Peppermint, USA

Botanical Name

Mentha piperita

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Countries of Origin

France, England, North America, Russia, Bulgaria, Italy, Hungary, Morocco, and China

Peppermint Essential Oil Uses

Analgesic (pain relief), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, antipruitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, asthma, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, colic, cordial, digestion, emmenagogue, exhaustion, expectorant, febrifuge, flatulence, flu. headache, hepatic, nausea, nervine, scabies, sinusitis, stomachic, sudorific, vasoconstrictor, vertigo

Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 139-140.

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Leaves and Flowers/Buds

Color

Clear with a Yellow Tinge

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Top

Strength of Initial Aroma

Strong

Aromatic Description

Peppermint Essential Oil smells intensely minty. Its aroma is reminiscent of peppermint candies, but it is more concentrated and is more intense in fragrance than Spearmint Essential Oil.

Possible Substitute Oils

Spearmint, Rosemary

Blends Well With

Basil, Bergamot, Cajeput, Cedarwood, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass. Lime, Mandarin, Marjoram, Melaleuca (tea tree), Niaouli, Petitgrain, Pine, Ravintsara, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Tangerine, Thyme.

Source: Dr. Scott A. Johnson, Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy The Ultimate Guide to the Therapeutic And Clinical Application of Essential Oils (First Edition) (Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Serices, LLC), 195-200.

GRAS status

YES

Major Constituents

• Menthol
• Menthone
• Menthyl Acetate
• Neomenthol
• 1,8-Cineole
• Menthofuran

See Essential Oil Safety for more complete list of typical constituents and for constituent lists of ISO standardized oils..

Source: B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1993), 31-35. B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1995), 94-105. B.M. Lawrence, Progress in Essential Oils. (Perfumer & Flavorist 22 no. 2, 1997), 57-66. Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 387.

Recommended Dilution Range

3%-33%; neat for some conditions

Peppermint Essential Oil Safety Information

Tisserand and Young confirm that it is low risk as a mucous membrane irritant. Peppermint Oil is choleretic and can pose a risk of neurotoxicity. They recommend a maximum dermal use level of 5.4% and state that it should be avoided in instance of cardiac fibrillation and by those with a G6PD deficiency. Do not apply near the face of infants/children. Essential Oil Safety is recommended reading for more complete information. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 387.]

This essential oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization when used in the bath, and so should be avoided while bathing even in a diluted/solubilized form.

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.