A variety of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has been found in Egyptian tombs of 1000 B.C. indicating that Peppermint was in evident use in ancient Egypt; both the ancient Chinese and Japanese used Peppermint oil too. The Romans used Peppermint for digestive problems and also wore garlands of Peppermint at Roman feasts; Peppermint has been used extensively in both Eastern and Western medicine for problems such as nausea, headaches, toothaches, cramp, diarrhea, sore throats and indigestion.
England was one of the best Peppermint producing areas in the world in the 18th and 19th centuries but the USA is now considered to be the world's largest producer of Peppermint oil; however, the use of Peppermint essential oil in aromatherapy is a comparatively small percentage of the overall worldwide output of Peppermint. Peppermint essential oil should not be confused with the many other varieties of mint oil available.
The Origins and Cultivation of Peppermint
Peppermint is native to Southern Europe and was introduced into North America in the 19th century; Peppermint is now cultivated worldwide and is found in China, Japan, Europe and the USA. A perennial herb of up to three feet in height, Peppermint has aromatic dark green leaves and tall spikes of purple colored flowers. Peppermint essential oil has a fresh, minty aroma and is obtained from the steam distillation of the fresh, flowering herb; it is a member of the Lamiaceae plant family.
Menthol Content of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil is extremely high in the chemical component of menthol; because of this fact, there are a number of circumstances in which care should be taken when using Peppermint oil. Peppermint essential oil is not suitable for babies and children under three years of age as the oil is too powerful; in fact, Peppermint oil should not be used even in the vicinity of young babies due to its potential hazards.
Peppermint oil should not be used in pregnancy or with nursing mothers and is not compatible with homeopathic treatments; it should not be used in cases of epilepsy or heart disease either. Used in the evening, Peppermint essential oil may cause wakefulness and, as a stimulant used over long periods of time, may cause considerable disturbances to sleep patterns.
Uses of Peppermint Oil in Aromatherapy
Peppermint oil is a versatile oil: it is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, digestive, anti-septic,an astringent, carminative and anti-spasmodic. Peppermint essential oil is used to treat migraine, bronchitis, sinusitis, indigestion, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, irregular periods and nervous conditions. It is also very useful in the treatment of colds and flu.
Additionally, Peppermint oil can be used for dermatitis, acne, muscle pain, travel sickness, to improve concentration and memory and to treat shock. It is useful to deter mice, rats, ants, cockroaches and other vermin which dislike the smell of Peppermint. Peppermint is a fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and detergents; it is also a flavoring agent in pharmaceuticals and is found in many digestive and cough and cold remedies.
References:
Davis, Patricia 1999 Aromatherapy An A-Z UK: Vermilion
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils London: Element
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