What You Always Wanted To Know About Peppermint Oil

by Maria Schasteen

Therapeutic grade peppermint oil, extracted from mentha piperita of the Labiatae family, is obtained by steam distillation of the herb in full bloom. Menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint oil, is popular in many ways today. But to produce therapeutic grade peppermint oil, particular attention to detail during the growing, harvesting and distillation process is paramount.

Peppermint oil is a colorless liquid with an invigorating mint odor and taste. It has a strong, clean, fresh aroma that reminds of a brisk ocean breeze. The fresh scent of peppermint oil can energize a person instantly. It provides oxygen to the blood, enhances mental clarity, dispels tiredness, improves circulation, and leaves a fresh taste and clean breath when ingested. Anyone who ever experienced the true power of peppermint oil knows how refreshing just one drop of this oil can be.

Here are 10 ways peppermint oil is used today, every day:

1. Peppermint Oil for Dental Hygiene: Peppermint oil is used in toothpaste, mouthwash, for toothpicks and floss. Peppermint oil is a dentists best friend. It is used as mouth rise, tooth cleaner and even as mild anesthetic. Periodontal disease and gum infection are treated using the essential oil of peppermint. Peppermint chewing gums or mint lozenges are favorite breath fresheners.

2. Peppermint Oil and Digestion: Peppermint oil is known all along to aid digestion. It is traditionally used for stomach aches and bowel conditions. Medicines and ointments are enriched with this versatile essential oil to lend digestive aid. Peppermint oil may be highly effective at relieving cramps, spasms and pain.

3. Peppermint Oil for Various Ailments: Peppermint oil is largely used in medicines and available as pills or inhalant. It is used to combat heartburn, cold and flu, irritable bowel disease, arthritis, headaches, vertigo, and countless other ailments.

4. Peppermint Oil and Science: Studies on the effect of peppermint oil include its influence on liver and respiratory systems, improved taste and smell, concentration and mental activity, satiation, irritable bowel syndrome, daytime sleepiness, and many more.

5. Peppermint Oil in Sports: Peppermint oil is widely used for bone, muscle and nerve pain and to regenerate tissues. Athletes commonly use analgesic, invigorating or calming rubs before and after workout. Peppermint oil is a favorite cooling muscle relaxant with antispasmodic effect.

6. Peppermint Oil in Personal Care and Cosmetic Products: Peppermint oil fragrance is found in personal care and cosmetic products such as shampoo, deodorant, lip balm or soap. Beware! Commercial menthol fragrance is frequently made of synthetic compounds and therefore potentially carcinogenic. Synthetic peppermint fragrance causes severe health reactions (depression, skin disorders, etc.) and should be avoided at all cost.

7. Peppermint Oil in Your First Aid Kit: Peppermint oil should be an integral part of any first aid kit. It is used for heat stroke, hemorrhoids, tension headache, to reduce fever, help with poison ivy, boost mood and reduce fatigue, relieve nausea, and much more.

8. Peppermint Oil as Insect Repellent: Using peppermint oil (peppermint essential oil) as insect repellents is a natural way to get rid of mosquitoes, moths, horse-flies, aphids, cockroaches, ants and more.

9. Peppermint Oil in Cooking: From drinking hot or ice cold peppermint tea, to making delicious peppermint ice cream or other mint treats, peppermint oil will lend its invigorating mint aroma to every kitchen.

10. Peppermint and Aromatherapy: Peppermint oil is a favorite essential oil used for dietary, aromatic or topical application. With its invigorating, energizing and stimulating properties, peppermint oil can also be soothing, calming and cleansing.

Peppermint oil is one of the world's oldest medicinal herbs. Already in use by the ancient people in Egypt, Greece and Rome. Back then, therapeutic grade essential oil cultivation and distillation was a highly refined art and precious tradition only accessible to a few. It was so secret, and by law no common worker was allowed to divulge the process of producing essential oils to anyone without losing his life.

Essential oils were regarded more valuable than gold and only accessible to kings. Today the healing art and science of therapeutic-grade essential oils has been made available to all. Though not on shelves in health food stores, people seek out the true source of nature. They ask for high quality therapeutic-grade oils, not harmful synthetics. One of the most wanted essential oils was and still is - the essential oil of peppermint.

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