Peppermint essential oil, Mentha piperata, steam distilled from the leaves, is a strong, minty fresh oil with cooling, refreshing, and deodorant properties. It has been used for health purposes for several thousand years. Peppermint leaves have been found in Egyptian pyramids dating as far back as 1000 BC. This versatile plant is one of the world's oldest medicinal herbs. Records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt mention that it was used for digestive disorders and other conditions.
Peppermint has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. The natural menthol and rosmarinic acid in peppermint contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral qualities.
Peppermint acts as an astringent that closes pores and tightens skin. The cooling power of peppermint comes from the high percentage of menthol in its leaves. Since it both stimulates nerve endings and increases local blood flow when used topically in a salve or massage oil it has both cooling and warming sensations which may help ease headaches, muscle aches, and inflammation.
Peppermint oil is great for oily skin and its antibacterial qualities may calm breakouts. It has also traditionally been used as a cooling chest rub to relieve congestion.
In hair care products, peppermint refreshes and stimulates the scalp promoting blood circulation which stimulates growth. Its cooling menthol content also makes it an excellent remedy for itching and dryness.
Aromatherapy Properties: The fresh, cooling, strong mint scent of Peppermint Essential oil enlivens the senses and promotes a feeling of energy as well as relaxation. The uplifting, invigorating, and stimulating aroma helps promote concentration and memory, awakens and refreshes the senses, soothes feelings of irritability, boosts energy, and enhances mental focus. It helps relieve mental fatigue, apathy, feelings of nervous tension, and depression. The cool and refreshing scent contains menthol known for having a soothing effect on stuffy noses and chest congestion due to colds or allergies.
Some researchers believe that peppermint oil relaxes the gastric muscles to help ease motion sickness and nausea. Keep diluted peppermint essential oil or a sliver of peppermint soap in your car when traveling. Some find that rubbing small amounts (in a carrier oil) behind the ear may also help ease the feelings of motion sickness and nausea.
If you are prone to headaches, peppermint oil is great to keep on hand in your purse, briefcase, or at your desk. To help soothe headache and pressure rub a few drops of peppermint oil (diluted in a carrier oil) on your temples, forehead, over the sinuses, or on the back of the neck.
Pregnancy and Children: We do not provide information on the safety of essential oils during Pregnancy or for use in Children because the available information is very ambiguous and often contradictory. If you’re interested in using essential oils during pregnancy or with young children please do your own research and consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional before use.
Precautions: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition, or have any medical concerns regarding yourself or your family consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.
