Mentha Piperita Essential Oil

The 3 greatest chronicles of my visit to India are the monumental Taj Mahal (one that
you can see on my Facebook profile pic) that enthralled my sight, the deep-
rooted cultural differences within a single country that moved my heart and finally the lip-
smacking Samosas (the most popular Indian snack) pairing its pride with
the mouthwatering mint chutney that are still deeply vested within my taste buds.
Power-packed with immeasurable health benefits, mint leaves botanically known as
Mentha arvensis has a distinct aroma that’ll uplift you instantly. Mentha oil or Mentha
Piperita oil is extracted from the leaves of this plant by steam distillation.

Known as Pudina or Podina, the fresh and dried leaves along with its essential oil have
been in use in Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing sciences for more than thousands of
years. The most popular Ayurvedic uses of this herb are for treating digestive disorders,
respiratory problems, menstrual discomforts and skin problems like acne, itching and
rashes.

Historical importance and uses of Mentha piperita:

The history of Mentha piperita dates back to 3,000 years and is still trusted to be
cultivated first in the temperate climate of Europe, after which it was slowly spread to
Asian countries like India, Japan and China along with certain other countries in Africa
and North America. Currently India is the largest producer and exporter of Mentha
oil contributing to 80% of the world’s total production.
Among many other members of the mint family Lamiaceae, Mentha arvensis is the only
member that thrives well in subtropical areas. It is also known to the world with other
names like Japanese mint, Corn mint, Wild mint, Field mint and Pudina.
This herb was used by the Aztecs to promote perspiration, treat stomach pain, flatulence and
colic. Mentha oil was also used in treating pain, headache and oral problems. The herbal
infusion prepared with these leaves was really effective in treating insomnia and
sleeping disorders.
Mentha Arvensis was also used by the Native Americans for treating pain, inflammation
and stomach ache. The traditional Europeans used mint as a remedy for cough,
gastrointestinal disorders, flatulence and gall bladder problems. There are
numerous home remedies using fresh mint leaves.
The Ojibwa community uses this plant in sweat-bath, whereas it is a part of the Sun
Dance ceremony of the Northern Cheyenne Indians of Montana. This medicinal plant is
also a part of Ayurveda, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and various other
contemporary healing methodologies.

Therapeutic properties and chemical components of Mentha piperita essential oil:

This oil consists of about 95% menthol and other active ingredients are isomenthone,
methyl acetate, menthone, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, piperitone, flavonoids,
limonene, beta-caryopyllene, neomenthol and tannins.

The healing properties are carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antimicrobial,

cholagogue, anti-fungal, expectorant, stimulant, tonic, antiphlogistic, antidepressant and
nervine.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Mentha piperita essential oil:

Pudina is an incredible kitchen herb in India and many other Asian countries for its
tempting and refreshing aroma along with its excellent medicinal values. Ayurveda aged
for about 5000 years is a holistic medicinal practice that considers every human being as
a part of nature.

Ill-health and good health according to Ayurvedic texts depend upon nature and natural
remedies are the best way to treat it. Based upon this principle, Ayurvedic remedies
encompass nature’s gifts like herbs and essential oils along with a balanced lifestyle,
yoga, meditation and simple physical exercises that can assist in preventing diseases
and pave way for longevity.

Every human being is considered as a unique creation and just like Hippocrates words
‘One man’s food is another man’s poison’, Ayurvedic treatments differ from individual to
individual even for the same disease. This uniqueness is identified by one’s individual
constitution that is made up of three bio-energies known as doshas. They are vata, kapha
and pitta doshas.
Perfect balance between all the three doshas with the predominance of any one of the
dosha determines a human’s health, attributes along with his physical and mental set up.
Imbalance of doshas end up in illness and Ayurvedic treatments often prescribe
remedies that can stabilize dosha disparities. Mentha and its essential oil are said to
pacify pitta and kapha doshas and aggravate vata dosha with its easy, clear, dry and
light properties.
The Ayurvedic health benefits of Mentha piperita essential oil are:

1. Soothes the digestive system:

Mentha arvensis is a natural carminative that speeds up sluggish digestion, treats
indigestion, motion sickness, flatulence, colic, dyspepsia, food poisoning, nausea,
intestinal peristalsis and gas.  The active ingredients present in Menthol essential oil
pacifies the inner lining of the stomach and intestines and its cooling property aids in
treating ulcers as well.

The stomachic and digestion promoting properties of mint has made it a vital ingredient
in many lamb and other meat dishes in the Middle East, America, Great Britain, Asia and
Africa. Ancient people also used mint for preventing coagulation of milk.

All you need to do to treat your digestive chaos is to add 3 to 4 drops of Mentha piperita
oil in warm bathing water and let that warmth and refreshing energy of the medicated
bathing water treat your digestive difficulties. You can also gently massage your
abdomen and tummy with 2 drops of this oil blended with sesame oil for assisting your
digestive problems.

