Description
Peppermint – Mentha piperita – India
Family: Labiatae (mint family)
Country of Origin: India
Extraction: Distilled from leaves and flowers
Volatility: Top / Middle note
Colour: Colourless to pale yellow
Aroma: Light, sharp and refreshing like menthol with a hint of sweet
Noted Constituents
Alcohols -menthol (20-40%),
Ketones – menthone (15-21%)
Sesquiterpenes (5-10%) – germacene (2-5%)
Monoterpenes (6-15%)– b pinene (1-4%), limonene (2-6%), ocimene (1-2%)
Esters (5-8%) – methyl acetate
Cautions / Safety Data
Use in low concentrations as it may cause skin irritation. Do not use while breast feeding. Do not use on the skin full strength. Always dilute in appropriate carriers before use. Do not use in conjunction with homeopathic remedies or store in the same general area as it may antidote remedies. Do not use in the evening or over long periods of time as it may interrupt sleep patterns and trigger insomnia. Not for internal use. If pregnant or suffering from serious medical conditions, consult a qualified health professional, experienced in the use of essential oils.
Useful Information
The menthol from peppermint is used by many pharmaceutical and OTC companies for topical products which have a deep cooling and analgesic effect for pain and swelling.
Peppermint has an internal cooling effect. This is considered by many to be useful in dispelling fevers.
Since ants, cockroaches, mice, rats and other pests strongly dislike the odour, it may be an effective alternative to conventional poisons.
**One of the few oils where redistillation is useful. Original distiillation produces far too much menthol (sometimes up to 80%). This makes the oil quite hazardous as it is unsafe to apply to the skin even diluted Redistillation brings it down to about 40% which is tolerable and therapeutic.
Disclaimer
Essential oils are not meant to be a replacement for traditional medical treatment of diseases and conditions. When in doubt, please consult a physician.
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