Essential oils from the mint family (technically the "Labiatae" family) are among the most popular in aromatherapy, in part from their impressive diverse therapeutic applications. The mints include peppermint, spearmint and corn mint, along with a close cousin: catnip. Recently, there's even been solid scientific research backing the use of these oils as medicines for both the mind and body. Here's a look at the many important benefits of these oils, and how you can make use of them in your own life.
Possibly one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy -- no doubt in the top five -- is peppermint. Distilled from the leaves and tops of the same herb that gives us candy canes and mint herb tea, the essential oil is by far the most widely used stimulating aromatic. Yet its therapeutic effects reach far beyond this -- the oil is used to help a range of digestive challenges, as a topical analgesic, to open the sinus passages and even alleviate headaches.
Much research has been done on peppermint's ability to support challenges with the gut -- perhaps because so many folks suffer from similar complaints. Peppermint has an incredible synergy of actions, working together to quell tummy troubles. The stimulating aspect occurs by getting the gall bladder to produce digestive juices, a very important facet of relieving indigestion. Interestingly, the oil also puts a stop to intestinal spasms, which can be a significant source of pain. The oil can be ingested in small amounts, but the best way to address a painful belly is to massage a dilute formula of the essential oil -- based in any carrier oil -- into the abdomen. Mandarin is an excellent complement to this, and for the young ones, a blend of spearmint and mandarin can be magic. For adults dealing with indigestion, one to three drops of peppermint can be taken with a small amount of water.
Stimulating the mind with these oils is what many of us are looking for, and the mints deliver. The menthol in peppermint, and in higher amounts in corn mint, does the job of opening the sinus passages in an instant. This helps get oxygen to the brain, fast. Which enhances the second action of the oils -- acting as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. This means they prevent the enzyme which breaks down acetylcholine from working. OK, so what does THAT mean? It means more of the primary information-processing chemical of the brain, an effect that's being studied as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's. One small safety note, some folks have been known to burn the tip of their nose by getting peppermint on it when inhaling out of the bottle, so be careful!
Peppermint is commonly used to help with headaches, with the simple application massaged into the temples. A three to ten percent dilution in any carrier oil can be used, adjusted to personal preference of potency. Do avoid the eyes and try spearmint instead with children. The clarifying, cooling effect of both these oils may just do the trick when a natural remedy is what you're seeking.
The mint oils share many similar properties among them, with important subtle differences. Spearmint is called for in nearly all the cases peppermint would be used, except for the analgesic topical activity resulting from the menthol. Spearmint has a more gentle action, and is the oil of choice for younger children. Its lovely sweetness is a wonderful addition to many blends, and the oil is used industrially as a food flavoring agent. Both peppermint and spearmint are recommended for "clearing congested skin", and as refreshing skin tonics.
When menthol is the ingredient providing the therapeutic action you're needing -- be it topical pain relief, or invigoration from that "minty" cooling effect, peppermint or corn mint should be used. Spearmint contains almost no menthol, where peppermint contains between 30 and 50%, and corn mint contains up to 95%. You'll find both these mints in pain relieving blends, and in body creams and scrubs where the idea is to get a pleasant eye-opening action from the product.
From a safety point of view, the oils have very few cautions. Peppermint is to be avoided by those prone to seizures, as it can be too stimulating to the nervous system. Corn mint clearly should be avoided for the same reason. Spearmint is nearly always recommended for use with younger children anytime peppermint would be used. All the oils should be diluted prior to topical application, though are otherwise considered non-toxic and non-irritating.
There are many ways to use these oils beyond the scope of this article -- browsing the web or through a good aromatherapy guidebook will lead you to many more possibilities. Dig around a little, or buy yourself a bottle of peppermint, and let it lead you to its place in your life -- you're bound to be pleasantly stimulated!
Learn more on the incredible array of therapuetic actions of aromatherapy such as organic Indian peppermint oil, Mentha piperita and many more at ananadaapothecary.com
