What Is Peppermint Essential Oil?
Also known as Mentha piperita, this essential oil is derived from the plant's blooms and leaves, and is steam distilled. It is thick, concentrated and laden with both the smell and flavor of the plant. Its menthol properties are powerful and have a cooling effect on the human spirit and mind. It is a hybrid plant, which is a cross between spearmint and water mint, both of which belong to the Menthe family, which includes more than 25 diverse redolent varieties. As a hybrid, peppermint is a sterile plant unable to spread seeds. It propagates by growing new plants that are parts of diverse sections of the original plant. More than 250 pounds of peppermint leaves are needed to produce one pound of peppermint essential oil.
What Does Peppermint Oil Smell Like?
One of the most recognizable scents in the world, this invigorating essential oil is cool, sharp, minty and fresh, and is extracted from the leaves of the plant. Peppermint essential oils are often blended with honeyed, piney eucalyptus, slightly musky black pepper, mellow, romantic lavender, fresh, clean lemon
and sharp, piquant tea tree. The potent, refreshing character evokes thoughts and images of cold climes
and Christmas candies.
Short History of Peppermint Essential Oil
Archaeologists in Egypt discovered dried peppermint leaves within the royal chambers of pyramids dating back some 3,000 years. This discovery influenced many historians to believe that peppermint originated in either Northern Africa or the Middle East. Its name derives from Greek mythology, a water nymph named Minthe, a scandalous love affair with Hades (God of the Underworld) and his vengeful wife, Persephone. The Romans documented their use of peppermint in flavoring wine and sauces. Pliny The Elder wrote about the use of its leaves as decorations on banquet tables and along garden paths leading to Roman estates. Early Hebrews blanketed the floors of synagogues with mint to enhance their sacred rituals.
Peppermint Use In Perfumery
Considered a head note, many dazzling accords are borne from peppermint essential oil. Its highly versatile nature blends equally well with energizing citrus, herbaceous facets and spicy, woody notes. It renders a vital, vivid aspect and a lightness of spirit to every fragrance. Peppermint essential oil is a unique herb because it is both cooling and warming. While extremely popular in bold, heavy, winter fragrances, it also fares well in light summery scents.
Other Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil
During the Middle Ages, monks in European monasteries valued its potent menthol smell for its ability to repel rodents from their cheese storerooms. They also used it to clean their teeth. Its properties are highly valued today as a pest repellent and as a mainstay element in aromatherapy practices where it soothes troubled minds and eases anxiety. Its uses are manifold and abundant in the food, cosmetic and perfume industries.
Is Peppermint Essential Oil Safe For Use Around Pets?
The answer is no. According to the American Kennel Club, peppermint essential oil is toxic to dogs in every way imaginable, including inhalation via diffuser. It is also perilous to cats because their metabolisms do not permit them to break down the components common to essential oils. Even reeds can pose danger, as cats are curious and likely to approach anything new in their surroundings.
