General Description

There are over 20 species of Peppermint in existence and possibly as many 500 variants and hybrids. Native to the Mediterranean countries and Asia, many varieties are now cultivated worldwide. The biggest producer of Peppermint is now the USA

There are two forms of peppermint, ‘white’ peppermint, with bright green stems and leaves, and, ‘black’ peppermint, with purple stems and dark green leaves tinged purple-brown. Black peppermint yields the highest concentration of essential oil and is the favored variety for commercial cultivation.

History

The ancient Egyptians were possibly the first people to cultivate the peppermint plant, the remains of the dried leaves from a bouquet have been found in a tomb dating from about 3000BC. According to hieroglyphics found in the temple of Edfu, mint was also an ingredient in their sacred incense formula, kyphi.

The Greeks and Romans used teas made from the herb to scent their baths and as a general restorative. They also used peppermint as a medicine for flatulance and headaches. And for centuries the Arabs have taken peppermint tea to stimulate their virility and as a social drink. By the 14th century peppermint essential oil was being incorporated in substances to whiten teeth.

Extraction

Peppermint Oil is extracted by steam distillation from the freshly cut, partially dried plant tops. These are cut just before the plants come into flower so the oil will have the best balance of fragrant constituents. If allowed to over-mature, the quantity and quality of the resulting oil will suffer, developing off-aromas that can be sharp, bitter and overly menthol-scented. The oil is colourless to pale yellow with an intense aroma, at first cooling and refreshing, and then giving way to a sensation of numbness. The oil owes its cooling and local anaesthetic effects to the aromatic component menthol.

Aromatherapy Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil

When Peppermint Essential Oil is diluted in Carrier Oil it will awaken the senses and can be used to help ease muscular pains, relieve headaches and migraines and when used on a oil burner and inhaled it can help alleviate mild indigestion as well as combating catarrh and blocked sinuses.

Safety Data

Peppermint essential oil may sensitize the skin and should normally be used in dilutions of 1% or less. Maximum dose as a bath oil should be three drops although five drops might be used in a foot bath. May cause wakefulness and should not be used before going to bed.