Introduction
Mentha piperita, also known as peppermint is a perennial herb.
Peppermint essential oils are found in cells on the underside of the leaves and are extracted by steam distilling the fresh or partially dried plant leaves. It smells fresh, green, sweet, camphor-like, and minty.
Peppermint essential oil is one of the most versatile oils in the world. Menthol and Menthone, the most active components of Peppermint essential oil, are known to reduce pain and invigorate, energize, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, respectively. Peppermint essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, including in cosmetics, aromatherapy, relaxing baths, and as a cleaning agent around the house.
History & Magic
It's uses can be traced back to Chinese and Japanese folk medicine practices, as well as Ancient Egyptian times when dried Peppermint leaves were discovered in tombs inside the pyramids. Because the name Peppermint is frequently used interchangeably with the terms Mint and Spearmint, there has been some confusion about its cultivation history, but ancient textual references to it show that it has been used for culinary purposes and in herbal medicine since 1500 BC.
For millennia, peppermint has been used for food and medicine; evidence of its use can be found from China to Egypt.
Peppermint can be used to help one stay 'cool.'
It clears the mind, improves concentration for studying, and aids in focusing on one's intent.
It can be used in rituals of protection and cleansing.
It removes lingering emotions and cuts through irrational fears or attachments.
It is an excellent oil for seeking guidance and mental clarity.
Benefits & Uses
Peppermint is primarily used in aromatherapy as a digestive aid, to alleviate nausea and travel sickness, and to relieve cramps and colic.
It relieves PMT-related symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain.
It is also used to clear stuffiness, catarrh and sinus headaches, sinusitis, and bronchitis by decongesting the upper respiratory tract.
The cooling effect is also very pleasant as a sunburn treatment.
Peppermint oil, when diffused, can help to improve relaxation, concentration, memory, energy, and wakefulness.
Peppermint essential oil's cooling and calming effects can relieve sore muscles when used topically mixed with a carrier oil. It has traditionally been used to relieve itchiness and the discomfort associated with inflammation, headaches, and joint pains.
It can also be used to alleviate the pain of sunburns.
Peppermint essential oil is known to relieve back pain, mental fatigue, and coughs when used in a diluted massage blend or bath.
A few drops of the oil can be added to homemade spray cleaners and spritzed on areas that require anti-bacterial care, such as bathrooms and kitchens as it is Anti- fungal and Anti-microbial.
Peppermint is an effective and natural pest and insect repellent.
The scent is repulsive to mice, rats, cockroaches, and ants- a few drops on their path will undoubtedly deter them.
It is still a popular herbal home remedy.
Precautions
Because of its stimulant properties, using Peppermint essential oil on a daily basis may disrupt sleep patterns, and an overdose of the oil may result in potentially severe side effects.
Caution: Not advised during the first four months of pregnancy.
Before using peppermint oil, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Combining peppermint oil with certain drugs should be avoided because it may impair the body's ability to metabolize the drugs, increasing the risk of side effects.
Keep away from children and pets.