Peppermint Essence

Description

PEPPERMINT or MINT (Mentha piperata)

Family: Labiatae.

Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the leaves and flowers.

Fragrance: : Fresh, strong, penetrating.

General description and habitat:

Many varieties; native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia, although it is found in all temperate climates; square stems and paired leaves; flowers are purple to white; oil glands in leaves and stems; perennial; The USA is the largest producer of the essential oil.

Principal constituents:

Menthol, carvone, cineol, limonene, Menthone, pinene, thymol, aldehydes, acetic and valerianic acids.

History

History and folk use:

The ancient Egyptians used mint as a ritual perfume and it is referred to in the Bible and in Greek and Roman mythology. Hippocrates refers to the diuretic and stimulating qualities. The Romans used it to help with digestion. The plant was only discovered in England in 1696 and quickly found a place in English Medicine.

Properties & Uses

General properties:

Antiseptic, antibacterial, stomachic, carminative, antispasmodic, tonic, stimulant.

Primary Uses:

Bruises	Mouth infections
Nausea	Toothache

Secondary Uses:

Abdominal Pains,	Acne,
Anorexia Nervosa,	Bites,
Colic,	Coughing,
Cramp,	Dysmenorrhoea,
Mouth Thrush,	Mouth Ulcers,
Stings,	Stress,
Swollen Gums,

Peppermint oil has approval status by the German Commission E for nasal ointment.

References:

Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.

Contraindications

Do not use undiluted or in the bath on its own.

Not to be rubbed over the whole body.

If used at night it may keep you awake.

Mint remedies are incompatible with homeopathy.

Mint oil has approval status by the German Commission E.

References:

Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.