Peppermint Essential Oil | Mentha balsamea | Mentha piperita – 100% Natural and Organic Essential Oils

Peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oils out there. It can be used aromatically, topically and internally to address a number of health concerns, from muscles aches and seasonal allergy symptoms to low energy and digestive complaints.

It’s also commonly used to boost energy levels and improve both skin and hair health.

A review conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University found that peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities. It also:

• works as a strong antioxidant
• displays anti-tumor actions in lab studies
• shows anti-allergenic potential
• has pain-killing effects
• helps relax the gastrointestinal tract
• may be chemopreventive

It’s no wonder why peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils in the world and why I recommend that everyone has it in his or her medicine cabinet at home.

What Is Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint is a hybrid species of spearmint and water mint (Mentha aquatica). The essential oils are gathered by CO2 or cold extraction of the fresh aerial parts of the flowering plant.

The most active ingredients include menthol (50 percent to 60 percent) and menthone (10 percent to 30 percent).

Forms

You can find peppermint in several forms, including peppermint essential oil, peppermint leaves, peppermint spray and peppermint tablets. The active ingredients in peppermint give the leaves their invigorating and energizing effects.

Menthol oil is commonly used in balms, shampoos and other body products for its beneficial properties.

History

Not only is peppermint oil one of the oldest European herbs used for medicinal purposes, but other historical accounts date its use to ancient Japanese and Chinese folk medicine. It’s also mentioned in Greek mythology when the nymph Mentha (or Minthe) was transformed into a sweet-smelling herb by Pluto, who had fallen in love with her and wanted people to appreciate her for years to come.

The many peppermint oil uses have been documented back to 1000 B.C. and have been found in several Egyptian pyramids.

Today, peppermint oil is recommended for its anti-nausea impacts and soothing effects on the gastric lining and colon. It’s also valued for its cooling effects and helps relieve sore muscles when used topically.

In addition to this, peppermint essential oil displays antimicrobial properties, which is why it can be used to fight infections and even freshen your breath. Pretty impressive, right?