The thought of peppermint is likely to evoke its distinctive sweet, menthol aroma. Peppermint is often cultivated as fragrant herb garden plants; though, some gardeners consider them invasive weeks due to their tendency to spread rapidly via underground stems. Peppermint essential oil is distilled from freshly cut, partially dried plant tops. These are cut just before the plants come into flower so the oil will have the best balance of fragrant constituents. If allowed to over-mature, the quantity and quality of the resulting peppermint oil will suffer, developing off-aromas that can be sharp, bitter and overly menthol-scented. The primary constituent of peppermint oil is menthol, which causes a physical reaction when inhaled or applied to the skin. Menthol produces an immediate and pronounced sensation of coolness, which the body reacts to quite strongly, producing its own warming effect as blood flows into the area of application. This physical sensation impresses the senses as a medicinal effect and is partially responsible for peppermint essential oil's long history of use as medicine.

Peppermint Oil Information

Peppermint Oil Benefits

Peppermint Oil Use - Directions