Peppermint Essential Oil, 1/3 fl oz

Peppermint has a powerful, sweet, menthol aroma which, when inhaled undiluted, can make the eyes water and the sinuses tingle.

Add few drops to car dashboard to help stay alert, clear thinking and fresh.

Traditionally used as an insect repellent, emollient, antiseptic, muscle relaxant. A very widely employed aromatherapy oil, try peppermint in a cooling compress across the forehead or over the back of the neck.

Blends well with bergamot, geranium, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sandalwood.

Aromatherapy benefits: vitalizing, refreshing, cooling.

Some traditional uses: for energy, and brighter mood, reducing pain, to help breathing, improve mental clarity and memory.

Peppermint oil is non-toxic and non-irritant in low dilutions but sensitization may be a problem due to the menthol content.

It can cause irritation to the skin and mucus membranes and should be kept well away from the eyes.

Peppermint oil should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used on children under seven.

Peppermint oil is excellent for mental fatigue and depression; it can help for apathy, shock, headache, migraine, nervous stress, vertigo and faintness.

It is useful in general respiratory disorders as well as dry coughs, sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and cholera.

For the digestive system Peppermint oil can be effective for colic, cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence and nausea. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Peppermint leaves for 'Spastic complaints of the gastrointestinal tract as well as gall bladder and bile ducts.'

It can relieve pain in cases of toothache, aching feet, rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular pains and painful periods.

Peppermint oil can be useful for dermatitis, acne, ringworm, scabies and pruritus.

It can relieve itching, sunburn and inflammation of the skin.

Peppermint oil can assist in nervous disorders, the respiratory tract, for muscle aches and pains and for skin problems.

In vapor therapy Peppermint oil can help with