ALL ABOUT PEPPERMINT
The peppermint plant has been around for most of human history. In fact, the name mint originally came from Greek mythology. Legend has it that the water nymph Minthe attracted the attention of Hades, ruler of the Underworld, and their mutual attraction eventually led to an affair. When Hades' wife, Persephone, discovered the relationship, she took revenge on her husband's mistress. When confronted, Minthe transformed into a mint plant. Persephone then attacked Minthe, kicking her and releasing the powerfully sweet peppermint aroma. Out of hundreds of species in the genus Mentha or "Mint", Peppermint is definitely the most recognized. Peppermint is known as a sterile, naturally occurring hybrid. It is a cross between Watermint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata).
How is Peppermint Essential Oil Made
To extract oil from the plant's leaf, steam-distillation is used. This is the most common way to extract oils from a plant. With a combination of gentle pressure and heated steam, the essential oil is released into the steam vapor. As the vapor cools, the oil separates from the water, and is then collected and bottled.
Fun Facts About Peppermint
-The ancient Greeks believed that peppermint cured hiccups.
-The United States produces most of the world's peppermint supply (about 75%).
-The active ingredients in Peppermint Essential Oil are menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate—the latter giving it the distinct "minty" fragrance.
-It takes around 250 pounds of mint leaves to create a pound of Peppermint Essential Oil.
-Ancient Egyptians used mint as a currency.
The Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
If you've ever popped an after-dinner mint or grabbed a pack of peppermint gum from the grocery store checkout line, you well know that "minty-fresh" feeling. It's that same aroma and flavor that offer a wealth of Peppermint Essential Oil benefits.
Peppermint Essential Oil for Muscle and Joint Pain | After a hard workout, use Peppermint Essential Oil to help soothe those aches and pains. Simply blend the Peppermint Essential Oil with a carrier oil and massage into skin at the affected areas. You can also add a few drops of peppermint to a post-workout bath.
Peppermint Essential Oil for Headaches | Some studies show using Peppermint Essential Oil may help to alleviate headaches.The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that people have used peppermint topically for tension headaches, "and a limited amount of evidence suggests that it might be helpful for this purpose."
Peppermint Essential Oil for Energy and Focus | What's more invigorating than a cup of coffeeThe sharp, fresh scent of peppermint. If you are looking to improve your focus and alertness, diffuse Peppermint Essential Oil in your home or office. You can also get fired up for a workout or exam by inhaling the scent with a few deep breaths.
