Peppermint essential oil
Aadrea Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the flowering aerial tops and leaves of Mentha x piperita L., through the process of steam distillation. The source stock is the herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant growing to 30-90 cm tall, a sterile hybrid cross between Mentha aquatica (water mint) and Mentha spicata (spear mint).
Identification:
Peppermint essential oil is a colorless to pale greenish-yellow, clear mobile liquid which has a fresh, minty, cooling, and sweetish odour. The active component(s) in a typical oil sample are Menthol (45-55%), Menthone (p-) (28–35%), 1,8-Cineole, Isomenthone, Menthyl acetate, Menthofuran, Neomenthol (all about 8–9%) and others. The chemical composition of this essential oil makes it one of the super essential oils with a wide range of applications from aromatherapy, massage, food and beverage, pharamaceutical ingredient and a host of industrial applications.
Indications (benefits from use of product):
Peppermint essential oil is a herbal extract/product. The oil has vasoconstrictive and cooling properties and is beneficial for relieving muscle spasms, pain, neuralgia, headache and tooth-ache.
It is often used orally for relieving stomach upset, nausea and other intestinal disorders.
The oil has immense biological activities. It has anti-inflammatory (can regulate irritable bowel syndrome IBS by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, or functional dyspepsia by ameliorating gastroenterological function, improving digestion, and relieving abdominal pain and bloating.).
It also possesses good antibacterial (inhibitory effects on pathogenic bacteria Staphylococci, Streptococci, Bacilli, Candida, Chlamydia, Salmonella etc) and scolicidal (can kill scolexes/larvae of tapeworms).
The oil chemical constituents also posses good antiviral (suppression of viral replication of Herpes simplex virus, HIV-1 and others), immunomodulatory, antitumor (inhibits the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells SW480, enhanced when sage essential oil is combined) and is neuroprotective.
Other properties of peppermint essential oil are anti-fatigue (may increase cellular energy metabolism by stimulating the central nervous system, as menthol can stimulate the adrenal cortex to enhance energy, and lower blood lactate level) and antioxidant (scavenges free radical elements which play a vital role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory afflictions, etc) effects.
Sleep apnea: Peppermint essential oil has great anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for relieving throat congestion, and thereby improving airflow through the airways, and relieving sleep apnea, restlessness and lowering and potentially eliminating snoring among some sufferers.
Owing to its naturally sweet and endearing scent, the oil has great benefit as an ingredient in cosmetics and perfumery.
How to Use:
Internal Use (Ingestion): At most, two (2) drops of pure peppermint essential oil, taken once daily with a glass of water, or pre-mixed with water of tea, are great for obtaining enhanced physical performance and lung function or even to suppress/improve nausea. In addition, Peppermint oil capsules have been shown to be effective at naturally treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reducing spasms in the colon, relaxes the muscles of your intestines, and can help reduce bloating and gassiness. In infants, the use of age appropriate capsules was found to provide relief from colic symptoms. To improve or deodorise your breath, you may add a drop of peppermint essential oil right to your store-bought toothpaste product or add a drop under your tongue before drinking liquids.
Massage and Spa therapy: Peppermint essential oil is used in aromatherapy, to soothe, cool and invigorate you; it’s the perfect ingredient for massage oil. Dilute several drops in almond or grapeseed oil. To enhance relaxation, lavender and eucalyptus oil can be blended with peppermint oil. To alleviate tension headaches or migraines, you may apply two to three drops to your temples, forehead and back of neck.
Hair fall, growth and Dandruff: Peppermint essential oil can naturally thicken and nourish damaged hair strands (increases dermal thickness, follicle number and follicle depth) and can be used as a natural treatment for thinning hair; it also helps stimulate the scalp. Menthol has great antiseptic properties, it may help remove germs that build up on your scalp and strands; that’s why it features prominently in anti-dandruff shampoos. Two to three drops if oil to your shampoo and conditioner are sufficient to give your hair that added boost. You may also simply massage two to three drops into your scalp while showering.
