Peppermint ~ Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil belongs to the labiatae family. It grows wild throughout Europe, North America and Australia. The oil is colorless to pale yellow or greenish and has a strong piercing, refreshing sharp menthol fragrance. It is distilled from the leaves and  flowering tops.

Peppermint has a dual action – cooling when hot and warming when cold. It makes a good remedy for cold by halting mucus and fevers and encouraging perspiration. In addition, peppermint essential oil is thought to be both energizing and soothing. As contradictory as this seems, the first cooling and bracing reaction to the unique aroma, followed by the warming and comforting feeling seems to simultaneously evoke both moods from mind, body and spirit.

This phenomenon, when essential oils contain a balance of seemingly unrelated constituents, usually defines these essential oils as normalizing or stabilizing. When such oils are used by themselves, the body, mind and spirit have a tendency to focus on the component that will supply the needed aromatic benefit. For example, a stressed individual will appreciate peppermint oil’s soothing aroma, while a lethargic person will benefit from the inspiring effect of the oil’s fresh, herbaceous characteristics. For many of the same reasons, peppermint tea is considered refreshing after a heavy meal. Inhaling the clean penetrating aroma can help clear the head as well.

If you are looking for a little midday pick-me up, or a way to unwind at the end of the day, peppermint essential oil is a nice choice.

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita 

Family: Lamiaceae

Country of Origin: USA

Part of Plant Used: Leaves and flowering tops

Blends Well With: Basil, bergamot, cajeput, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, lemon, lemon, mandarin, marjoram, neroli, pine, rosemary, spearmint, thyme

Common Uses: Asthma, bronchitis, colds, colic, cough, dermatitis, diarrhoea, fainting, fevers, flatulence, gall stones, headache, hysteria, influenza, mental fatigue, migraine, nausea, nervous disorders, palpitation, paralysis, ringworm, scabies, shock, sinusitis, toothache, vertigo, vomiting

Characteristics: Strongly piercing, refreshing, sharp, menthol fragrance

Extraction Method: Steam distillation

Healing Properties: Analgesic, anaesthetic, anti-galactagogue, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, decongestant, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, vaso-constrictor, vermifuge (excel intestinal worms)