THE PRODUCT AND ITS STORY
Peppermint is a herbaceous plant native to Europe, a hybrid between Mentha spicata and aquatic Mentha, now distributed in various areas of the world. It is found in any cool, moist soil at low altitudes. There are numerous subspecies, varieties, strains and chemotypes that produce EOs that are very different in chemical composition.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
The essential oil is dominated by the presence of menthol (29%-50%) and its similars such as neomenthol, isomenthol, neo-isomenthol. Other important compounds are menthone (13-32%), isomenthone (2-10%), neomenthone, neo-isomentone, piperitone, isopiperitone and (+)-pulegone (1-11%), as well as 1,8-cineole (5 -10%) (+)-pulegone (1-11%), as well as 1,8-cineole (5-10%) (-)-mentofuran (1-10%) and menthyl acetate (3-10%)
The oil varies from colorless to light yellow or light green. The smell is characteristic, fresh and "mentholated", creamy, clean and refreshing. The final note is sweet, round, mentholated, clean
EFFECTS
It is a strong stimulant of the central nervous system, has an antispasmodic effect on the visceral muscles, has an anesthetic and rubefacient, antifungal, antioxidant, insect repellent and antipruritic effect.
USE
It is appreciated for combating skin infections, often in association with other more antimicrobial EOs, for its antiseptic activity and for the reduction of itching. Helps combat muscle pain and migraines, colds, lethargy. Helps digestion and elimination of gases; it is appreciated against nausea, for attention and memory problems, bad breath, dental plaque. In inhalation or diffusion it is excellent in case of cough, bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, colds, attention and memory problems.
CAUTIONS
Caution in oral use in case of gastroesophageal reflux and gallstones; in general for any food preparation it is strongly recommended to dilute the essential oil before use to concentrations of 0.3-0.6% and paying attention to the material used to dilute it (fatty substances, oil, butter, honey). Do not use in case of atrial fibrillation and favism. Do not use on children's faces, especially near the nose. Do not use near eyes
.Do not use old or oxidized OE.