Smell like Creme de Menthe! (Peppermint)

Member Name: janharper

Product:	Peppermint
Date:	27/09/01 (106 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: versatile and low priced

Disadvantages: can burn skin if used incorrectly, not suitable for use on children

Peppermint oil is distilled from Mentha Piperita. It is a dark green oil with a fresh aroma that clears the head and has a generally uplifting effect.

The scent is top to middle note which means that it is quite sharp.

It is used in aromatherpy, medicines, perfumes, as a food flavouring and in drink (peppermint cordial or Creme de Menthe).

USES:
++++

Refreshes tired feet and legs

Refreshes and cleans the scalp when used as a hair rinse

A massage with diluted oil will help in bruising

Vapourised oil will clean and refresh the air in a room.

Analgesic (helps pain, especially in headache.Mix a couple of drops with 10 mils carrier oil and massage forehead, etc.)

Antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic

Antiviral, astringent (good for oily skin)

Decongestant (clears sinuses)

Expectorant

Stimulant

May help in shingles to reduce the pain

Acne and dermatitis may benefit.


HOW TO USE:
+++++++++++

A couple of drops in a warm bath with refresh the muscles.

A couple of drops used as a hair rinse will invigourate the scalp and leave the hair shiney.

Massage with undiluted oil for bruising

Use in a vapouriser to clean the air in a room.

Mix with ravensara for a very effective analgesic.


WARNING:
++++++++

Do not use in pregnancy as it is an emmenogogue (encourages bleeding).

Always dilute before massage at 1% (2 drops to 10 mils carrier oil)

Never use more than 3 drops in the bath as it may burn the skin

If you have sensitive skin test a small area on the inside of your wrist first.

Can anaesthetise the senses if over-used.

Sleep disturbance in high doses.

Can cause constipation if too much is used (especially in peppermint tea) as it slows down the digestive system. r>
Not recommended for children and babies as a few cases of reflex apnoea have bee attributed to this oil.


VERDICT:
+++++++

Peppermint oil is one of my favourites. It is excellent used for foot massage. (Always dilute with a carrier oil before use.) It is an extremely useful oil to have at home and provided it is used properly will give some really good results.

I recently used it to relief post shingles pain. When the pain starts in the nerve ending rub a couple of drops of peppermint oil into the painful area. This worked well for me.

Use it in a warm bath and you will feel refreshed and invigourated but don't use it before bedtime or you might not sleep.