In need of freshness, relief or a digestive boost?Peppermint essential oil, available on Soin-et-Nature, is an essential for soothing headaches, supporting difficult digestion or providing an immediate tonic effect. Rich in menthol, it combines proven efficacy with an intense sensation of well-being - a true natural reflex to keep on hand every day.
An essential medicinal plant, peppermint(Mentha x piperita) belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Renowned for its digestive, antispasmodic, analgesic and refreshing virtues, it has been used since Antiquity, as an infusion, applied locally or inhaled. Its essential oil, obtained from the aerial flowering parts, is widely prescribed today for gastrointestinal disorders, headaches and muscular pains.
Peppermint is a sterile hybrid resulting from a cross between Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata. It is propagated by its trailing rhizomes, which give it vigorous growth. It is grown in France, England, Egypt, India, the United States, Japan and many other countries.
Its essential oil contains two major active ingredients: menthol (up to 50%) and menthone, plus isomenthone, menthyl acetate, limonene and other volatile terpenes. This chemical composition justifies the plant's multiple pharmacological properties. Other plants with complementary aromatic profiles may also offer similar or synergistic effects, as required.
Peppermint has several recognized properties:
Peppermint essential oil acts on the smooth muscle fibers of the digestive tract, reducing spasms and facilitating digestion. Menthol exerts a calcium-inhibiting effect, promoting muscle relaxation. The oil is therefore particularly indicated in cases of :
This action has been validated by theEMA (European Medicines Agency) andESCOP, which recognize its effectiveness in relieving abdominal pain and gastrointestinal spasms.
Applied to the skin, peppermint essential oil induces a sensation of cold by activating TRPM8 receptors, thus modulating the transmission of the pain signal. It is traditionally used to relieve
The German Commission E,WHO andEMA recognize this topical use as "medically well established".
Menthol and menthone have demonstrated significant antiplasmid action against Escherichia coli, as well as general antibacterial and antifungal activity. This property reinforces mint's interest in the treatment of digestive ailments of infectious origin.
Mint is mentioned in Egyptian texts as far back as the time of the Pharaohs, and was used in funeral rituals and to make sacred perfumes. It was also used by the Greeks, Romans, Assyrians and Babylonians.
In Greek mythology, it is associated with the nymph Myntha, transformed into a plant by the jealous Persephone. This legend explains both its aphrodisiac connotations and its natural resistance.
During the Middle Ages, Hildegarde de Bingen mentioned it for its expectorant, digestive and nervous system stimulating properties. In Arabic medicine, it is recommended against gastric pain, vomiting and as an antispasmodic. In the 19th century, Cazin used it to treat hysteria, tremors, uterine colic and insomnia in pregnant women.
Modern peppermint was identified in England in 1696 by John Ray and described scientifically in 1753 by Carl von Linné. Since then, it has been cultivated for essential oil production in Europe, Asia and the United States.
The various health authorities validate its use in several indications, based on solid clinical data:
The use of peppermint essential oil must be strictly supervised, notably because of the potency of its active ingredient, menthol.
Contraindications
Possible side effects:
Potential interactions: caution in case of concomitant treatment with anticoagulants, antiaggregants or drugs metabolized by the liver.
Peppermint, and in particular its menthol-rich essential oil, occupies a central place in modern phytotherapy. Its effectiveness in digestive disorders, headaches, muscular pains and ENT ailments has been validated by international health authorities. Used with discretion, it is a precious natural ally, safe, versatile and scientifically recognized.
The Soin-et-NatureEssential Oils Index lists the main single oils used in aromatherapy, along with their botanical names and specific indications. This index is an essential gateway to identifying the therapeutic properties of each oil, and choosing the natural solutions best suited to your needs. Each oil is presented with its validated uses, its precautions for use and its clinical interest as part of a rigorous natural health approach.
With the Essential Oil Index, Soin-et-Nature guides you in choosing and using the essential oils best suited to your health, well-being or skin care needs. Each oil is detailed according to its botanical characteristics, biochemical composition and therapeutic applications, to ensure effective, targeted and safe use.