Our very fine Peppermint essential oil from the U.S. has a wonderfully fresh, green, cooling and penetrating minty aroma with grassy-sweet undertones and can be used for both aromatherapy and natural perfumery. Since its aroma strength is quite pronounced due to its menthol content, the amount of Peppermint oil used in formulas should be carefully considered. It is indicated for headaches and migraines, PMS symptoms, digestive concerns such as motion sickness, general nausea, or an irritable colon, respiratory issues, and may also be employed as a liver tonic. It has analgesic, antiviral, antibacterial, astringent, expectorant, insect repellant, and numerous other properties. Please note it is strongly recommended that Peppermint essential oil not be used with children under the age of 2-½, people over the age of 60, epileptics, and pregnant and/or nursing women. In addition, it is contra-indicated for those with cardiac fibrillation, G6PD deficiency, and in some homeopathic remedies.

Peppermint essential oil is harvested when the menthol content is at its peak, in full early bloom, and is steam distilled from the partially dried herb. True Peppermint is thought to be a hybrid between species of M. spicata, M. aquatic, M. longifolia and/or M. suaveolens – all native to southern Europe. The plant is cultivated in North and South America, Europe, Russia, northern Africa, India, Australia, and other countries.

The first Peppermint plants grown in the U.S. were imported from England in sacks and planted in Wayne County, New York around 1816. From there, Peppermint was introduced to the Midwest, (Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio), and later to Oregon and Washington State. It is thought that Peppermint oil which is not distilled for industrial use has less chance of being improperly distilled, or adulterated with other mint oils, synthetic menthol, and other constituents (a common practice), and that oils produced from small distilleries tend to be closer to the true aroma of the fresh plants making their higher selling price reflect the reality of genuine and authentic production practices.