Caution: Peppermint oil can burn. Dilute as needed. Do not use on infants or small children. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare provider.
Health and Wellness Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil [ Top ]
For best results, use only therapeutic-grade essential oils. DO NOT use peppermint oil internally unless you are sure the oil you have is therapeutic or food grade.
One of the benefits of peppermint is for digestion:
- Add a drop to herbal tea to calm your digestive system.
- Research by Alan Hirsch, MD, shows that inhaling peppermint essential oil helps trigger a sense of fullness. Inhale 5-10 times a day to curb appetite.
- Massage several drops on your abdomen, place a drop on the tip of the tongue or wrists, or inhale to soothe motion sickness or general nausea.
- Massage over abdomen to relax muscles and help digestion of heavy meals. It may also help relieve flatulence, cramping, and specific disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
For colds and congestion: [ Top ]
- Massage 2-3 drops onto the chest or drop into a humidifier to clear sinus and lung congestion and support normal breathing.
- When your head is stuffed and congested or you can't stop coughing, use steam with peppermint essential oil. Pour boiling water into a metal or glass bowl, then add your essential oil. Drape a towel over your head and position your face 10-12 inches above the bowl, as the heat permits.
Peppermint can also be useful for pain: [ Top ]
- Rub 1 drop on your temples, forehead, over the sinuses (avoid contact with eyes), and on the back of the neck to help soothe headache and pressure.
- Applied topically, peppermint oil leaves a soothing, cooling sensation that can alleviate pain. Often used in liniments for muscle spasms and arthritis.
- Combine with lavender essential oil and carrier oil for a soothing and invigorating body, neck, or foot massage.
You can use peppermint oil for energy and alertness: [ Top ]
- Place 2 drops on the tongue and rub another drop of oil under the nose to help improve concentration and alertness.
- Apply to the back of the neck and shoulders repeatedly to keep energy levels up during the day.
- Inhale before and during a workout to help boost your mood and reduce fatigue.
- Diffuse for energy and mental clarity. Here's a memory blend from the Essential Oils Desk Reference: 5 drops basil, 10 drops rosemary, 2 drops peppermint, and 4 drops helichrysum essential oils.
Other uses for peppermint: [ Top ]
- Peppermint essential oil is believed to be unfriendly to bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- To relieve itching of ringworm, scabies, and poison oak and ivy, dilute with carrier oil at 1% (that is, 1 drop peppermint in 99 drops of carrier oil). Anything stronger may irritate rather than relieve the itching.
- Use to simulate oil production in dry skin and hair.
- To relax the muscles of your feet and ankles, soak them in warm water with Epsom salts and a few drops of peppermint oil.
Disclaimer [ Top ]
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
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