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 Peppermint
Essential Oil
(Mentha piperita)
Therapeutic Grade
Organic
Also see:
• Wild Mint
• Spearmint
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From Ananda Aromatherapy, pure Peppermint oil, steam distilled from Peppermint herb certified organically grown in Bulgaria and India. These are fine peppermint essential oils, excellent for all peppermint applications including diffuser use. The Bulgarian, grown in cooler temperatures, is a touch more floral than that from India. Both are very highly recommended!
What makes Ananda's oils different? Learn about our conscientious selection process here... |
 Peppermint
essential oil is considered by aromatherapists as one of the more indispensable essential oils. The
oil should
be a part of every traveler's first aid kit - it can work wonders for
motion sickness and general nausea for some people. It is often taken internally for this; whereas ginger oil can be diluted and rubbed into the abdomen. Medical research has found Peppermint oil to be effective
for irritable bowel syndrome (peppermint should be taken in enterically coated capsules). Further, French literature suggests Peppermint for asthma due to its liver strengthening
and regenerating properties.
Peppermint oil is steam distilled from the partially dried tops of the plants. Growers will harvest just before the herb goes to flower to bring out the best of the oil's aroma. When allowed to mature further, the quality of the resulting oil may suffer, with a sharper, less-sweet and complex aroma.
The main constituent of peppermint is menthol, a potent chemical unto itself which causes a quick physical response when inhaled or applied the the skin. Menthol produces a sensation of coolness which the body reacts to by producing its own warming effect, with as blood flowing to the area of application. This physical sensation is responsible for peppermint's long history of use as medicine. Today menthol is often found in sports creams and chest rubs, such as the well-known 'Halls Mentholyptus' cough drops - the oil is excellent for opening the sinus passages, though should be used with caution in this respect. Even a small amount of the oil coming into direct contact with the delicate membranes inside the nasal passages can result in a temporary burning sensation.
The aroma of Peppermint essential oil is strengthening, soothing and stimulating (it is noted that use during
the day is better than just before bedtime). It has been repeatedly studied for its effectiveness arousing concentration, focus
and mental sharpness. Peppermint may also help relieve congestion when inhaled, and is also commonly used for headaches and migraines by placing a drop on each temple. The oil has shown favorable results in clinical testing for the treatment of headaches, without side effects at the dosages used.
The most researched therapeutic activity of peppermint involves support of the digestive system. The oil exhibits very strong choleretic activity, meaning it stimulates the liver and gall bladder to release bile (supporting digestive activity). The oil also inhibits muscle spasms in the intestines. Combined with its antibacterial effect, peppermint essential oil becomes a genuine medicine to help all sorts of digestion-related issues. It is said to relieve dyspepsia, nausea, stomach pains, and diarrhea. It is now commonly available in enteric coated capsules specifically for support of irritable bowel syndrome. For use at home, one can ingest 1 to 3 drops in a warm cup of water, or dilute in a carrier oil and massage into the abdomen (essential oils are absorbed though the skin, and can help the targeted organs in this manner).
Here's more reading on Peppermint essential oil's health effects and its antioxidant properties.
Peppermint oil has also been touted to possibly help arthritis, depression, skin conditions, food poisoning,
headaches (rub a small amount on the temples) and may increase the receptivity of the sensory system for some
people.
The ability to alleviate headaches may be due to the simultaneous actions of both cooling and warming, in addition to the mind-clearing activity mentioned above. Mint oils are used by simply applying a very small amount to the temples with a fingertip. Because the skin is rather sensitive there, and the eyes are close-by, a 10% dilution of essential oil is a good balance of safety and efficacy.
Peppermint oil should not be used with children under two years of age; instead, Spearmint oil, peppermint's milder, sweeter cousin, is an excellent choice.
With all these wonderful effects, Peppermint oil is considered an indispensable part of the aromatherapist's toolkit.
To learn more about the use of all our essential oils, we encourage you to visit The Ananda Apothecary Forums, where you can post questions regarding specific applications of each oil. Questions in the forums are regularly answered by Ananda Apothecary staff, and other experienced aromatherapy practitioners. |
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Suggested
Uses:
|
Diffuse or add to water
or rub peppermint essential oil on the stomach for digestion. Rub a small amount on the temples for headaches. Place a couple drops
on the tongue to improve alertness. |
| Possible Actions: |
Has been traditionally been used for stimulating
the mind, supporting digestion, as a decongestant and insect repellent. |
Possible
Indications: |
Can be supportive in cases of nausea, indigestion, fatigue,
sinusitis, congestion. |
| Cautions: |
Always test a small amount first for sensitivity or allergic reaction. If
pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult a physician. NOT to be used on infants less than 30 months old. |
GRAS/FA Status:
What is this? |
Listed GRAS. Read more... |
Blends and
Recipes: |
For measuring blends using % concentrations, or for measuring fractions of milliliters, see measuring essential oils. Peppermint oil tends to overpower other oils and is not generally used
in blends. |
About
Ananda Aromatherapy
Essential Oils: |
All oils from Ananda Aromatherapy are therapeutic grade,
meaning they are produced to the highest quality standards possible. Our essential oils are
chosen for their integrity (all chemical constituents important for aromatherapy are intact), ecological
'soundness' (most are claimed organic, certified organic, or wild grown), and wonderful
aromas. You may order a sample of any oil before trying larger amounts. Most samples are about .75ml; exotic oils such as Melissa, Rose, Angelica and Jasmine are only a few drops, but certainly enough to enjoy their aroma! |
*The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made as to any medicinal value of this oil or any products from The Ananda Apothecary. The information presented here is for educational purposes of traditional uses and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information. |
