Mint campestre

Plant description

Extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and from the flowers of Mentha arvensis L. (mint campestre, mint of the campi, corn mint), perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae widespread in all Europe and Asia temperata in the campi, to the bordi of the strade and in the soils umidi. is the main fonte industrial of menthol natural in the world: dto the oil si cristallizza the menthol for raffreddamento, and the residuo (oil deterpenato) is sold as oil of peppermint adulterata or as aromatizing. The phytochemical profile is dominated by menthol libero (55-75%), menthone (10-25%) and menthyl acetate, with a concentration of menthol superiore to quella of the peppermint classic. The menthol acts on the channels TRPM8 of the cold and at the receptors μ-oppioidi — effect cooling, analgesic topical and decongestant nasal. In aromatherapy it is used as headache analgesic and nevralgie, decongestant nasal, antinausea, antipruriginous and cooling skin. Very more economic of the peppermint. Contraindicated in children under the 12 years and during pregnancy. Top note strongly fresh and mentholated.

Origin

India, China, Brazil, Europe oriental

Part used

Parts aeree flowering

Extraction method

Steam distillation

Main uses

Cooling: effect cooling immediato on the skin and on the mucous membranes, ideal in estate.
Analgesic topical: relieves cefalee, muscle pain and prurito for the action of the α-terpineol.
Respiratory: decongestant nasal and antiseptic of the airways.
Digestive: carminative and antispasmodic, reduces nausea and gonfiore.

Recipes & blends

Sollievo headache

1 drop of Mint campestre + 1 drop of Lavender in 5 ml of carrier oil. Apply to the temples and to the nape, avoiding the eyes.

Freschezza estiva

2 drops of Mint campestre + 3 drops of Eucalyptus radiata + 2 drops of Lemon in the diffuser. Cooling and purifying.

Harmonization

Blends well with:

Lavanda Eucalipto Limone Tea Tree (Albero del Tè) Rosmarino Niaouli

Contraindications

Do not apply undiluted on the skin (irritating). Dilute massimo to the 2% for adults. Do not use near to the face of neonati and children under the 6 years (risk broncospasmo from α-terpineol). Avoid during pregnancy. Do not apply to sensory skin or area oculare.