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Peppermint Oil – [Mentha Piperata]

Peppermint – peppermint oil – originated in Europe and Asia and it is believed was commonly grown in convent gardens. Today, Mint is commercially grown in Egypt and the United States.

The peppermint plant has been extensively used for thousands of years. The Romans used peppermint oil for digestive disorders and it is, in fact, recognized as a remedy for digestive upsets and has a beneficial action on the liver, stomach, and intestines.

Peppermint Oil - facts

Appearance is clear with a yellow tinge. Extraction is usually through steam.

The most common use is in beverages, teas, jellies, ice creams, syrups, confections, and lamb dishes. Peppermint is used in Egypt, Afghanistan, India, and Mid-Eastern cuisines and spice blends such as green Thai curry, chat Mazola and mint sauce.

Peppermint Oil - digestive problems

As a remedy and relief peppermint oil is excellent for indigestion, sickness, stomach pains, colic and diarrhea due to its anti spasmodic action which helps to relieve the smooth muscles of the stomach and the gut. Peppermint oil may be used, well diluted, to massage the abdomen and stomach in a clockwise direction. Drinking peppermint tea is also beneficial.

Peppermint Oil - colds and flu

You can use peppermint oil in steam inhalations or merely inhale it from a tissue to clear your sinuses and nasal passages. When used in conjunction with Lavender or Marjoram, peppermint oil helps to fight colds and flu. It’s warming and stimulating properties will help to combat the chilly and depressed feeling that often precedes a runny nose, sneezing and high fever. It also induces sweating which helps to reduce fever in a natural way.

Peppermint Oil - headaches

Peppermint and Lavender blended together is wonderful for headaches! Both these oils are effective painkillers but whereas Peppermint is a stimulant, Lavender is a sedative. It is this combination of stimulant and sedative that is so effective. Many commercial pain killing preparations such as aspirin contain this same combination but the difference is the essential oils work on the causes that produce headaches such as mental fatigue, blocked sinuses, congested liver rather than just suppress the pain!

Peppermint Oil - other ailments to be considered:

Asthma, exhaustion, flatulence, fever, headache, nausea, sinusitis, scabies, vertigo and colic.

Peppermint Oil - mice, rats, ants, cockroaches…..

Peppermint is a very good deterrent for vermin. Sprinkle it on the runs of mice, cockroaches, rats etc and they will usually go away. You could always use it alongside another strong smelling essential oil e.g. Eucalyptus.
If you are having a problem with a cat leaving presents you don’t want try putting peppermint oil near the spot.

Peppermint Oil - AROMATIP

Don’t use Peppermint in the evening as it can cause wakefulness. Also, with regard to homoeopathic remedies, reiki healing spain recommends you store your Peppermint far away from them and don’t use it if you are taking these remedies as it can antidote them!

Safety Guidelines

You should not drink any essential oils without first consulting a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. You should not apply any undiluted essential oil, absolutes, CO2s or any other concentrated essences directly onto the surface of your skin.

You should only use essential oils when under the proper supervision of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner if you have a medical condition or you are pregnant or suffering from liver failure, cancer or epilepsy.

Always use a skin patch test when using an essential oil for the first time.

Children: you must exercise extreme care if using essential oils with children. Only the gentlest essential oils and very small quantities. You are strongly advised to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner prior to using essential oils with children.

Please refer to 'Safety Guidelines'