100% Peppermint essential oil is exactly the one to reach for when you're tired. It's an energizing bomb. We'll shed light on the path to this fragrant treasure and its uses in this article.
Collection and production of peppermint oil
Mint is ideally harvested after eight o'clock in the morning on sunny days. For maximum yield, it is necessary that it is in the flowering phase (ideally 50% of the flowers are in bloom). At this time, the plant contains the highest amount of essential oil. The harvested mint is left to dry on the slopes and then taken to the distillery. From the harvest of, for example, an agricultural area of 1000 m2 (or 0,1 hectare) after the steam distillation process, 3-5 kg of essential mint oil is obtained. The richest part in essential oil is the flowers, which contain 4-6%. Up to 2,5% is stored in the leaves, and only 0,3-0,4% of essential oil is present in the stems. (source: senior research scientist Dr. Lyuba Evstatieva; senior research scientist I Stanko Stanev, INSTRUCTIONS FOR MONITORING MINT)
Menthol
The main component of peppermint oil is menthol, some varieties reach up to 45%. Menthol is a component that has been isolated for its effects and becomes a part of many drugs and medicines. It is contained in nasal drops, migraine medications, preparations for the treatment of the cardiovascular system.
Massage oils with admixture of mint oil have a cooling effect thanks to the natural menthol content. Menthol acts on the nerve endings that perceive heat. In practice, this means that the initial cooling effect will be followed by a so-called warming effect. Thanks to the menthol present, mint essential oil also has an antispasmodic effect. Kurt Schnaubelt in the book The Healing Inntelligence of Essential Oils (p. 170) mentions its excellent antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract and its role in combating bacteria such as Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and others. Its effects are really very strong.
Peppermint oil in a diffuser
In a diffuser or aroma lamp, it is simply invigorating. It supports concentration and cognitive functions of the brain. It relieves headaches and migraines. It helps with apathy. And thanks to its anti-infective and antiviral properties, it is suitable for colds.
Tips for an aroma lamp and diffuser:
- Mint and lemon – a wonderful combination that brings refreshment and encouragement during study, work and creative writing
- Mint and oregano – increased antiviral power. The “bacilli” no longer stand a chance. Colds and sneezing are better left behind
- Mint and grapefruit – a very pleasant anti-migraine combination
- Mint and lavender – improve mood
100% essential oils are always naturally concentrated and much stronger than the original plants, so caution is advised. Peppermint essential oil should be avoided by cardiac patients and children under 5 years of age. Do not use internally, undiluted directly on the skin, and keep out of reach of children.
