subject: Aromatherapy Foundations: Peppermint Essential Oil [print this page] Peppermint essential oil has a long history of use in human culture. The Mentha family of mints has been recognized since prehistory by man for its usefulness and pleasant qualities. It is made up of common, invasive plants that prefer shady, moist areas to grow. The species commonly split into subgroups and cross-breed with other species in the wild. This makes it very difficult to properly identify the total number of species. Peppermint itself is the result of crossbreeding between spearmint and watermint. It happened naturally in the wild, thousands of years ago.
Peppermint has been one of the most popular mints since the height of ancient civilizations. The Romans and Greeks treasured the valuable herb. However, it grew so commonly that even the common people made use of it. Students wore wreaths of peppermint to improve their concentration. Leaves of peppermint were scattered on the floors and flowers hung on the wall to beautify and deodorize homes and businesses. The smell of peppermint essential oil was omnipresent.
Aromatherapy makes heavy use of mint oils. They have a wide range of properties and a very useful. It energizes and de-stresses at the same time. The scent helps tension and anxiety melt away, as well as inducing the muscles to relax. It also provides mild stimulation for the mind. It has been shown in scientific studies to substantively enhance memory and aid in learning. This property has been known since ancient Rome, when some students wore wreaths of peppermint to enhance their learning.
Experience masseuses commonly use mint oils in their work. The aromatherapy benefits are well-known to them. In addition, the oil conditions and stimulates the skin and muscles. It also carries a soothing feeling and promotes good circulation.
Make sure to order high quality oils. The quality of the oil makes a major difference in results. Oil produced from weaker mints or adulterated by neutral oils is much less effective. Higher quality essential oils may come with a higher price, but provide a much greater value. A much smaller amount will have a greater effect, compared to inferior oils. Select a producer and vendor with a reputation for quality and consistency.
Carrier oils are an important part of using essential oils. Undiluted essentials are quite strong. Some of them can damage plastics, stain fabrics, and burn the sensitive skin. Carriers serve the purpose of diluting the pure essentials to a therapeutic and safe dosage. Taking care to use the proper amount for the proper purpose is very important.
Some of them have therapeutic effects of their own. For example, almond and avocado oils are excellent carriers for a massage mixture. Their mild scent is complementary to the mint and they have excellent conditioning properties for the skin. Take care to select the best carrier oil for your intended use. It will greatly improve results and the pleasure of the experience.
Peppermint is a commonly known and widely loved herb. The clear, cold fragrance of peppermint essential oil is unmistakable. People have found a wide variety of uses for the pungent plant. It was used in the earliest days of human civilization and continues to be widely used in modern times.
