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Essential oils from the mint family (technically the “Labiatae” family) are among the most popular in aromatherapy, in part from their impressive diverse therapeutic applications. The mints include peppermint, spearmint and corn mint, along with a close cousin: catnip. Recently, there’s even been solid scientific research backing the use of these oils as medicines for both the mind and body. Here’s a look at the many important benefits of these oils, and how you can make use of them in your own life.

By far the most used of these essential oils is peppermint. It is by far the most popular “stimulating” essential oil, imparting this action both on the body and the psyche. It is also one of the first aromatics reached for to treat headaches and migraines, and has a topical pain relieving effect as well. A deep inhalation of peppermint is also one of the fastest ways to clear the sinuses, and clear the mind at the same time.

Much research has been done on peppermint’s ability to support challenges with the gut — perhaps because so many folks suffer from similar complaints. Peppermint has an incredible synergy of actions, working together to quell tummy troubles. The stimulating aspect occurs by getting the gall bladder to produce digestive juices, a very important facet of relieving indigestion. Interestingly, the oil also puts a stop to intestinal spasms, which can be a significant source of pain. The oil can be ingested in small amounts, but the best way to address a painful belly is to massage a dilute formula of the essential oil — based in any carrier oil — into the abdomen. Mandarin is an excellent complement to this, and for the young ones, a blend of spearmint and mandarin can be magic. For adults dealing with indigestion, one to three drops of peppermint can be taken with a small amount of water.

Stimulating the mind with these oils is what many of us are looking for, and the mints deliver. The menthol in peppermint, and in higher amounts in corn mint, does the job of opening the sinus passages in an instant. This helps get oxygen to the brain, fast. Which enhances the second action of the oils — acting as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. This means they prevent the enzyme which breaks down acetylcholine from working. OK, so what does THAT mean? It means more of the primary information-processing chemical of the brain, an effect that’s being studied as a potential therapy for Alzheimer’s. One small safety note, some folks have been known to burn the tip of their nose by getting peppermint on it when inhaling out of the bottle, so be careful!

Headache relief can come from simply inhaling the oil as well, though the more common practice is topical application. Peppermint and spearmint are safe to apply small amounts directly to the skin, but because of the proximity to the eyes and the soft skin of the face, a moderate dilution of either oil is best. To help with a headache, simply gently massage the temples with a small amount of your formula.

In many cases, the mint oils can be used interchangeably. Both spearmint and peppermint are called for to support healing digestive difficulties — though for the young ones, the softer spearmint is the better choice. Both these oils are noted by Salvatore Battaglia to cleanse the skin, though only peppermint is recommended (in a 1% concentration) to relieve itching and skin irritation.

The essential oil distilled from corn mint (also found as “Wild” mint) is almost completely made up of menthol. Its use is best reserved for formulas where a small amount of the oil is added to impart that special “zing”! This is popular in invigorating body care products like foot creams and stimulating shampoos and conditioners. Otherwise, peppermint and spearmint are the better selections for therapeutic applications.

The safety concerns of these essential oils are few. Peppermint and corn mint should not be used by those with epilepsy, as the aroma may be to simulating to the nervous system. For younger children, use spearmint in place of peppermint — whether there’s really a concern does not seem to be agreed upon, but where an adult or older child might quickly be able to say “that’s too much”, the same response may not come fast enough from younger kids. And finally, corn mint should only be used in applications where it is called for specifically, or by knowledgeable practitioners.

There’s a brief look at the most popular stimulating essential oils. A little mint doesn’t cost much, goes a long way, and might be a fun and effective addition to your natural medicine collection!

The author has made available reports on specific anti-microbials such as tea tree essential oil and other therapeutic aromatics.

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