Product Details
Botanical name
Mentha x piperita
Extraction method / Source
Steam distillation / partially dried leaves and stems
Aroma
Strong, fresh grassy, minty
Note classification
Top, Middle
Odor Intensity
5
Key constituents
Menthol, Menthone, Menthofurane, 1.8 Cineol (Eucalyptol), Pulegone, Menthyl Acetate
Plant description
Botanical family: Laminaceae or Labiatae
Peppermint is a hybrid perennial plant, which is a cross between a number of wild mints. It has purple stems, highly fragrant dark green leaves and soft sprays of violet flowers. True peppermint cannot reproduce, but propagates through its aggressive root system. The peppermint plant grows to a height of 1 - 3 feet, depending on the growing conditions.
Regions of Production
India, USA
Growing Practices
Organically cultivated. Plants are tested after harvest for purity.
History / Fun Facts
Peppermint oil has long been used as a digestive aid, especially for infants. The French physician Jean Valnet, MD used peppermint oil to treat respiratory and liver ailments. The legendary Thieves Oil or Thieves Vinegar is said to have contained peppermint oil, along with several other highly fragrant, antimicrobial oils.
Properties
Analgesic, anesthetic (local), antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, decongestant, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, skin tonic, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, vasoconstrictor, vermifuge (Battaglia, 2003).
Please refer to the Glossary for terms which may be new to you.
Uses / Benefits
In an ointment or liniment, helps relieve muscle, nerve and joint pain, lumbago, contusions and bruises and insect bites. Useful in managing upset stomach or stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and flatulence. Stimulating to the spleen and circulatory and lymphatic systems. Beneficial for symptom management for colds and influenza, sinus congestion and inflammation. Relieves itching and skin irritation (use 1% or less dilution). (Battaglia, 2003). Used in small amounts in natural perfume making.
Fragrant influences
Purifying, cooling, refreshing, stimulates the mind, improves mental clarity and concentration, helps relieve fatigue and depression. It can help revive a person from a fainting spell or shock and relieve some types of headaches. Helps overcome feelings of inferiority. Promotes inspiration and insight.
Modes of Administration
Topical: massage, compress, bath, skin care
Inhalation: direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer.
Peppermint essential oil may begin to crystalize at lower temperatures. If this occurs, place bottle in a warm water bath with lid slightly open just until crystals liquify.
Blends well with
Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Pine, Ravensara, Rosemary, Spearmint, Tea Tree
Safety
Avoid contact with the eyes, sensitive skin, fresh wounds or burns. Avoid using on the faces of infants or small children (Battaglia, 2003). Choleretic, neurotoxicity, mucus membrane irritation (low risk). Avoid if you have cardiac fibrillation or G6PD deficiency (Tisserand, 2014).
Notice
This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.
Precautions
Pure essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Do not use them undiluted, or in the eyes or mucus membranes. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a proper carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before applying to a large area. Do not take them internally except under the direction of a qualified professional trained in Aromatherapy. Always familiarize yourself with the safety, contraindications and proper preparation of each essential oil before use. Note that when using essential oils for children and the elderly, very low concentrations should be used. Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.
References
Althea Press, Essential Oils: Natural Remedies, 2015. Althea Press, Berkeley, CA.
Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Second Edition, 2003. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia
Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal, 2002. Prentice Hall Press, New York, NY.
Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: A Holistic Guide to Natural Healing with Essential Oils, 2015. Floramed Publishing, The Woodlands, TX.
Falconi, Dina, Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair : Natural and Healthy Personal Care for Every Body, 1998. Ceres Press, Woodstock, NY.
Green, Mindy, Natural Perfumes, 1999. Interweave Press, Loveland, CO.
Hampton, Aubrey, Natural and Organic Hair and Skin Care, 1987. Organica Press, Tampa, FL.
International Fragrance Research Association, http://www.ifraorg.org/en-us/standards (January 5, 2016)
Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, (English translation)1998. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.
Schnaubelt, Kurt, The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Aromatherapy, 2011. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.
Tisserand, Robert and Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety, 2nd edition, 2014. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, New York, NY
Tourles, Stephanie L, Hands On Healing Remedies, 2012. Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA.
United States Food and Drug Administration, HHS, 182.1 Substances That Are Generally Recognized as Safe, 182.20 Essential oils, Oleoresins (solvent-free), and natural extractives (including distillates), http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/CFR-2012-title21-vol3-sec182 (January 28, 2016)
Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, 1991. New World Library, Novato, California
TIMELESS Essential Oils guarantees the purity and quality of all our therapeutic oils. The current Certificate of Analysis is available upon request. All essential oils are best stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.
