Properties of peppermint essential oil: Peppermint is native to the Mediterranean, but is cultivated widely in the USA, Italy, Japan and Great Britain. Since ancient times, peppermint has been cultivated for medical uses in Japan and China. Evidence of the use of peppermint has also been found in ancient Egypt. Peppermint essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of the whole plant, fresh or partly dried. One of the best known properties of peppermint essential oil is that it is excellent for oral health. It helps fight off bad breath and hazardous bacteria that can infect gums and damage teeth. It is also known to be effective in treating toothache. Another property this essential oil is famous for, is the fact that it treats nausea and headaches. Because of the soothing and relaxing effect peppermint oil has, it is very effective in treating nausea and motion sickness. Its cooling and anti-inflammatory effects also relives headaches. Peppermint oil has a positive effect on the scalp and hair. It has a cooling and regenerative effect on the scalp, which relieves a dry scalp and stimulates hair growth. The menthol this oil contains helps clear the respiratory system. It provides temporary relief from

bronchitis and nasal congestion. This essential oil improves blood circulation. This allows the organs to receive more oxygen, improving brain function. An oxygenated brain is also less likely to develop degenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This essential oil also has a positive effect on emotions. It relieves stress, anxiety and mental exhaustion. Because of its refreshing nature, it helps fight depression. Main Qualities: - Analgesic - Anti-inflammatory - Antimicrobial - Antiphlogistic (reduces inflammation) - Antipruritic (prevents itching) - Antiseptic - Antispasmodic - Antiviral - Astringent - Carminative - Cephalic (stimulates & clears the mind) - Cholagogue (increases bile production) - Cordial (heart tonic) - Emmenagogue - Expectorant - Febrifuge - Hepatic (stimulates liver & gall-bladder function) - Nervine - Stomachic (relieves gastric disorders) - Sudorific (increases perspiration) - Vasoconstrictor (contraction of blood vessel walls) - Vermifuge. Benefits: - Acne - Dermatitis & Ringworms - Scabies - Toothache - Neuralgia - Muscular pain & Palpitations - Asthma & Bronchitis - Halitosis - Sinusitis - Spasmodic cough (When inhaled in steam it checks catarrh temporarily, & will provide relief from head colds & bronchitis; its antispasmodic actions combines well with this to make it a most useful inhalation

asthma) - Colic - Cramps & Nausea - Dyspepsia & Flatulence - Colds, Fever & Flu - Fainting, Headaches & Migraines - Mental fatigue, Nervous stress & Vertigo. How to Use: - Bath - Compress - Insect repellent - Massage - Mouthwash - Room fragrancer - Skin care preparations - Steam inhalation Warnings: Peppermint is a skin irritant so use in low dilution only 1% in a local massage oil or 3 drops in a bath. Not suitable in pregnancy, for babies or young children.