Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint oil is a phenomenal flavoring agent (ie. ice cream, desserts, drinks) and digestive aid; peppermint essential oil provides versatile supportive care with one cool punch!  Peppermint oil benefits include:

• Adaptogenic vasoconstrictor
• Analgesic / anodyne (topical)
• Anti-spasmodic
• Carminative (reduces gas)
• Digestive Aid
• Expectorant
• Flavoring Agent
• Helpful for headaches
• Insect bites (reduces itching, relieves pain)
• Pest Repellent (mosquito, ant, rats)
• Rubefacient
• Stress Reducer / Stimulates awareness

Dr. Nick Notes

Peppermint oil is an extremely useful ally – from homemade cleaning sprays to daily body care products, mint is common in commerically available tools. Think about it briefly – toothpaste, body rubs, mouthwash, breath mints, chap stick, sprays, laundry/dish soap, or even pest repellent may all contain peppermint essential oil for its analgesic, anti-microbial, carminative, soothing or stimulating properties.

Delightfully tingly to the skin in small proportions (ie. 2-5%) due to it's menthol content – very cooling, freshing. Adds an increases sense of awareness, focus – soothing, yet stimulating. Works very well used in appropriate concentrations as a flavoring, digestive agent or as an adjunct for pain modulating formulas. Enjoyed for flavor (esp. Indian peppermint), peppermint can add beneficial digestive properties, reduce gas/bloating, and may assist in minor episodes of heartburn (may also exacerbate some cases of heartburn).

I've found peppermint oil sprays to be quite delightful around the house or a professional work setting to sanitize an environment, cool down or refresh. Mint is effective at repelling pests, including rats or ants at low concentrations. Peppermint drops may be added to water or foods & desserts in very low concentrations to elevate the culinary experience. Combines excellent with other spices in desserts including cardamom, fennel, star anise.

When peppermint oil is vaporized, low temperatures should be used – peppermint is a great “pep-up" treat.  Peppermint Essential Oil opens the lungs and invigorates the mind ~ Rubbed into the temples may assist with stress levels while increasing focus. Make sure to avoid contact with the eyes & mucosal membranes as all mint will cause STRONG irritation.

Note: We do offer a formulation called Spark!, (combination of peppermint, ravensara & tulsi infused into organic sugar cane alcohol) as a tincture formulation. Some people experiment with its use in small quantities to clear the nasal passageways through insufflation. This will cause minor-moderate temporary irritation and is very intense for most people.  This process is not ideal for most and any nasal flushing using Spark! should only be used for acute situations and should not be used regularly!

How to Use

Great digestive tea, 1 drop in 16 ounces of hot water, stir for 3 minutes before smelling/drinking. Dilute into carrier oil at 2-5%, apply to chest to loosen phlegm and cool lungs. Try using this oil on the stomach during nausea or stomach upset. Peppermint may be rubbed neat (undiluted) onto bottom of feet or rubbed onto temples to assist with headache. Experiment with adding to your dish soap or other household cleaning agents for next level clean.

Use 1-2 drops in a warm bath to soothe muscle aches. Try applying to skin in a warm compress as needed for pain. Vaporize 1 drop of peppermint essential oil in the Essential VAAAPP to soothe the lungs, throat at lower temperatures. Peppermint may be too intense for direct vaporization for some individuals. Excellent to use in appropriate dilutions (ie. 1 drop 8-16 ounces H2O), try putting 1-2 drops in a 1/2 pint of non-dairy ice cream (ie. vanilla coconut milk ice cream) or on top of brownies.

Precautions

Do not flush in the eyes, will severely irritate. If wiped/spilled into eye, flush with fractionated coconut oil (best), cold water or milk. Unlikely to cause any permanent damage! May cause allergic reactions at high doses in some invididuals. May nullify homeopathic treatment.

Avoid using during first trimester in pregnancy. Usage may reduce mother's milk production during breast feeding. Consider avoiding in epilepsy, heart disease and heartburn. Not recommended for topical use above 2% dilution.

~ Be Blessed ~

Scent: Refreshing, clear, minty – opens airways, very cooling.
Blends Well With: Black Pine, Blood Orange, Cinnamon, Clove Bud, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Ravensara, Rosemary, Silver Fir

Cultivation: Organic
Origin: India | S. Africa
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Terpenes: Menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate and other constituents in small quantities.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product. *