Description
Essential oils are natural products that can be used to improve health and well-being. Peppermint essential oil is a popular choice for its ability to relieve states of anger, hysteria, nervous trembling, depression, and mental fatigue. It is also effective for colds, coughs, sinus congestion, respiratory disorders, and the digestive system.
Organic Peppermintessential oil
Botanical (and family):
Mentha piperita. FamilyLabiatae
Distribution:
Mentha Piperita is produced from the hybridisation of three other species of Mentha, all natives of Southern Europe. The plants are now cultivated worldwide.
Description of plant:
A perennial herb, up to 1 metre high with green stems and leaves.
Extraction:
Steam distillation from the rapidly dried herb.
Charactersitics:
A pale yellow coloured liquid with a powerful grassy-minty odour, a deep balsamic-sweet undertone and a sweet, clean dryout note.
TOP TO MIDDLE NOTE
Odour effects:
Powerful and overwhelming.
Cautions:
Likely to irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and will certainly irritate the eyes. To be avoided during pregnancy and by nursing mothers. Likely to anti-dote homeopathic remedies.
Main chemical constituents:
Menthyl acetate - 6%
Menthone, Iso-menthone, pulegone - 30%
Germacrene, Beta-caryophyllene - 6%
Aesculetine, menthofuran - 1%
1 - 8 Cineole, caryophyllene oxide - 7%
Phellandrene, alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Menthen, Limonene - 6%
Menthol, Neomenthol, isomenthol, linalool - 42%
Properties and indications:
MIND:
Seems to relieve states of anger, hysteria and nervous trembling. Ideal for mental fatigue and depression.
BODY:
A good remedy for colds by halting mucous and encouraging perspiration. Useful in dry coughs, sinus congestion and general respiratory disorders. Has a major action on the digestive system. Has a relaxing effect on the stomach muscles. Deals with vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, halitosis, colic, gall stones, nausea and travel sickness. Could assist in kidney and liver disorders. Good for numbness of limbs, shock, vertigo, anaemia, dizziness and fainting. A tonic to the heart and mind. Seems to ease headaches, migraines and toothache. A great remedy for aching feet and may provide some relief from rheumatism, neuralgia and muscle-aches.
SKIN:
Could be useful in cases of dermatitis, ringworm, scabies and pruritis. Can relieve itching, inflammation and sunburn. Softens skin, enabling removal of blackheads. Has a good effect on greasy skin and hair.
Other uses:
A great deterrent for rodents and insects. Has a wide range of flavour uses, especially chewing gum and sweets. Employed extensively in the toothpaste industry.
Blends well with:
Benzoin, Cedarwood, Cypress, Lavender, Mandarin, Marjoram, Niaouli, Pine, Rosemary.
RSA - Produced in South Africa
Unless a stated blend, our oils are in a completelynatural, unadulterated state.
Where possible, we purchase direct from source.
We access 32% of our range from Southern African Farmers.
The contents of the Knysna Health website shall not be regarded as medical advice, or a basis from which to make medical decisions. The use of information found on this site is completely your responsibility and at your own risk. Our recommendation is that if you have health concerns that you feel unsure about how to deal with, that you contact your trusted health professional for personalized advice.