PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
A crisp, cooling aromatic oil with strong, fresh, minty and menthol notes.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Common Name: Peppermint
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Origin of Plant: Europe and the Middle East; widely cultivated
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops
Note: Top to Middle
Colour: Colourless to pale yellow
Aroma: Strong, fresh, minty and menthol
About This Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil is steam distilled from Mentha x piperita. Its crisp, penetrating aroma is widely used in diffuser blends, soaps, household fragrance and carefully formulated body products. Peppermint can create a refreshing, alert aromatic atmosphere, but its high menthol content means it must be diluted carefully and kept away from the faces of babies and young children.
Key Benefits
• Provides a strong, fresh and cooling mint aroma
• Creates an alert and refreshing aromatic atmosphere
• Popular in diffuser and room-fragrance blends
• Adds a crisp note to soaps and body products
• Complements carefully formulated massage products
• Blends readily with citrus, herbaceous and woody oils
History
Mint plants have been valued since antiquity in food, fragrance and customary preparations. References to mint occur in ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian sources, although modern Peppermint is a hybrid of Water Mint and Spearmint and should not automatically be identified with every ancient mint record. Peppermint became widely cultivated in Europe and later developed into an important flavouring, fragrance and personal-care material.
Main Chemical Components
42% Alcohols, 30% Ketones
Aromatic Characteristics
• Fresh and minty
• Cooling and penetrating
• Clean and herbaceous
• Bright top-to-middle aromatic note
Aromatic Uses
• Creates a fresh atmosphere in diffuser blends
• Adds mint character to soaps and washes
• Complements household fragrance products
• Suitable for carefully formulated massage products
• Brightens citrus, herbal and woody compositions
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as refreshing and invigorating
• Opens with crisp menthol and mint notes
• Develops cool, green and herbaceous nuances
Blends Well With
Basil, Cedarwood, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram, Pine and Rosemary.
Health & Safety
• External use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted. Dilute appropriately.
• Patch test before use; stop if irritation occurs. Avoid eyes and broken skin.
• Do not add undiluted oil directly to bath water.
• Do not use on or near babies' or young children's faces; seek age-specific advice.
• Seek qualified advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions.
• Diffuse sparingly and intermittently with good ventilation.
• Stop if coughing, breathing discomfort, headache or irritation occurs.
• Oxidised oil may sensitise; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Keep from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
