Description
HISTORY OF USE
Peppermint has been in use for centuries. In the Ebers Papyrus from Egypt, which dates to about 1500 BC, peppermint is mentioned by name. Peppermint was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians and the ancient inhabitants of China and Japan. Historically, peppermint was used in many parts of the world for digestion, cramps and nausea.
EXTRACTION
Just before maturity, the flowers and leaves are removed. About 2 pounds of essential oil can be steam distilled from about 600 lbs. of fresh plant material.
CHARACTERISTICS
The essential oil is clear to pale yellow or pale olive green. It has a strong, fresh minty aroma. Be sure to store the oil properly. Otherwise, the oil color can become dark, and the oil can become a thick resin. Peppermint can overpower other aromas which can make it hard to use for blends.
SAFETY ISSUES AND TIPS
According to Tisserand & Young (Essential Oil Safety: Second Edition, pg. 387, 2014), Peppermint Essential Oil should not be used by any route by persons with cardiac fibrillation and/or G6PD enzyme deficiency. We do not recommend internal use of essential oils except under guidance of an appropriately trained and licensed health care professional; in the case of Peppermint Essential Oil, internal use is specifically to be avoided by persons with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as it may produce a worsening of symptoms. Follow all other safety guidelines as indicated in the box below.
BOTANICAL NAME | Mentha piperita
ORIGIN | USA
CULTIVATION | Conventional
METHOD OF EXTRACTION | Steam Distillation
SOURCE | Herb
NOTE | Top
BLENDS WELL WITH | Basil, benzoin, black pepper, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, niaouli, pine, ravensara, rosemary, tea tree
