Peppermint oil is derived from the M.Balsamea, or otherwise known as the peppermint plant. Like all essential oils, distillation is required to harvest these liquids. M.Balsamea is a naturally occurring hybrid plant between the Spearmint and the Watermint plant. Originally though to be a distinct species when it was first found in the eighteen hundreds, further tests pointed it out be an actual hybrid. While they were originally found only in Europe, it has been introduced to many regions throughout the world as it has become a major cash crop. It is somewhat of a short plant with a maximum height of about twenty nine inches. It reproduces via vegetative reproduction as most peppermint plants in the wild are sterile.
Vegetative reproduction is a form of asexual reproduction that is available to some plants. They are almost always found in areas with an abundance of water. As such, they are normally found along the sides of rivers and even drains. They can also be classified as a weed as they are very durable plants that reproduce very quickly in the wild. It is rich in vitamins A, B and C along with a few essential minerals such as Iron and Magnesium. Traditionally, it was harvested for medicinal purposes but it has since emerged in many other industries such as the cosmetics and health care industries. Because peppermint oil has a high amount of menthol, breathing in the scent can promote focus and help in memory functions. Some students use the scent during exam preparations because of this.
Menthol also has cooling capabilities and is sometimes used in aromatherapy but mostly as a cooling agent in hand creams, soaps and shampoos. Its medicinal uses range from cough syrups to anti itch creams. It is seen as a short term solution to throat irritation. Those suffering from respiratory ailments also use peppermint oil based (or menthol based products) to aid in decongestants. Vicks vaporub is the most famous of the menthol based decongestants. As a topical cream, it works against pains and muscle cramps and when rubbed on the temples, it can reduce the headache symptoms. The Tiger Balm mentholated creams of the east are used for these exact purposes.
Peppermint oil can be used for consumption. Taken as a health supplements (Capsules or tabs), peppermint oil can help with digestive problems, especially IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome). It numbs pain sensing fibers in the body and can used as a pain reliever. Some possible side effects and allergic reactions include heartburn, rashes and vomiting. Finally, some people have been known to use it as a mouse repellent. The claims for this benefit revolves around the idea that mice (and some insects as well)strongly dislike the scent of menthol. However, there has been no concrete scientific evidence to prove or disprove this theory.
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