Botanical Spotlight

Vital Earth Traditions
Natural Bath And Body Creations To Rejuvenate The Body & Nurture The Soul

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Botanical Spotlight
Peppermint

"Aromatherapy is the essence of
transformation. The essence of the
plant is transformed into pure essential
oil and the essence of the oil transforms
the vital core of the being."
Author, Kelly Lynch Ring
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The information on this web page is for educational purposes only.

Peppermint,
Mentha x piperita

Peppermint is one of the most widely used plants in the world. It is popular for use in chewing gum, candies, toothpaste and mouthwash. Peppermint has traditionally been used in herbal teas, for headache relief, to aid in digestion, for heartburn relief, to help relieve colic, and to freshen breath. The world's leading producer of Peppermint Essential Oil is the USA. Peppermint Essential Oil is contraindicated for use on infants and small children due to the possibility of respiratory irritation and spasms. Always check for skin sensitivity before using any Essential Oil on the skin. There are no known specific Peppermint Herb restrictions for pregnant or lactating women, Peppermint herb has been rated as possibly safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.

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Latin Bonomial
Mentha x piperita

Common Names
Peppermint, Balm Mint, Brandy Mint

Botanical Family
Labiatae syn. Lamiaceae
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Botany
Peppermint, Mentha x piperita is a natural hybrid cross between watermint, M. aquatica and spearmint, M. spicata. Peppermint is a perinnial herb grown throughout the US and Europe. Peppermint Essential oil is distilled from the leaves, flowers and stems.
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The name Peppermint comes from the Greek myth of the nymph, Minthe. History shows that in Egypt mint was used in incense and perfumes. Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with peppermint at their feasts, and used peppermint in wines and sauces. The Ebers Paprus is the oldest living medical text, and the uses and preparations of mint are recorded in this text. Icelandic Pharmacopoeias of the 13th century mention the use of mint. John Ray classified and listed mint in London Pharmacopoeia in 1721.

Peppermint has historically been used as an insect repellent (mosquitos hate it) and to clear buildings of Rats. Rat clearing was accomplished by putting fabric soaked with Peppermint Essential Oil and/or Peppermint Herb in their nasty rat holes! My Great Grandmother swore by the Peppermint Rat Cure! It has also been known to be a deterrent to ants, cockroaches, and mice.
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Peppermint Uses
Internal Uses:
Herb: Indigestion, nausea, non-ulcer dyspepsia, intestinal colic, flatulence, stomach ulcers, gastritis, and as a positive stimulant for the mind and emotions.

External Uses:
Essential Oil: Irritable bowel Syndrome, heart burn, gastritis, nausea, head cold, spasmatic cough, sinusitus, headache, migranes, mental fatigue, bad breath, stimulating, helps improve circulation, for shingles, insect bites, itchng, to ward off insects, ringworm, dysmenorrhea, muscle and nerve pain.
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Theraputic Properties
Analgesic, Antiphogistic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Carminative, Cephali, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hepatic, Nervine, Stimulant, Stomachic, Sudorific.

Peppermint is also known as adaptogenic oil that can calm or stimulate based on what one's body needs at the time.
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Safety
*Keep all Herbs and Essential Oils out of the reach of children and pets.
*Follow all directions carefully on product labels.
*Always consult a medical professional for drug and herb interactions before using a product.
*Avoid eye contact with essential oils and herbs.
*Always check for skin sensitivity before using any essential oil.
*Peppermint Essential Oil can cause dermatitis in some individuals.
*In large doses Peppermint Essential Oil can be an Irritant and has been known to cause allergic reactions in the throat, neck and mouth.
*Peppermint Essential Oil should be avoided while nursing.
*Peppermint Essential Oil may reduce milk reduction in nursing mothers.
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Contraindications
*Peppermint Essential Oil should be avoided while nursing, it has been known to reduce milk production in nursing mums.
*Peppermint Crude Herb should be avoided if you have Gallstones, or Esophageal Reflux.
*Peppermint Essential Oil is contraindicated for children under two years of age.
*Use of Peppermint Essential Oil should be avoided while using Homeopathic medicine.
*Excessive prolonged use is contraindicated if you have epilepsy or heart disease.
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Recipes

Coming soon!
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*THE HERB AND ESSENTIAL OIL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS FOR
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.*

Always check with your healthcare provider before using any herbal or aromatic
products for a health condition.

*The information on this page is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any sickness or disease.*

Keep herbal supplements and essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.