– NOT FOR PREGNANCY | BREASTFEEDING | CHILDREN UNDER 2 YEARS | EPILEPTICS –

USE WITH CAUTION: may burn the skin in larger amounts

BEST FOR COMBINATION, BLEMISHED & OILY SKIN

INGREDIENT FEATURES

anaesthetic

analgesic

antibacterial

anti-fungal

anti-infectious

anti-irritant

anti-inflammatory

antimicrobial

antioxidant

antiseptic

antispasmodic

antiviral

astringent

cleansing

cooling

digestive stimulant

insect repellant

purifying

sudorific

vasoconstrictor

USER BENEFITS

assists in tissue-cleaning action of the lymphatic system

assists body’s natural eliminatory response

cleanses and decongests

clears the head

constricts capillaries

diminishes swelling

eases discomfort

encourages sweating

firms and contracts exposed tissue

freshens breath

helps alleviate stress and nervous tension

improves blood flow

improves focus

improves mood

lessens headaches due to congestion

neutralizes fungi

neutralizes microbes

promotes the healing of tissues

prevents moisture loss

quells irritation

reduces redness

relaxes cramping

relieves intellectual fatigue

relieves muscular tension and aching joints

relieves sensation of itching

settles digestion

soothes sore muscles, tendons and joints

stimulates circulation

stimulates digestive system

stimulates oil production in the skin

strengthens and clarifies mind

strengthens nervous system

tones and restores venous circulation

uplifts

USES

acne

anxiety

apathy

combination skin

confusion

depression

dermatitis

digestion

dry hair

dry skin

infections:

viral

bacterial

fungal

insect bites

hair growth

headaches

lack of focus

melancholy

mental fatigue

mental fogginess

muscle pain

nausea

neuralgia

nervous stress

overwork

panic

rashes

shock

stress

sore muscles

travel sickness

vertigo

Is known to work wonders as a quick pick-me-up; perfect for hot, sweaty “summer skin.”

SAFETY

Non-toxic, non-irritant but occasionally sensitizing. Always test a small amount first for sensitivity or allergic reaction. Never apply undiluted to the skin. Direct and indirect contact with the eyes will cause irritation.

If pregnant consult with a physician prior to use.

Peppermint oil should not be used with children under two years of age; instead use Spearmint oil, peppermint's milder, sweeter cousin.

active

fragrance

ABOUT THE PLANT

A perennial herb, growing to a height of 30 to 100 cm, Peppermint has sharply-toothed leaves and produces small white or purple flowers and underground runners by which it is easily propagated. Native to the Mediterranean and eastern Asian regions, it is now cultivated in more temperate climes the world over and was first brought to the USA in the early 19th century. The United States is now the major producer of peppermint.

Mentha x piperita is, as implied by its written botanical name that includes an “x”, is a hybrid species from two plants: Mentha spicata (spearmint) and Mentha aquatica (watermint). Peppermint self-hydridized, probably in the 17th century. It now grows wild throughout Europe, North America and Australia.

ABOUT THE OIL

A pale-yellow or pale-olive-colored liquid, Peppermint essential oil is steam distilled from the partially dried tops of organic Mentha piperita plants. Growers will harvest just before the herb goes to flower to bring out the best of the oil's aroma. When allowed to mature further, the quality of the resulting oil may suffer, with a sharper, less-sweet and complex aroma.

The main constituent of peppermint is menthol, a potent compound which unto itself causes a quick physical response when inhaled or applied the the skin. It produces a sensation of coolness which the body counteracts by increasing blood flow to the area of application, producing a warming effect. Menthol is often found in sports creams, chest rubs, and cough drops for this reason.

OF INTEREST

The mints have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years, but the essential oil may not have been used as a medicine much before the 16th century, when the science of distillation reached England. The genus name Mentha comes from Greek Mythology's "Menthe", the charming nymph who was adored by Pluto and was subsequently trampled to the ground by his jealous wife, Persephone, thus resulting in today's aromatic mint herb. The ancient Greeks also believed in aphrodisiacal qualities of mint, advising against the use of it among soldiers for fear that increased love making would diminish their strength in battle.

Mentha piperita has been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 1000 BC, and there is evidence that peppermint has a long history in Europe, China, and Japan. Brought to Britain in Roman Times, mints are mentioned in early medieval plants lists.

( – )-Menthol

Menthone

( – )-Menthyl acetate

Neomenthol

1,8-Cineole

(6R)-( + )-Menthofuran

Isomenthone

Terpinen-4-ol

(1R)-( + )-β-Pulegone

( + )-Limonene

Germacrene D

β-Caryophyllene

(Ε)-Sabinene hydrate

β-Pinene

Piperitone

Isomenthol

attentive | tolerant | visionary

KEY WORD: ENERGY

Peppermint essential oil is considered by aromatherapists as one of the more indispensable essential oils. The oil should be a part of every traveler's first aid kit – it can work wonders for motion sickness and general nausea.

alleviates:

exhaustion

emotional fatigue

mental fatigue

physical fatigue

indecision

mental strain

shyness

sinuses

tension headaches

beneficial for those in need of inspiration and insight

brings an alertness even in the dream state

counters:

insomnia

shock

mental fogginess

lack of focus

encourages:

regeneration

self-acceptance

enhances:

concentration

memory

mental sharpness

receptive capacities on mental and spiritual levels

energizes

facilitates the digestion of new ideas

increases:

awareness

perception

sensitivity

stimulates:

vibrancy

vitality

unblocks stuck emotions

Energetics

Seems to have contradicting cooling and warming effects

cooling

Drying

Main Elements: Earth & Wood

CHAKRA: THROAT

Subtle Aromatherapy

Peppermint acts on the ego, dispelling pride.

It is recommended to help overcome feelings of inferiority.

PERFUMERY

One of the largest and most important of all the essentials oils, Peppermint oil is hardly used at all in perfumery.

AROMA NOTES

TOPNOTE

TOP-MIDDLE NOTE

fresh

cool

pungent & sweet

clean & minty

fresh

cool

strong

grassy

herbaceous minty top-middle notes

deep balsamic-sweet undertones

sweet, clean dry-out note

Blends well with: Basil, Benzoin, Black Pepper, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Niaouli, Pine, Ravensara, Rosemary, Spearmint, Tea Tree.

Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Keville and Miny Green

Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils by Gabriel Mojay

Essential Oil Safety, Second edition by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young

Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin by Steffen Arctander

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Second Edition by Salvatore Battaglia

The Fragrant Heavens, the Spiritual Dimension of Fragrance and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism