Plant Description:
The peppermint plant is a summer-growing perennial with upright square stems reaching a meter in height at maturity. The plant is known for its high menthol content, so high, in fact, that menthol crystals form on the surface of the leaves. Peppermint’s origin is somewhat of a mystery, but it has been in existence for a long time – dried leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating from around 1000 BC. It was highly valued by the Greeks and Romans. It was first described in England in 1696 but only became popular in Western Europe in the 18th Century.
Peppermint Piperita Oil has a rich, strong, clean, fresh, minty aroma and impactful aroma. It is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion; research has shown peppermint’s role in improving taste and smell when inhaled. Peppermint also eases nervous headaches. Menthol, its main constituent, has antibacterial properties.
Peppermint Oil Properties:
Appearance: Mobile liquid
Colour: Almost Colourless to Pale Yellow color
Odour: Typical of natural peppermint flavor
Flash point: Abobe 100°C
Specific gravity at 20°C: 0.890 – 0.922
Refractive index at 20°C: 1.455 – 1.465
Optical rotation: -40 to -20°
Solubility in water: Insoluble
The main components: Methol min 60%
Uses of Peppermint oil:
Uses in pharma:
1. Peppermint oil is rich in digestive properties that aid in the treatment of gastrointestinal issues such as colon spasms, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome. The oil is really useful to individuals who seem to have a somewhat less appetite. The oil is used as a health supplement and as a treatment for illnesses such as morning sickness, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
2. Aromatherapy oil is useful in reducing tension, pain, worry, and sadness. It is also effective for brain functioning. It can also help with muscular discomfort and headaches.
3. The oil has respiratory advantages as well. Based on particular studies, this oil is useful in treating TB as well as minimizing the chance of getting the disease. Also, this oil has a great efficacy as a cough medicine cure.
4. Peppermint oil can be used to heal some skin conditions. It could be seen as an emollient. Moreover, this oil is excellent for oral health since it may be used as an astringent or mouthwash to stop bad odour.
Use in Cosmetics:
1. The oil used in skin care products like cream, soap, moisturizer and etc. It helps to balance in the oil content by combating excess oil secretion and helps to irritated skin caused by acne or other allergies, can also be healed gradually with its consistent use.
2. It can help to promote hair growth. According to a research study this oil when use to mince, increase the number of follicle depth and overall hair growth.
Use in foods:
Peppermint oil offers a wide range of medical applications. For its menthol content, it may also be utilised as an ingredient in items such as chewing gum, toothpaste, tea, ice cream, shampoo, and cigarettes. This oil is also used as a flavour in some foods.
Caution:
Safety Information: Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use on babies or small children. Peppermint Oil may cause irritation to sensitive skin, however, it is rare. Important to do a patch test first, before applying in large amounts. Do not use in baths.
