Peppermint essential oil has held a prominent role throughout known human history. The Mentha family of mints are very common. They grow easily in dark, wet places, often in the shade of other plants. They can be considered invasive for some crops, as they will quickly and easily overgrow an area. They are hardy plants and easily cross-breed, as well as easily split into sub-groups. This makes them very adaptable, with a large number of hybrids. Peppermint is one of the oldest hybrids, a cross between watermint and spearmint that happened naturally in the wild.
People in ancient civilizations treasured the common bounty of such a valuable plant. It was used in medicine to relieve congestion and colds. The leaves and flowers were commonly used to mask odors in homes and public places. Because the plant was common, most people could gather enough of it freely to cover the floors of their homes in peppermint. As people would walk through, the lovely odor of peppermint essential oil would permeate the home.
Aromatherapy makes heavy use of mint oils. They have a wide range of properties and a very useful. It energizes and de-stresses at the same time. The scent helps tension and anxiety melt away, as well as inducing the muscles to relax. It also provides mild stimulation for the mind. It has been shown in scientific studies to substantively enhance memory and aid in learning. This property has been known since ancient Rome, when some students wore wreaths of peppermint to enhance their learning.
Peppermint essential oil is also commonly used in massage. The aromatic fragrance helps enhance the experience. In the addition, the cooling and soothing properties of peppermint aid in the process of massage. It provides numerous benefits to the skin and muscles. The main benefit is increased circulation, which helps revitalize and repair tissues in the applied area.
Make sure to order high quality oils. The quality of the oil makes a major difference in results. Oil produced from weaker mints or adulterated by neutral oils is much less effective. Higher quality essential oils may come with a higher price, but provide a much greater value. A much smaller amount will have a greater effect, compared to inferior oils. Select a producer and vendor with a reputation for quality and consistency.
Selecting a good carrier oil is essential for the proper usage and dosage of essential oils. “Raw” essential oils are extremely potent. They need to be diluted properly for safe and effective use. Carrier oils are used for this purpose. Carriers are neutral, but are also essential oils. Grape seed, sweet almond, and olive oil are especially common as carriers. They are harmless, and even beneficial, in undiluted applications.
Some of them have therapeutic effects of their own. For example, almond and avocado oils are excellent carriers for a massage mixture. Their mild scent is complementary to the mint and they have excellent conditioning properties for the skin. Take care to select the best carrier oil for your intended use. It will greatly improve results and the pleasure of the experience.
Peppermint is spicy and delightful. Its sharp, cool scent is distinctive and pleasant. It has many uses, stretching from ancient times to the modern day. Everything from massage oils to candles to candies use peppermint essential oil. It is an essential ingredient for anyone interested in massage or aromatherapy and also used in religious traditions.
Studies shown Catnip essential oil is the most effective natural mosquito repellent. The author prefers learning to use essential oils for protecton from varmits.