Peppermint Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita

A member of the diverse mint family, Peppermint is thought to be a hybrid of Watermint and Spearmint. This relatively tall (11 to 39 inch) perennial plant has sharply-toothed leaves and produces small white or purple flowers. Native to the Mediterranean and eastern Asian regions, it is now cultivated in more temperate climes the world over.

This Peppermint essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and tops of plants organically grown in India.

Growers harvest Peppermint just before the herb goes to flower to capture the best aroma compounds. When allowed to mature further, the quality of the resulting oil may degrade to a sharper, less sweet and less complex aroma.

Peppermint oil is considered an indispensable part of any aromatherapy toolkit.

This Peppermint essential oil has a bright, green floral top note followed by a zesty, citrus middle note and undertones of sweet balsamic and a touch of menthol.

Some good companion blending oils include: Rosemary, Benzoin, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram and Eucalyptus.

Classically peppermint oil was used solely as a digestive aid, an anti-nauseant and to counteract halitosis (bad breath) until the 16th century when physicians began to experiment with it more broadly.

Analgesic, Anesthetic, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Antiphlogistic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Carminative, Cephalic, Cholagogue, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hepatic, Nervine, Stimulant (digestive), Stomachic, Sudorific, Vasoconstrictor, Vermifuge. (See Definitions.)

The main constituent of peppermint is menthol, a potent compound which unto itself causes a quick physical response when inhaled or applied the the skin. It produces a sensation of coolness which the body counteracts by increasing blood flow to the area of application, producing a warming effect. Menthol is often found in sports creams, chest rubs, and cough drops for this reason.

Psychological:

• Awakening and enlivening
• Combats depression
• Strengthening, soothing and stimulating
• Improves concentration, focus and mental acuity

Digestive System:

• Increases choleric activity (stimulates the liver and gall bladder)
• Inhibits muscle spasms in the intestines.
• Encourages smooth muscle (intestine) peristalsis and may be beneficial for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Relieves dyspepsia, nausea, stomach pains, and diarrhea
• Quells effects of food poisoning

Circulatory System:

• Improves blood flow

Muscles & Joints:

• Eases arthritic pain
• Soothes muscle tightness and stiffness

Respiratory System:

• Opens and clears congested airways
• Combats asthmatic symptoms

Ingestion:

• It is an excellent aid for motion sickness - consuming one drop can end queasiness - a drop can be placed on a sugar cube for children. It is often taken internally for this; whereas ginger oil can be diluted and rubbed into the abdomen.
• Research suggests that it supports irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) it is often suggested that enterically coated capsules should be used for this purpose, however they are not necessary to achieve medicinal benefits (they merely make it easier to ingest). Place 1 to 3 drops in a warm cup of water, or dilute in a carrier oil and massage into the abdomen (some essential oils are absorbed though the skin, and can help the targeted organs in this manner).

Topical:

• May help relieve congestion and headaches (including migraines) by placing a drop on each temple. The skin is rather sensitive there, and the eyes are close by, therefore a 10% dilution of essential oil is an effective balance to use.

Considered non-toxic, it is a mild irritant (due to the high menthol content). Undiluted use on any skin, especially the face is not recommended. Direct or indirect contact with the eyes will cause irritation. Peppermint oil should not be used with children under two years of age, therefore we suggest using Peppermints more mild and sweet cousin: Spearmint.