The simplest way to treat nausea (especially while traveling), morning sickness and loss
of appetite is to add 1 drop of Mentha oil to your hanky or tissue and inhale its invigorating
aroma that can put an end to your giddiness and nostalgic feeling just like that.
A 2010 study on ‘Protective effects of bioactive phytochemicals from Mentha piperita
with multiple health potentials’ state “The essential oil of mint may be exploited as a natural
source of bioactive phytochemicals bearing antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials that could
be supplemented for both nutritional purposes and preservation of foods.”
2. Emancipates all forms of stagnation:
Mentha piperita essential oil is known to clear all forms of stagnation in the body causing
sickness and affecting the body’s normal functioning. It alleviates excess kapha energy
that is responsible for stagnation of excess fluids in the body leading to obesity,
rheumatism, respiratory problems etc.,
(i)Treats respiratory problems:
Inhaling the healing aroma of Mentha oil by adding 2 drops to steam inhalation assists in
treating respiratory problems like cold, asthma, bronchitis, sinus congestion, blocked
nasal passages and congestion of lungs and bronchi.

Adding 2 drops of this oil to your cold rub and gently rubbing it on your chest, throat,
back and forehead can aid in relieving headache, sore throat, chest congestion and
runny nose. This speedy action is due to the presence of menthol, which is a primary
ingredient in all the popular vaporub and balms in the market.

(ii) Alleviates fever and neuralgia:

The febrifuge and diaphoretic properties of Mentha essential oil helps in reducing fever
by releasing the heat of the body through sweat. The antimicrobial and antifungal
properties of this oil assist in curbing the growth of harmful microbes causing fever and
other respiratory infections.
2 drops of Mentha oil can be added with coconut oil and applied on the soles of your feet
to reduce your body temperature and treat neuralgia as the vital points of all the parts of
your body are connected to the soles.

(iii) Regularizes menstruation:

The power to emancipate all types of stagnations in the body makes Mentha essential oil
as a promising remedy for treating menstrual pain and blocked menstruation. Massaging
your lower abdomen with 2 to 3 drops of Mentha oil along with sesame oil helps in
regularizing your menstrual cycle, treat dysmennorhea, nausea and other painful symptoms
of menstruation by balancing the level of estrogen.
3. Nurtures the skin:
Undoubtedly, Mentha essential oil is a natural antiseptic that aids in healing wounds and
treating numerous skin problems. It acts as a protective shield on the skin and guards
against the infections of micro organisms like bacteria, fungi and other microbes.

A 2008 study on ‘Enhancement of the Antibiotic activity against a Multiresistant

Escherichia coli by Mentha Arvensis L. and Chlorpromazine’ has proved that the extracts
of Mentha Arvensis can be used as natural weapon for bacterial resistance.
This oil has excellent skin cleansing properties. Adding 2 drops of Mentha oil to your skin
care cream or lotion supports in treating pimples, blackheads, blemishes and dark
circles. This oil also has anti-pruritic effect that can be effective in treating itching, rashes
and insect bites.

4. Relieves pain and inflammation:

The rich menthol content in Mentha piperita oil helps in relaxing the muscles, treat
muscular spasms, reduce pain, alleviate inflammation and promote blood circulation.
Massaging the affected area with 2 drops of Mentha oil blended with coconut oil can aid
in relieving pain, rheumatism, arthritis, numbness, soreness and irritation.

5. Grants absolute tranquility:

No one can deny the fact that mint has an enlivening aroma that can drive us straight to
a whole new world of freshness and fragrance. Inhaling the aroma of Mentha oil by
adding 2 drops to your aromatic lamp or diffuser or air freshener can trim down your
fatigue, stress, depression, nervous tension and anxiety after a long tiring day.
The aromatic molecules of this tranquilizing oil travel through your nasal passages and
reach the limbic system of the brain, which is the body’s control hub of feelings and
emotions. By this way Mentha oil motivates, pacifies, rejuvenates and replenishes your
senses and augments your mental power by boosting your confidence.
Other health benefits:
Mentha piperita essential oil is also used in lotions, toothpastes, gargles, cough drops,
analgesic balms, perfumery, pharmaceuticals, mouth fresheners, shampoos, tobacco
products and as a flavoring agent in numerous other products. You can also use this oil
as a natural oral cleanser by adding 1 drop of Mentha oil to a cup of warm water and use
it as a gargle in the morning and at night. This assists in killing germs, restricting
bacterial growth, refreshing your breath, strengthening your gums and whitening your
teeth.

Disclaimer:
This article is only for educational purposes and is not meant to treat or diagnose any
health condition or to substitute any prescribed medications or expert professional
advice. We are not healthcare professionals and this information is shared with the idea
of spreading the significance of Ayurveda, the oldest holistic healing system on earth.

Never use essential oils internally. Ensure that you dilute them in appropriate carrier oils
before using it for external purposes as pure and organic essential oils are extremely
concentrated liquids and undiluted use on the skin might cause allergic reactions. It is
highly recommended to speak with your Ayurvedic expert/ healthcare professional prior
to choosing the appropriate essential oils for your unique individual constitution and state
of health.

Thought for the day:

Nothing except the mint can make money without advertising.  -Thomas B. Macaulay

Suggested Reading:
1. Mint: The Genus Mentha (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial
Profiles) from CRC Press
2. Cultivation of Mentha arvensis and production of menthol in India  by Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (India)
3. ISO 9776:1999, Oil of Mentha arvensis, partially dementholized (Mentha arvensis
L. var. piperascens Malinv. and var. glabrata Holmes) by ISO TC 54
4. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic
Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being by Julia Lawless