Peppermint Essential Oil

Mentha piperita is native parts of Europe and the Middle East.

It can be diffused, inhaled or applied directly to the skin.

Known Uses

Peppermint is one of the most recognizable scents when it comes to essential oils. Peppermint essential oil comes from the peppermint plant, which is a cross between spearmint and watermint, found widely in North America and parts of Europe.

Peppermint essential oil is one of the most versatile oils in the world. Peppermint oil is commonly used to flavor foods and drinks (ie. tea, candy,ice cream, etc.) and to fragrance items like soaps, toothpaste, and cosmetics.

Peppermint essential oil has a cooling and tingling sensation that has a calming effect when used topically. It helps relax muscles through massage and can comfort sore muscles after a good workout.

There is also evidence that this oil helps with digestive issues. It is recommended to help soothe nausea even in pregnant women.

Combatting headaches, migraines, stress, and respiratory problems are also strengths of this oldest of medicines. As an antifugal and antimicrobial, pure theropuetic peppermint essential oil has healing properties for almost any and every ailment in some way or another from outer ailments of the skin and hair to inner issues with the cirulatory, urinary, respiratory and immune systems.

History

It's medicinal uses are documented as far back as thousands of years ago in Ancient Egypt, China and Japan. First century scientist and historian, Pliny, recorded that Greeks and Romans used peppermint to flavor foods and to fragrance rooms. It was used in 13th century Iceland and began to be cultivated for its medicinal purposes in 18th century England. Cultivation of the plant began in the United States in the early 1800s and by the mid-1900s about 90% of the peppermint of the world was being cultivated in Michigan.

Warning

Not intended for use with infants. Using too much peppermint oil may cause allergic reaction, headaches, and heartburn.