Ar’home Introductions Series: Peppermint

Bienvenue Ar’home readers,

Introducing, Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)

Grown in Provence, France, this mint has a powerful stimulating and refreshing effect. It is traditionally known to help in cases of nausea or headache, and to promote concentration.

Family: Lamiaceae Origin: France (Provence) Extraction: Steam distilled Plant part: Aerial Aroma: Minty, characteristic Note: Middle top Odour intensity: Strong Cultivation: Conventional farming

Ar’home System Classification: Neurological / Endocrine

Properties
Indigestion, respiratory problems, headache, nausea – fever, stomach & bowel spasms, analgesic, antispasmodic.

Getting to know Peppermint EO a little better
Peppermint oil is extracted from Mentha piperita of the Labiatae family and is also known as brandy mint and balm mint. Peppermint oil is excellent for mental fatigue and depression, refreshing the spirit and stimulating mental agility and improving concentration. It helps for apathy, shock, headache, migraine, nervous stress, vertigo and faintness. For the digestive system, peppermint oil is effective for a range of ailments, as it stimulates the gallbladder and the secretion of bile. It is used for colic, cramps, dyspepsia, spastic colon, flatulence and nausea. It can relieve pain in cases of toothache, aching feet, rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular pains and painful periods.

Safety 101 when using Peppermint Essential Oil
Prohibited in: pregnant and lactating women, subjects with epilepsy, children under 6 and the elderly. STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN INFANTS under 30 MONTHS (local contact toxicity: laryngeal or nasal reflex which can lead to respiratory arrest). Dosage: Use punctually and in limited doses. No prolonged use without the advice of an aromatherapist. Dilution & contact: Irritant, and powerful cooling effect: always dilute well, use at 30% maximum for skin application. Reserve for very localized or very diluted use. Don’t use it in baths. Avoid contact with the eyes, do not apply too close to the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Diffusion: In diffusion, dilute in other softer essential oils (dosage at 15% max). Hormone interaction: Possible stimulating effect on ovarian function, not recommended in case of estrogen-dependent pathology.

Merci, à bientôt,

Sandra