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Pure Essential oil
peppermint
Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Method of Extraction: Steam
Peppermint is steam distilled from the entire herb. Some of the active
components of this oil are menthol, mentone, limonene, menthene and
phellandrene. It has been said that plants grown in England produce the best
quality oil due to the moderate climate. Some of its countries of origin are
Europe, USA and China.
The most popular use of this essential oil is as a remedy for digestive
upsets and is very beneficial to the stomach, liver and
intestines(intestinal antiseptic), making it good to use when dealing with
colic, diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting and stomach pains due to its
antispasmodic action on the smooth muscles of the stomach and gut.
Peppermint tea may be consumed or a massage oil into which a few drops of
peppermint essential oil have been added may be gently massaged onto the
stomach in a clockwise direction. When fighting colds or the flu, peppermint
is very effective when mixed with lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree. This
will help to clear sinuses (expectorant), calm any stomach upsets or head
aches and help the body's immune system fight off infection more
effectively. To help with cleaning and decongesting acneic skin, peppermint
can be used in a facial steam. Its mildly antiseptic capabilities help to
control the proliferation of bacteria on the surface of the skin. As a
double benefit, this can also help to stimulate the brain (like rosemary &
basil) and clear the head (great before an exam or other mentally taxing
event). Of course, most critters (bugs, mice, spiders, ants) really hate the
strong smell emitted by this plant; so to discourage them from invading your
space, keep peppermint around (sprinkle a few drops on areas they frequent
and watch them vacate in a hurry). Peppermint can be an irritant to the
skin, so never apply neat and use in small dilutions when mixing in massage
oils or in the bath. Peppermint is also used to help bring down fevers. This
oil blends well with sandalwood, rosemary, marjoram, lavender, bergamot and
geranium. Peppermint cools by constricting capillaries - use in low
dilutions. Due to the menthol contend this oil can be an irritant. In the
bath 1-2 drops are enough. Keep away from children under 7.
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Sources: The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia (Wildwood) and the Fragrant Heavens (Worwood).
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