Peppermint Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Flowering herb
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Fresh, very minty, hot, herbaceous, with a vegetative back note
Largest Producing Countries: USA, Africa, and Egypt

Traditional Use: Flavoring agent in pharmaceuticals, and ingredient in cough, cold and digestive remedies.  Is also used as a flavoring agent in many foods, especially chewing gum and confectionery, alcoholic and soft drinks; also tobacco.  Fragrance components in soaps, toothpaste, detergents, cosmetics, and perfumes.

Properties: Analgesic, anesthetic (mild), antibiotic, antidepressant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiphlogistic, antipruritic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, decongestant for the prostate (mild), depurative, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, sedative, stimulant (particularly to the heart, brain, and pancreas), stomachic, sudorific, tonic (nerve), vasoconstrictor, vermifuge, and viricide.

Benefits: Acne, asthma, belching, bronchitis, cholera, clears the sinuses, colds, cough, cramps, dermatitis, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, eczema, fainting, fevers, flatulence, flu, gaseous indigestion and irritated colon, gastralgia, halitosis, headaches, hysteria, insect bites, insufficient liver or pancreas juices, kidney stones and gallstones, mental fatigue, migraine, motion sickness, mouth or gum infections, muscular pain, nausea, nerve pain, nervous disorders, neuralgia, palpitations, paralysis, poor circulation, pruritis, purulent (itching, stinking), respiratory disorders, ringworm, scabies, sciatica, shock, sinusitis, toothache, travel sickness, tuberculosis, vertigo, and vomiting.

Blends Well With: Basil, benzoin, black pepper, cypress, eucalyptus (all), geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, niaouli, pine, ravensara, rosemary, tea tree, and other mints.

Of Interest: Known as one of the seven polyvalents (effective against many toxins), which are applicable to many ailments.  According to Greek mythology the genus Mentha takes its name from the nymph Minthe who was seduced by Pluto and turned into a plant by his jealous wife, who trod Minthe into the ground.  Pluto, however, turned her into an herb, knowing people would then appreciate Minthe for years to come.  Traditionally classified as a Visionary Herb, mint was thought not only to uplift the Spirit, but also to bring dreams of prophecy.  Mint was dedicated to the Ancient Greeks to Zeus, the king of the gods.

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant (except in concentration), possible sensitization due to menthol. Use in moderation. Not recommended for us while pregnant.