Peppermint essential oil
Botanical (and family):
Mentha piperita. Family Labiatae
Distribution:
Mentha Piperita is produced from the hybridisation of three other species of Mentha, all natives of Southern Europe. The plants are now cultivated worldwide.
Description of plant:
A perennial herb, up to 1 metre high with green stems and leaves.
Extraction:
Steam distillation from the rapidly dried herb.
Charactersitics:
A pale yellow coloured liquid with a powerful grassy-minty odour, a deep balsamic-sweet undertone and a sweet, clean dryout note.
TOP TO MIDDLE NOTE
Odour effects:
Powerful and overwhelming.
Cautions:
Likely to irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and will certainly irritate the eyes. To be avoided during pregnancy and by nursing mothers. Likely to anti-dote homeopathic remedies.
Main chemical constituents:
Menthyl acetate - 6%
Menthone, Iso-menthone, pulegone - 30%
Germacrene, Beta-caryophyllene - 6%
Aesculetine, menthofuran - 1%
1 - 8 Cineole, caryophyllene oxide - 7%
Phellandrene, alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Menthen, Limonene - 6%
Menthol, Neomenthol, isomenthol, linalool - 42%
Properties and indications:
MIND
Seems to relieve states of anger, hysteria and nervous trembling. Ideal for mental fatigue and depression.
BODY
A good remedy for colds by halting mucous and encouraging perspiration. Useful in dry coughs, sinus congestion and general respiratory disorders. Has a major action on the digestive system. Has a relaxing effect on the stomach muscles. Deals with vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, halitosis, colic, gall stones, nausea and travel sickness. Could assist in kidney and liver disorders. Good for numbness of limbs, shock, vertigo, anaemia, dizziness and fainting. A tonic to the heart and mind. Seems to ease headaches, migraines and toothache. A great remedy for aching feet and may provide some relief from rheumatism, neuralgia and muscle-aches.
SKIN
Could be useful in cases of dermatitis, ringworm, scabies and pruritis. Can relieve itching, inflammation and sunburn. Softens skin, enabling removal of blackheads. Has a good effect on greasy skin and hair.
Other uses:
A great deterrent for rodents and insects. Has a wide range of flavour uses, especially chewing gum and sweets. Employed extensively in the toothpaste industry.
