Peppermint oil is by far the most popular mint type oil and easily the most well known. Normally associated with gum, toothpaste, or candy canes, peppermint is a LOT more versatile than you think.
Scientific Name
Mentha x piperita
Odor
Cooling, green with hay notes, and a candy-like sweet background
Taste
Cooling, sweet, green, slightly earthy with hints of hay, and a slightly sweet background
Main Aromatic Chemicals
L-Menthol, L-Menthone, & Menthyl Acetate
Most Common Flavor Uses
Gum, Hard Candy, Oral Care, Ice Cream, Chocolate, Beverages (Iced or Hot Tea, Alcoholic), OTC Products, Nicotine Products
Unusual Flavor Uses
Soaps & Lotions, Fruity Flavors
Aromatherapy & Herbal Essential Oil Uses
Please read our Essential Oil Primer article. We briefly discuss safety, and the shortcomings of scientific studies as it relates to aromatherapy. (Placeholder)
A lot of the literature focuses on one of the main constituents, menthol. Much of the research efforts are put behind this particular chemical as the main reason for it’s effectiveness in various applications.
The studies that focus on any kind of mental effects are few and sparsely populated, but they can be seen as encouraging, especially if you’re looking for something simple to boost your mood, energize your mind. No harm can come from using peppermint oil this way.
Most studies show the effects are best received via inhalation.
There have been a number of studies on peppermint oil use in gastrointestinal complaints, mainly in those diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Disease (IBS or IBD). But it must be introduced orally in an enteric-coated pill to be effective.
Simple Essential Oil Blend
This blend is ideal for use in a lip balm. You could apply it to bases containing water, but you will require an emulsified system to make sure the mixture remains stable over time. It will mix easily into any base that does NOT contain water.
The recipe is given in “parts” to keep it easy for people who wish to use it but don’t have access to more “scientific” tools.
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