Peppermint

Species name: Mentha peperita.

Also known as: Peppermint oil is extracted from Mentha piperita of the Labiatae family and is also known as brandy mint and balm mint.

Peppermint is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean areas. 

It is now cultivated widely, not only in the United States, but all over the world, and the essential oil is one of the most widely used, and familiar oils in the world. 

The herb from which this essential oil is obtained, has many species, and peppermint piperita is a hybrid of watermint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata).

Peppermint might also be the only herb to have its own myth.  In Greek myth, Mentha was a nymph who appealed to the God, Pluto, but his wife, Persephone, attacked her and stamped her into the soil. 

Pluto, feeling remorse for his pursuit or Persephone, turned her into a peppermint plant, so everyone would appreciate her for all time. 

Peppermint has been proven to have been in use as far back as 1000 years before Christ.

Home Remedies using Peppermint Essential Oil:

Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil:

Peppermint essential oil is used in aromatherapy in diffusers, steam baths, and simmer pots.  It is used as a dental aid, breath freshener, and medicines.

It has proven effective as a pain reliever, to cleanse wounds and medical equipment, to stop spasms associated with stomach and intestinal spasms associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Peppermint also has decongestant properties, opening clogged nasal passages and bronchial airways.  Peppermint oil is also energizing and promotes alertness.

Peppermint essential oil is a very good aid for digestion.  It is used for spasms, excess gas, colic, and painful menstruation. 

It is a good topical agent to reduce swelling and redness, acne, scabies, ringworm, soothes sunburn, and itching.

• Peppermint essential oil is extremely beneficial in aromatherapy.  It may be used in a diffuser, simmer pot, or steam therapy.
• It may be blended with other oils and a carrier for massage therapy.  It may be added to a steam bath for therapeutic soaks.
• Peppermint essential oil may be added to a mouth wash to treat bad breath, gingivitis, and other oral infections.
• Peppermint essential oil may be added to cream or lotion bases to ease skin irritations and disorders, reduce inflammation, and soothe troubled skin.

Oral Hygiene:

As mentioned above, peppermint essential oil can help with oral hygiene.

Additionally, by adding a very small drop of peppermint oil to baking soda it can be used to brush your teeth while whitening your smile.

Headache Relief:

• 1 drop peppermint oil
• 5 drops lavender oil
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil

Mix ingredients and massage into the neck and shoulder areas.

This can also be massaged around the temple area and massaged into the hairline. Avoid getting into the eyes.

Congestion:

For nasal relief or sinus congestion, add a few drops to a small bowl and place on the side of the bathtub while you're in the shower or bring it in the sauna with you while you're relaxing.

Side Effects of Peppermint Essential Oil:

Peppermint oil is not considered toxic or an irritant, but if not diluted properly, sensitization may occur due to the high menthol concentration in peppermint oil.  

Peppermint essential oil may cause irritation to the skin and mucus membranes, so it should be kept out of eyes. 

Pregnant women and children should not use peppermint essential oil.