Peppermint

Menthe peperita

Green

Peppermint has strong cooling and stimulating properties. It is a potent oil and should be used in moderation. It is mentioned in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for flatulence and intestinal colic and a preparation of Peppermint elixir is offered to new mothers on maternity wards, particularly after caesarian section as a remedy for this. It has been used for centuries in both Eastern and Western medicine as a remedy for nausea and digestive complaints-amongst other ailments.

Peppermint, is of course, commonly used as an ingredient of toothpastes and mouthwashes as a breath freshener. It is highly recommended as a first aid remedy for toothache because the cooling, menthol content of the oil has analgesic and anaesthetic qualities that will numb the gums and relieve the pain-apply a drop to the tooth, then go to the dentist!

Peppermint invigorates, clears the head and is refreshing and cooling on a hot, muggy day. A few drops inhaled from a tissue can relieve headaches, colds,sinusitis and mental fatigue: travel sickness can also be alleviated in this way. Peppermint is excellent in a footbath as a cure for tired, aching feet-it deodorises at the same time.

Contraindications-do not use undiluted. Use in moderation as Peppermint is an extremely potent essential oil. Do not massage the oil over the entire body-the cooling effect of the menthol content could induce hypothermia. Peppermint is a stimulant, so avoid just before sleep. Do not use this oil in conjunction with homeopathic remedies-Peppermint acts as an antidote to them.

This is a very odiferous oil and tends to overwhelm other essential oils, so it is best on it’s own (blended  in low dilution, with a carrier oil).