Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita, also known as Mentha balsamea Willd.)[1] is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint.[2] Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world.[3] It is occasionally found in the wild with its parent species

Pleasantly suitable for an abundance of oral and topical uses and antimicrobial properties, peppermint may be the most versatile essential oil in the world along with lavender.

Peppermint is a hybrid plant that has been shown to help with skin conditions, headaches, cold and flu, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Peppermint oil is a sweet, cool oil that has a wide variety of benefits. Learn more about the pure therapeutic-grade peppermint essential oil uses. Order yours now!

Can peppermint oil improve symptoms of IBS? Find out here.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita), a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion.

Peppermint is a flowering perennial, usually growing between 12 and 35 inches in height. It is native to Europe, and is actually a natural hybrid of spearmint and water mint. The herb is easy to grow in moist soil and is commonly cultivated around the world for its many applications in food and medicine. The world's most familiar "mint scent" is the aroma of peppermint. In Greek mythology, Menthe was turned into a peppermint plant when Proserpine, in a jealous rage, found out that Pluto was in love with her. Even earlier, Assyrians used peppermint as an offering to their fire god. Peppermint contains an essential oil that is unique among mints for its quality and flavor. Artificial mint compounds do not effectively duplicate the aroma or medicinal properties. Peppermint is one of the most popular herbs in teas, candies, and chewing gums. Cultivation and oil production started in the US in the 1790's, and was a major export business by the mid 1800's. The U.S. is still the world's leading producer of peppermint oil, making an average of 4,117 tons annually. Some companies in Japan are said to pipe peppermint oil into their AC system to invigorate their workers and thereby increase productivity. Parts Used Dried or fresh leaf, and essential oil. Typical Preparations Tea is the most common and best employed use of this ingredient. The oil is used as flavoring in toothpaste, dental creams, mouthwash, cough candies, chewing gum, and baked goods. Summary The oil of peppermint offers its cool, refreshing flavor and unmistakable aroma to a wide variety of foods and beverages. In the western world it is a common ingredient for candies, toothpastes, ice creams, pies and other desserts. The peppermint leaf itself is muddled and added to cocktails, and is a popular ingredient in herbal teas when dried. In cuisine of the Middle East, peppermint is noted for its contribution to savory dishes. It is added to spice rubs which are used to flavor lamb and other meats. It is also blended with yogurts, beans, and cheese. References http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=21052500 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1590865807000618 The Contemporary Encyclopedia of Herbs & Spices by Tony Hill

The health benefits of peppermint oil include its ability to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms, as well as pain.

Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant -- a cross between water mint and spearmint -- that thrives in Europe and North America.

Peppermint is widely credited with being a digestive aid. The leaves contain menthol, which is a proven aid to digestion.

Peppermint Essential Oil (1st distillation): This is an herbaceous and sweet peppermint that's a perfect addition to your handmade creations. It's less sharp than the 2nd distillation and contains slightly less menthol.