Using a Diffuser/Humidifier: In aromatherapy, peppermint essential oil can help unclog your sinuses and offer relief from a scratchy throat. Use three to four drops in diffuser of choice with 100ml of clean water to generate the vapour. To relieve seasonal allergies symptoms with your own DIY product, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils can be diffused together, or apply two to three drops of peppermint essential oil topically to your temples, chest and back of neck.
Flavorant for foods and beverages: Peppermint essential oil can enhance flavours of your meals and is a great natural way to get peppermint oil benefits and a great minty touch to dishes. A few drops to your smoothies or drinks can give a refreshing taste to a beverage, in the process will fight off bacteria and other stomach issues.
Cosmetic and Perfumery use: Peppermint essential oil is a mildly spicy note that is cooling and sweet at the same time. Perfumers can use the oil in differing strengths and blends for fragrance oils in roller bottles, candle wax for burners, reed diffusers in homes, splashes and air fresheners, among the many uses.
Soothing Skin Itchiness: Add two drops of peppermint essential oil to one teaspoon Aloe Vera or Grapeseed oil and rub onto the area with itch or sting to get immediate relief from itching sensation, including the itching caused by nasty insect bites.
Anti allergen: Peppermint essential oil is strong, fresh and minty and opens clogged sinuses almost immediately. Rub one or two drops around your temples (blend with a carrier oil)
Side effects and management in event of misuse/ingestion:
Peppermint oil is generally well tolerated, but its use may be associated with allergic reactions in sub populations. Products containing peppermint oil may, in rare cases, induce oral discomfort, stomatitis, and oral ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, lip swelling and lichenoid reactions of the oral mucosa.
The main allergen is most likely menthol (which is also the main ingredient).
Wilful misuse of Peppermint oil can take the form of oral ingestion or use of undiluted concentrate in excess proportions. In both instances, decontamination will be necessary, and in the case of oral ingestion and allergic reaction, seek the help of a medical practitioner. In the case of skin reactions, consult a dermatologist.
Peppermint oil may be toxic when ingested in high doses. Ingestions of pure oil (≥3 drops) can lead to severe symptoms. You should adhere to dosage instructions.
Before Use:
The raw oil concentrate is generally well tolerated in low doses when ingested (<3 drops in a day); however, you should not take this oil orally, except where a prescription has been given by a practitioner, or as part of a culinary preparation. Pregnant and nursing women are particularly cautioned to avoid using the essential oil without medical guidance.
The oil should be applied topically (on external surfaces of the body), and preferably diluted; using the oil directly or in high concentrations can potentially cause skin irritation. A skin test is recommended prior to use. Peppermint oil must never be used near the eyes, inner ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin.
The oil is generally safe for use on adult skin but neat oils should never be applied to the facial skin. Individuals who suffer from allergic sensitivities could potentially experience skin irritations with the use of Peppermint essential oil, which could be uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous in higher exposure amounts.
Additional information:
Aadrea Peppermint essential oil is packaged in durable aluminum cans or labelled amber bottles with a dropper. Alternative packaging and seals will be specified as they become available.
Essential oils are volatile and lose their potency when exposed for long periods to oxygen and direct sunlight. Store the oil in its original sealed container, in a cool and dark space.
This infomation on this page is for educational and reference purposes only; the company makes no claim as to its completeness or use for any medical or curative purposes, and recommends the products be used in that regard with proper medical advise from health practitioners.
Our essential oils have been made using an ideal and chemical neutral /free process of either steam distillation, cold press and supercritical extraction. The purity of the oils has been ensured by keeping the amount of hydration/water content and other elements at the lowest level. With this in mind, we are confident that the product will remain effective if you store it in its primary bottle/container, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and minimize the periods the bottle is opened (during which the oil potentially gets exposed to oxygen).
Your essential oil should remain viable (with the full optimal potential to deliver the intended benefit) for an average of 36 months (3 years)*** from the date of its manufacture.