Exciting Mint Aromatherapy
Mint also known as Mentha comes from the greek word mintha, and belongs to the family Lamiaceae. There are many species in the mint family. They are aromatic and grow perennially. Mint is prominently used in aromatherapy. The most common and popularly grown mints are peppermint, spearmint, and apple mint.
Mint is widely used in foods such as teas, jellies, beverages, candies, ice creams, and syrups. Mint essential oil is used in antiseptics, drinks, mouth rinses, chewing gum, toothpaste, and chocolates. Menthol, the primary component in mint, is widely used for medicinal purposes such as treating colds, cough, fever, and chest congestion.
It is also widely used in aromatherapy because of its ability to calm frayed nerves and restore good health.
Uses of Mint
Mint aromatherapy is very effective in treating chronic conditions such as migraines. Massaging the forehead and temples with mint oil reduces migraines. For clearing colds and nasal blocks, you can mix eucalyptus oil and mint oil in hot water for steam inhalation. This will clear nasal passage and help get rid of phlegm. One or two drops of mint essential oil can also be used in a humidifier to treat persons with cold or fever, relieve stress, and uplift the spirits.
A few drops of mint or peppermint oil can be mixed in hot water and used as a warm compress to relieve joint pains and arthritis. Mint mixed with a carrier oil can used to massage the body to relieve sore muscles.
Mint hydrosol is used to ward off mosquitoes and get rid of itching or burning sensations from the skin. Mint has a healing effect on the skin and is often used to treat dermatitis. The aroma of mint is very energizing and refreshing.
Warnings
Commercially available mint essential oils are quite safe to use as they have a very low menthol content. However, you do have to be careful when using whole mint oil. This is expensive with a high menthol concentration and must be used with care as it can trigger skin reactions and respiratory problems in some individuals. Mint essential oil is often blended with other essential oils to enhance its value in aromatherapy. It can be blended with rosemary, geranium, sage cypress, lavender, and other essential oils. It is important to use mint oil with caution as it can set off allergic reactions and no more than two drops of the oil should be used for steam inhalation or in a bath.
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