Obtained from a “hybrid mint” family is an essential oil known as Peppermint oil. This oil is extracted from a “hybrid mint” plant belonging to the “Mentha piperita” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is extracted from the fresh or partly dried plant using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, this oil is clear to pale yellow in colour, and possesses a menthol like aroma. This oil is also commonly used in the form of tablets and capsules in what is known as “alternative medicine”.
A. Chemical constituents of Peppermint Oil:
This oil is extracted from the fresh or partly dried hybrid plant belonging to the “Mentha piperita” species in the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil consists of organic compounds such as menthol, menthone, 1,8-cineole, methyl acetate, methofuran, isomenthone, limonene, b-pinene, a-pinene, germacrene-d, trans-sabinene hydrate and pulegone.
B. The uses and benefits of Peppermint Oil:
There are a number of benefits related to health that one can obtain by using this oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Digestive:
This oil when used helps in the maintenance of normal digestion by stimulating the release of gastric juices, bile in the stomach, and thereby serves as a digestive.
2. Analgesic:
This oil also comprises of an “analgesic” property and when used helps in relieving pain caused by headaches, sprains etc.
3. Anti-anxiety:
This oil also helps in suppressing anxiety issues in an individual when used, and thereby serves as an anti-anxiety agent.
4. Antispasmodic:
This oil comprises of “antispasmodic” property and thus helps in suppressing spasms that may occur in the systems such as digestive, respiratory, central nervous system etc.
5. Carminative:
This oil also helps in resolving gas formation issues i.e. flatulence formed in the gastrointestinal system, and thereby serves as a carminative.
C. The adverse effects of Peppermint oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that could occur on using this oil. They are as follows:
- The use of this oil may lead to allergic reactions such as flushing, headaches, mouth sores etc, and hence must be administered with care.
This oil usage may also lead to heartburns, and hence must be used carefully.
