September 02, 2021
Peppermint Essential Oil Profile
Mentlza x piperita PEPPERMINT
Botanical Family Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Species
Other members of the species include:
.. /\.1. sptcaia(spearmint). Softer aroma; useful for congested skin, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis; digestive disorders, headaches/ migraines, and nervous strain. Its gentler aroma and action compared with peppennint make it a good choice for children.
M. ar· ensis (cornmlnt). Used mostly in food and favoring, and pharmacological industries. Peppennint is preferred for aromatherapy.
0 M. pulegium (pennyroyal). Oral toxin.
Should not be used in aromatherapy
Description
Short perennial plant having squared stems, sharp-toothed and pointed leaves, and whorled dusters of small white or purple flowers. Because it reproduces by means of underground runners, this plant is highly invasive in the garden1 and needs to be contained.
Distribution
Peppermint is a cultivated hybrid between M. aouaiu:a (' ater Mint) and M. spicata (Spearmint). ative to Europe (Mediterranean region) and Asia, mints are cult~ ated in England, the United States, Spam, France, and in temperate regions around the world. Peppermint plants
grown in Mitcham, England, which has a cool damp climate, produce the best oil for aromatherapy; Mitcham peppermint (which is derived from, according to Shirley Price, Mentha piperita var,officinnlis forma rubescens camus) is generally higher priced than other peppermint oils.
Extraction
Peppermint oil is steam distilled from slightly dried leaves. Rectified peppermint will appear colorless, and has a higher menthone content. (Menthone is a ketone which, at higher dosages, could potentially darn.age the central nervous system (CNS) or possibly· result in liver toxicity. This should not be be of concern when using the whole, natural oil.)
Traditional Uses
Mints have been cultivated in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Peppermint was first recognized as a distinct species in seventeenth century England, and ½ as listed, in 1721, in the London Pharmacopoeia as M. piperiits sapore. Long recognized as an aid to digestive disorders, Peppermint Water and Spirit of Peppermint are official preparations of the modern British Pharmacopoeia. Spearmint has similar uses to peppermint, although its therapeutic action is milder. Both spearmint and peppermint are widely used as flavouring and fragrance agents.
Botanical Family Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Species
Other members of the species include:
.. /\.1. sptcaia(spearmint). Softer aroma; useful for congested skin, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis; digestive disorders, headaches/ migraines, and nervous strain. Its gentler aroma and action compared with peppennint make it a good choice for children.
M. ar· ensis (cornmlnt). Used mostly in food and favoring, and pharmacological industries. Peppennint is preferred for aromatherapy.
0 M. pulegium (pennyroyal). Oral toxin.
Should not be used in aromatherapy
Description
Short perennial plant having squared stems, sharp-toothed and pointed leaves, and whorled dusters of small white or purple flowers. Because it reproduces by means of underground runners, this plant is highly invasive in the garden1 and needs to be contained.
Distribution
Peppermint is a cultivated hybrid between M. aouaiu:a (' ater Mint) and M. spicata (Spearmint). ative to Europe (Mediterranean region) and Asia, mints are cult~ ated in England, the United States, Spam, France, and in temperate regions around the world. Peppermint plants
grown in Mitcham, England, which has a cool damp climate, produce the best oil for aromatherapy; Mitcham peppermint (which is derived from, according to Shirley Price, Mentha piperita var,officinnlis forma rubescens camus) is generally higher priced than other peppermint oils.
Extraction
Peppermint oil is steam distilled from slightly dried leaves. Rectified peppermint will appear colorless, and has a higher menthone content. (Menthone is a ketone which, at higher dosages, could potentially darn.age the central nervous system (CNS) or possibly· result in liver toxicity. This should not be be of concern when using the whole, natural oil.)
Traditional Uses
Mints have been cultivated in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Peppermint was first recognized as a distinct species in seventeenth century England, and ½ as listed, in 1721, in the London Pharmacopoeia as M. piperiits sapore. Long recognized as an aid to digestive disorders, Peppermint Water and Spirit of Peppermint are official preparations of the modern British Pharmacopoeia. Spearmint has similar uses to peppermint, although its therapeutic action is milder. Both spearmint and peppermint are widely used as flavouring and fragrance agents.