Extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and from the flowers of Mentha × piperita L. (peppermint, peppermint), hybrid sterile among water mint (M. aquatic) and spearmint (M. spicata), perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae cultivated intensively throughout the world — India (Uttar Pradesh), USA (Oregon, Washington), China and Europe. It is one of the essential oils most widely used in the world in the food industry, cosmetic and pharmaceutical. The phytochemical profile is dominated by menthol (35-55%), menthone (15-30%), menthyl acetate (2-10%) and neomenthol, with isomenthone, menthofuran and pulegone in traces. The menthol is an agonist of the cold receptor TRPM8 (stimulates the sensation of coolness without lowering the temperature), serotonin inhibitor (antiemetic) and analgesic topical which blocks the calcium channels in the sensory C fibers. In aromatherapy it is used as headache analgesic (temporal application), antiemetic (pregnancy-related nausea and chemotherapy), decongestant nasal, digestive and powerful carminative. Contraindicated in children under the 12 years and during pregnancy. Very fresh top note, strongly mentholated and penetrating.

Hybrid of European origin; cultivated mainly in USA (Oregon, Indiana), France, India and China.

Leaves and whole flowering plant

Steam distillation

• Digestive: relieves nausea, abdominal bloating, irritable bowel and reflux (diluted use).
• Headache: applied to the temples (very diluted) reduces the intensity of the tension headache.
• Energizing: stimulates concentration and reduces the sensation of mental fatigue.
• Muscular: analgesic effect and cooling on muscle and joint pain.
• Respiratory: decongestant nasal in case of colds and sinusitiss.

Blends well with: