PEPPERMINT OIL (AROMATHERAPY AND ESSENTIAL OILS)

Disclaimer:  please note that, this article is meant only, for informational purposes, and not to treat or diagnose any ailment.

The peppermint plant (mentha piperita) from which peppermint oil is extracted is an aromatic herb. Peppermint plant belongs to the mint family of plants, specifically the lamiaceae family of plants. The peppermint plant originated in Europe, but, it’s extensively grown round the world.

It has a smooth branching stem which grows to about 3 feet; it has narrow toothed leaves which have small oil glands.

Actually, peppermint plant is a hybrid of two species of the mint family which are mentha aquatica and mentha spicata this two species produce mentha piperita.

Peppermint has being cultivated and used since the 17th century for its medicinal ability and other useful purposes.

PEPPERMINT OIL/ EXTRACTION METHOD

Peppermint oil is extracted through steam distillation. The leaves are collected and steam distilled before the plant flowers, the essential oil extracted from the leaves is clear and colorless with a cool minty aroma.

The major constitute of peppermint oil is menthol (“C10 H19 OH” a white crystalline substance). Menthol is responsible for the cooling sensation in the mouth, nose, mind and body of peppermint oil. Menthol is also a good antiseptic, and also and ingredient found in some shaving creams, lotions and cough treatment products. Menthol is also used to treat inflammations in the mucous membrane of the nose.

Uses of peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is remedy for many diseases. These diseases include;

1.       Fever

2.       Sinus infection

3.       Intestinal cramps, bronchitis

4.       Coughs and colds

5.       Diarrhea

6.       Mental exhaustion and bad breath

Peppermint oils is also and ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and a favorite essential oil in aromatherapy, used by many aroma and massage therapists around the world.

PEPPERMINT OIL PRODUCTION

The United States is the leading producer of peppermint oils. Since 1944, peppermint plant has being extensively cultivated the united states, in 1944 alone, particularly in Indiana about 21, 000 acres where allocated to the cultivation of peppermint plant, which produced a large amount of peppermint oil.

Well, that was 1944 think about what is being produced in 2012.

Thank you for reading this article.