I want to focus today on Peppermint essential oil – one of my favorite oils. From a scientific standpoint, peppermint oil is:

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Flowering plant
Perfumery Note Classification: Top
Aroma: Initially strong, fresh, very minty, herbaceous, with a vegetative back note
Largest Producing Countries: Hungary, USA, and Egypt

Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint, and is native to Europe. Historically, the herb has been known for its medicinal uses, and it is often termed as the world’s oldest medicine. Unlike many other herbs and essential oils, numerous health benefits of peppermint and peppermint oil have been studied and proved by the scientific community.

History/myth–According to Greek mythology the nymph Mentha was hotly pursued by Pluto, whose jealous wife Persephone, trod her ferociously into the ground, whereupon Pluto then turned her into a herb, knowing that people would appreciate her for years to come. It has been cultivated since ancient times in Japan and China. Evidence of use was even found in Egypt in a tomb dating back from 1000 BC.

Although peppermint has numerous uses, for our purposes we will concentrate on the topical value. Peppermint may be either cooling or warming depending on the dilution used. In Heel Vitality it is found in very low dilutions, and so is very cooling. Peppermint cools by constricting the capillaries. It helps stimulate the lymph system and has an analgesic effect, so it aids with treating sore muscles and joint pain. Peppermint oil contains Menthol, which is good for the skin; it nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin.

So when you’re done with your walk around the park, jog around the track, or hike up the mountain, remember to wash your feet and then apply Heel Vitality, to help soothe your feet and act as an anti-inflammatory.