Spotlight On: Peppermint Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita

Part of plant used: Leaves

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Peppermint is another essential oil that I wouldn’t be without.  You may have products containing menthol, which is the main chemical component of Peppermint, in your home already.  Bengay, Tiger Balm,  Gold Bond foot powder, Vicks Vapo Rub and Fisherman’s Friends’ lozenges are just a few commercially available products that contain menthol.

I use Peppermint for cooling the skin and for muscle aches.  It’s also great for relieving nausea that is accompanied by headache, especially when mixed with Lavender, Rosemary and Eucalyptus globulus.

Most aromatherapists advised against using Peppermint during pregnancy.   Since its cooling effects can be invaluable to a pregnant woman,  I recommend to my own clients to use pure Peppermint hydrosol (or distillate) while pregnant, rather than the essential oil.  Hydrosols are the by-product of the steam distillation process, and contain many of the therapeutic values of the essential oil but they are not as aggressive.

You should also avoid using Peppermint EO on babies, toddlers and very young children as it is very stimulating.  Unless, of course, you want them to stay awake all night long!  The hydrosol is safe for children.

This oil is one of the components of my Secret Weapon cream, which my clients have told me they use to help their eczema and other skin conditions.

Refreshing Foot Soak

To 1/2 cup witch hazel, add:  20 drops Peppermint;  10 drops Grapefruit and 3 drops Ylang Ylang.  Pour this into a basin of warm water, and soak your feet for 20-30 minutes, or as long as your kids will let you!