Distribution:
Peppermint is not a distinct species but a sterile hybrid between spearmint (M. spicata) and water mint (M. aquatica) which must be propagated by rhizome cuttings. Nevertheless this hybrid does occur naturally, presumably originating in regions where the ranges of these two species overlap, particularly in the Mediterranean region.
References to the use of mint species, possibly including peppermint, are well documented among the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Peppermint has now become naturalized throughout the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and is commercially grown worldwide.
Extraction:
Peppermint essential oil is prepared by steam distillation of the flowering herb.
Indications:
Peppermint essential oil reduces pain, inflammation, and spasms, and stimulates local blood circulation. It is used to treat muscular aches and pains, strains, and sprains. It is also beneficial for acute and chronic nerve pain and inflammation such as sciatica. Like eucalyptus, peppermint also has a mild clearing and stimulating effect on the mind which helps to reduce fatigue.
Contraindications:
Not recommended for individuals with cardiac fibrillation or epilepsy, or for pregnant or nursing women and children under the age of three. Peppermint essential oil is also contraindicated for anyone with a deficiency of the liver enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). If undiagnosed, this condition may be present in anyone who has had abnormal reactions to one or more of the following types of drugs: antimalarials, sulphonamides, chloramphenicol, streptomycin and/or acetyl salicylic acid (ASA).
