Peppermint Black Mitcham

Peppermint Black Mitcham

(Mentha piperita)

AFFINITY FOR: digestive system, tissues, nerves, mind, earth element, wood element, yang energy, throat chakra, lung meridian, small intestine meridian

RESONANCE: physical, mental

PLANT FAMILY: Labiatae

PART UTILIZED: flowering tops and leaves

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: This variety of peppermint has chocolaty undertones and reminds you of mint chocolates. Candy makers use this variety of peppermint plant to make candy and chocolates.

APPLICATION: Peppermint oil should be diluted well before applying to the skin. Peppermint is a good massage oil for stimulating circulation. Peppermint is too strong to be added to a bath. Add to a diffuser for help with concentration.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: Peppermint is like a rush of fresh energy into the system. It allows us to relax instead of letting anxiety build up in our body or mind. Peppermint oil is specific for people who move between highs and lows, sadness and happiness, until the ever-widening mood swings settle into lethargy, intolerance, and frustration. Just as peppermint strengthens the digestion and aids the absorption of nutrients on a physical level, it enhances our ability to “digest” new ideas and impressions.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Peppermint is renowned for its action on the digestive system and for use in bowel disorders. It is one of the best essential oils for nausea, vomiting, morning sickness (small amounts only), mouth or gum infections, fainting, and motion sickness. Peppermint oil is strongly anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Peppermint oil increases circulation. All varieties of Peppermint essential oil are useful for muscle pain, inflamed joints, and arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties make Peppermint essential oil supportive of prostate function.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Peppermint (Black Mitcham) was first grown in Mitcham England in the 1750’s and earned England the reputation for producing the best mint in the world. Peppermint (Black Mitcham) has the same latin name as Peppermint piperita. The major difference, besides aroma, is Peppermint (Black Mitcham) is an heirloom variety, which means it has been grown since the 1750’s without changes and has been passed down from generation to generation. They only harvest once per year to keep the integrity of the peppermint to its highest standards.

CAUTIONS: Peppermint oil is stimulating to the uterus. Extreme caution, mostly to the amount used, should be taken with peppermint oils if pregnant.

Which Peppermint should I choose?

Peppermint Piperita is the most common and popular type of Peppermint. It is distilled from Mentha piperita which is true peppermint. Our newest Peppermint is Peppermint Black Mitcham.  Black Mitcham is a Mentha piperita just like Peppermint Piperita.  The difference is Black Mitcham is an heirloom variety and is only harvested once per year to keep the integrity of the Peppermint to its highest standards. It has a delicious chocolatey undertone and is only slightly more expensive.  Peppermint Corn Mint is distilled from Mentha arvensis which is corn mint. Peppermint Corn Mint contains more menthol than Peppermint Piperita giving it a sweeter stronger aroma. Piperita is considered to be the more therapeutic as Corn Mint often has some of the menthol extracted to make menthol crystals. Corn Mint is still very therapeutic, I especially like it for the respiratory system. Corn Mint smells more like the Christmas candy cane.