Peppermint Pure Essential Oil (10ml)

Name: Peppermint, Mentha piperita

Manufacturer: Natural by Nature

Size: 10 ml

Concentration: 100% concentrated and pure

Cooling when hot, warming when cold. Uniquely refreshing, cleansing and stimulating - reawakens and restores completely

About Peppermint Essential Oil: A must in any essential first aid kit, the intensely revivifying scent of peppermint awakens the mind and stimulates the senses, while decongesting, invigorating and fortifying the body. The remedy for digestive concerns, it is also effective for respiratory ailments, aches and pains and queasiness. 

Description of Aroma: A bright, sharp, menthol aroma. This refreshingly familiar scent has piercingly strong, grassy, mint fragrance. 

Ruling Planet: Mercury or Venus

Properties Beneficial To The Mind, Emotions And Spirit: The aromatic influences of peppermint are purifying and stimulating to the conscious mind, and refreshing to the spirit. It physically clears the head, leaving you feeling bright, fresh and ready for mental exertion and clear thinking, and might prevent memory lapses. Yet if you think too much or have a 'hot head' it will cool you down. 

Warming to that depressed, chilly feeling at the onset of a cold, peppermint is considered helpful for many nervous and psychological disorders, such as hysteria, depression, mental fatigue, anger and nervous trembling. Beneficial for healers to prevent loss of energy, this oil is also reputed to possess aphrodisiac properties and may help impotence by promoting vitality. 

Of Interest: The origin of peppermint is something of a mystery, although it is known to have been in existence since ancient times. Dried peppermint leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids, dating from around 1000 BC, proving it was considered valuable at this time. It was also used since antiquity in China and Japan, and was highly valued for it digestive properties by the Greeks and Romans, who also used it to flavour wines and sauces. During festivities they would crown themselves with wreaths made from the leaves. The Hebrews employed it as an ingredient in perfume, reputedly due to its aphrodisiac qualities.

Menthol is the chemical component responsible for most of the therapeutic action of peppermint, and yet it is more effective when used as a complete essential oil rather than alone. Menthol comes from the Greek word menta, meaning mint. According to Greek mythology, Pluto fell in love with Mentha, a beautiful nymph. His jealous wife, Persephone, ferociously pounded Mentha into the ground, so Pluto changed her into a fragrant plant for some compensation.

Peppermint is said to have been 'discovered' in England in 1696, where it has been cultivated commercially since 1750. It became popular in Western Europe during the 18th century, and it is now believed that Italian and English plants produce the best quality of oil - particularly the Mitchum variety - due to the moderate climate, although nowadays peppermint is cultivated world-wide. 

The mint family is related to numerous other oil-producing herbs. There are about 20 species of mint, and peppermint - a hybrid perennial - is quite possibly the result of cross-pollination between water mint and spearmint. Approximately 1,100lbs of plant material yields between 1 1/4oz and 1lb of essential oil. (Do avoid Mentha pilegium as it is highly toxic.) 

According to Robert Tisserand (The Art of Aromatherapy), therapeutically, peppermint is one of the most important oils. Peppermint oil will kill staphylococcus bacteria and neutralize tuberculosis bacillus. For generations peppermint leaves have been used to treat pneumonia by the Menominees, a tribe of North American Indians.

Commercial uses for peppermint include confectionery, pharmaceuticals and toiletries, and it is well-known as flavouring for toothpaste, chewing gum, sauces, jellies, ice-cream, cigarettes and liqueurs, such as Creme de Menthe. Peppermint tea has long been an effective remedy for indigestion and upset stomachs. The leaves are also a delicious and beneficial addition to salads, meat dishes and cold drinks. 

Properties Beneficial To The Physical Body: The primary therapeutic value of peppermint is as a remedy for numerous digestive disorders. These include I.B.S., indigestion, colic, ulcers and bloating. It may even help if you have impaired taste and smell. It is also a valuable aid for respiratory concerns such as colds, flu and sinusitis, and may calm a nervous headache.

An emergency treatment for shock, peppermint can also ease nausea, morning and travel sickness and faintness - just inhale straight from the bottle. This oil stimulates the immune system, is an effective painkiller for muscle aches and pains, and possibly breaks up stones in the gallbladder and kidneys. 

Peppermint is a refreshing tonic, softens the skin and strengthens its natural defenses, possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and cools by constricting the capillaries. It is therefore a valuable ally in treating numerous skin disorders including irritated, congested and oily skin prone to blackheads and acne. Put a few drops in the final rinse for oily hair. 

Peppermint Blending Suggestions: The aroma of peppermint tends to dominate, so do use sparingly. It does add an inspiriting aura to your blends, so try it with eucalyptus, immortel, rock rose, cedarwood, cypress, benzoin, mandarin, marjoram, niaouli, lavender, lemon, balm, lime, verbena, pine, rosemary and grapefruit. 

Alternative Suggestions For Use: Add a few drops of peppermint to a diffuser in rooms used for meetings and conferences, as it creates a clear, uncluttered environment. It makes a wonderfully soothing, cooling foot-bath, and will keep you alert during long driving trips. Insects and vermin dislike the smell of this oil - a few drops on your pillow should keep the mosquitoes away. 

Essential Safety Precautions: The aroma of peppermint can be overpowering, so use sparingly and diluted: Always use in less than a 1% dilution when applying to the skin to avoid irritation, and only 1 drop for inhaling. Add no more than 3 drops to a bath, especially with sensitive skin. Too much will leave you shivering. Remember that in the case of peppermint, less is more.

Avoid peppermint if you have hay fever, as this oil can irritate the mucous membranes. Do not use in the evening as it can cause wakefulness - unless this is the desired effect. Prolonged use may disrupt your sleep patterns. Do not use peppermint with cardiac disease or high blood pressure. Use with caution during pregnancy, and if breast-feeding, as it can inhibit milk flow. This oil can cancel out the effects of homeopathic medicines - even if stored close-by! 

Do not use essential oils undiluted or take internally without the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The information contained here is for general interest and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment

More About Natural by Nature
Natural by Nature Oils was established in 1974 and were one of the first companies to promote aromatherapy in the UK. Since then their reputation and expertise in producing high quality essential oils has grown and they are now recognised as one of the leading authorities in this field. Founder, Franzesca Watson is also an author and broadcaster and founded the International School of Aromatherapy in 1991.

They are against animal testing of any kind on all cosmetic products and their ingredients. They have never tested their products on animals, and do not use any animal derivatives or by-products. All their packaging is 100% recyclable or biodegradable where possible.