The middle-note scent of peppermint is minty, sharp, and intense with an odor intensity of a full five out of five. Blending companions include resins, citrus, rosemary, and lavender. Physically, peppermint oil is used to as an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory, and a respiratory and digestive tonic; it also can relieve headaches. In terms of emotional well-being, it can clear the mind of fatigue, promote sharp communication, enhance concentration, and develop emotional tolerance. The name Menthe comes from the Latin mente, meaning 'thought'. Remains of this medicinal herb were found in an Egyptian tomb dating from 1000 B.C. It is said to be an ingredient of the ancient incense kyphi. Mint can have both heating and cooling effects.

Peppermint
(Mentha piperita)

Plant Family

Lamiaceae (Labiatae).

Description and Distribution

A perennial herb growing up to 3 feet (1 m) and spreading prolifically by rhizomes. The dark green leaves and hairy stems contain the oil-secreting glands. Peppermint is thought to be a hybrid between water mint (M. ciquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata). The plant is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia, but has naturalised throughout Europe and America. Most of the world's supply of peppermint oil is produced in the USA.

Extraction Method

Steam distillation of the flowering tops.

Nature of the Oil

A pale yellow liquid. The aroma is fresh, piercing and minty. Its odour effect is awakening, cooling and head-clearing.

Main Constituents

Menthol, carovne, cineol, limonene, menthone, pinene, thymol.

Properties

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antigalactagogic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, disinfectant, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, emmenagogic, expectorant, digestive, diuretic, febrifugal, hepatic, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, vermifugal.

Aromatherapeutic Support

Bruises, sprains and strains, swellings, toothache, neuralgia, muscular aches and pains, respiratory disorders, halitosis, colic, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (oil taken internally in the form of peppermint capsules - dosage according to manufacturer's instructions), flatulence, mouth irritations, mouth thrush, nausea, feverish , coughs and colds, fainting, headache, and mental fatigue.

Blends Well With

Clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, rosemary. The oil is highly odoriferous, so use sparingly.

Preparation and Dosage

For external use of the oil, look for 5-20 percent essential oil in creams and ointments, 1-5 percent in nasal ointments.

Used as a muscle rub for sports injuries or around sore joints, peppermint (menthol) extract or essential oil can help ease pain and stimulate the circulation.

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Yellow Tinge

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Aroma Strength: Strong

Aroma: Minty, reminiscent of peppermint candies, but more concentrated. More fragrant than spearmint.

Use: Asthma, colic, exhaustion, fever, flatulence, headache, nausea, stuffy/runny nose, vertigo. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 59-67.]

Constituents: Menthyl Acetate, Menthone, Cineole, Limonene, Phellandrene, Pinene, Beta-Caryophyllene [Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-5.]

Cautions: Avoid in cardiac fibrillation, fever. Mucous membrane irritant and neurotoxic (toxic to the nerves). Some of this information applies to oral use, but is provided for informational purposes (no essential oil should be taken internally without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner). [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 160.] May cause sensitization. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 175.]

Essential Oils by Bianca Rosa are 100% Pure Natural Essences derived from the highest quality fruits, flowers, leaves, spices, herbs and roots. Our essential oil distillers and growers are located around the world, operating ethically, organically and chemical-free.

Bianca Rosa Essential Oils Are Not Tested On Animals.