Congratulations Peppermint! You share the title with Lavender of being called one of the most versatile oils in the world. Mentha piperita, or Peppermint as it's commonly known, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean, but has also been cultivated in the USA, Italy, Great Britain, and Japan. In America Washington is the leading producer of mint oil nationwide. Washington farmers produce the most spearmint oil and the second-most peppermint oil, with about 17,000 acres of spearmint and 16,000 acres of peppermint,
Extracted from the Peppermint herb, the uses of this cherished plant and its benefits have been traced back to Chinese and Japanese folk medicine practices and even Ancient Egyptian times where dried Peppermint leaves were found placed in tombs inside the pyramids.
The essential oils of Peppermint are found in cells on the underside of the leaves and are collected through the process of steam distilling the fresh or partially dried plant leaves.
HISTORY AND BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT
Considered by botanists to be a hybrid of wintermint and spearmint, archaeological evidence suggests that the medicinal use of Peppermint dates back at least 10,000 years. Peppermint has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, and both the Romans and Greeks used Peppermint to flavor sauces and wines. Commercial cultivation of Peppermint began in the late 18th century.
Historically, peppermint dates back as one of the oldest medicinal herbs used in Europe, an ancient remedy for both Chinese and Japanese cultures, and in Egyptian medicine. In Greek mythology, Pluto pursued the nymph Mentha, he transformed her into an herb (guess which?) so that the generations to come would enjoy her just as well as he. Such a colorful legacy is contained well in this cool, accessible, effective substance.
Typically, peppermint essential oil is used as an antiemetic (helps to prevent nausea) and antispasmodic (helps to prevent vomiting as well as any other harsh gastrointestinal contractions). It’s a soothing digestive aid and beneficial during times of illness.
Revitalizing and stimulating, peppermint essential oil is the way to go if you need to get some aggressive cleaning done. Peppermint's cleaning power is due to its antiseptic properties, and it happens to repel bugs such as ants, spiders, and cockroaches, too.
Peppermint acts as an astringent that closes pores and tightens the skin. It's cooling and warming sensations make it an effective anesthetic that leaves the skin numb to pain and calms redness and inflammation.
Aromatherapy:
Peppermint essential oil’s expectorant properties clear the nasal passageway to promote the relief of congestion and to encourage easy breathing. It is believed to stimulate circulation, reduce feelings of nervous tension, soothe feelings of irritability, boost energy, balance hormones, and enhance mental focus. When diluted and inhaled or when rubbed in small amounts behind the ear, this digestive oil can reduce the feeling of nausea.
Place some drops of Peppermint oil in your personal diffuser pendant. Try different amounts of drops and see which works the best and longest.
Check out our amazing collection of diffuser pendants and car diffusers. You can even personalize some of them.
Cosmetically:
Peppermint can aid in achieving a smoother complexion and may help to relieve eczema and psoriasis. Try mixing lavender and peppermint essential oils together and apply. To relieve acne, you can mix peppermint oil with coconut or jojoba oils and apply onto the affected areas.
Medicinally:
Peppermint essential oil has been found to eliminate harmful bacteria, relieve muscle spasms and flatulence, disinfect and soothe inflamed skin, and to release muscle tension when used in a massage. When diluted with a carrier oil and rubbed into the feet, it can work as a natural effective fever reducer.
Hair:
Peppermint oil is frequently added to a variety of high quality hair care products it helps to remove dandruff and lice as well as nourishes dry and damaged hair. Its antiseptic and soothing qualities help to relieve irritation of the scalp while its regenerative qualities facilitate hair growth. Add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil into your current shampoo and conditioner and use as per normal and make your hair much healthier and more radiant.
Uses:
Combine a cup of water with 10 to 15 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle and spritz it into any cracks, crevices, or crannies where critters have been spotted. You can also just spray it into the air for an invigorating air freshener.
Peppermint oil helps to reduce cavities and may outperform mouthwash chemicals like chlorhexidine! For a natural mouthwash add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil into your toothpaste or you can even add it to a cup of water to be used as a mouthwash solution to get rid of bad breath and reduce the prevalence of oral infections/diseases.
Caution: Do not swallow - external use only
To reduce nausea, diffuse Peppermint oil or rub 1-2 drops of diluted Peppermint oil behind your ears.
Peppermint oil has the ability to boost concentration and make you more alert, it is also a great support for children who have Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Diffuse peppermint oil in a diffuser or vaporizer and put it on your work desk table. Alternatively, you can spritz some peppermint oil onto your child’s shirt before he/she needs to do some serious studying or rub a small amount of diluted peppermint oil under her nose. They may have trouble concentrating on a given task, so using peppermint oil might potentially be a great help in getting them to focus and to stay alert.
For additional advice on how to use or blend oils please contact MrsNurse at contact@mrandmrsnurse.com
Cautions:
For external use only: MrandMrsNurse always suggest consulting with a medical practitioner before using essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use essential oils without the medical advice of a physician. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.
Essential Oils should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children.
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