Uplifting and Brightening Peppermint Essential Oil
January 16, 2011 by Helen Hunter
Filed under Supplements
Peppermint essential oil has held a prominent role throughout known human history. The Mentha family of mints are very common. They grow easily in dark, wet places, often in the shade of other plants. They can be considered invasive for some crops, as they will quickly and easily overgrow an area. They are hardy plants and easily cross-breed, as well as easily split into sub-groups. This makes them very adaptable, with a large number of hybrids. Peppermint is one of the oldest hybrids, a cross between watermint and spearmint that happened naturally in the wild.
People in ancient civilizations treasured the common bounty of such a valuable plant. It was used in medicine to relieve congestion and colds. The leaves and flowers were commonly used to mask odors in homes and public places. Because the plant was common, most people could gather enough of it freely to cover the floors of their homes in peppermint. As people would walk through, the lovely odor of peppermint essential oil would permeate the home.
Every serious practitioner of aromatherapy considers peppermint to be a basic oil, necessary for any complete aromatherapy set. It has both soothing and exciting properties. It tends to relieve stress and relax the muscles. At the same, it provides a soft stimulation for the conscious mind. Memory, attention to detail, and learning all increase under the influence of peppermint.
Quality masseuses know the many benefits of mints in massage. The spicy, cool scent is familiar to most customers. It is reassuring and relaxing. In addition, it helps muscles to relax and encourages proper circulation. All of this helps enhance the experience of, and benefits from, massage. The improved blood flow and relaxation will maximize the positive effects of massage.
Ordering quality essential oils is key to good results. Inferior oils are diluted or produced from inferior plants. Be sure to order your oils from a quality provider with a strong reputation. Be prepared to pay a little more for greatly increased quality. While the per unit price may be higher, you will save money in the long run. Much less of a high quality oil is needed for optimal effects.
Carrier oils are an important part of using essential oils. Undiluted essentials are quite strong. Some of them can damage plastics, stain fabrics, and burn the sensitive skin. Carriers serve the purpose of diluting the pure essentials to a therapeutic and safe dosage. Taking care to use the proper amount for the proper purpose is very important.
Some of them have therapeutic effects of their own. For example, almond and avocado oils are excellent carriers for a massage mixture. Their mild scent is complementary to the mint and they have excellent conditioning properties for the skin. Take care to select the best carrier oil for your intended use. It will greatly improve results and the pleasure of the experience.
Peppermint is a commonly known and widely loved herb. The clear, cold fragrance of peppermint essential oil is unmistakable. People have found a wide variety of uses for the pungent plant. It was used in the earliest days of human civilization and continues to be widely used in modern times.
AnandaApothecary.com/essential-oils.html is a premier supplier of therapeutic and medical quality essential oils to practitioners around the world. More is available though their website at www.anandaapothecary.com.