Ingredient Name: Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)

What is it? Peppermint essential oil is derived from the leaves of the peppermint plant through a process of steam distillation and is known for its cool, minty scent. The uses of peppermint have been traced back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, and it is still used today.Studies suggest that  peppermint essential oil may be effective for sinus inflammation, upset stomachs, and headaches, and it is also used as for a powerful aromatherapy treatment.*

Nourishing properties:*

• Helps reduce nasal congestion
• Eases headache pain
• Antiviral and antibacterial actions
• Uplifting scent 

*= This information has not been approved by the FDA.

 

References

“Peppermint Oil.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Dec. 2016, nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil.

Schuhmacher, A., et al. “Virucidal Effect of Peppermint Oil on the Enveloped Viruses Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 in Vitro.” Phytomedicine, vol. 10, no. 6-7, 2003, pp. 504–510., doi:10.1078/094471103322331467.

Gao, Meixia, et al. “Antioxidant Components of Naturally-Occurring Oils Exhibit Marked Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Epithelial Cells of the Human Upper Respiratory System.” Respiratory Research, vol. 12, no. 1, 2011, doi:10.1186/1465-9921-12-92.

“Essential Oils Used in Aromatherapy: A Systemic Review.” NeuroImage, Academic Press, 10 July 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033.

Inouye, S., et al. “Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils and Their Major Constituents against Respiratory Tract Pathogens by Gaseous Contact.” Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 47, no. 5, 2001, pp. 565–573., doi:10.1093/jac/47.5.565.

Cash, Brooks D., et al. “A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms.” Digestive Diseases and Sciences, vol. 61, no. 2, 2015, pp. 560–571., doi:10.1007/s10620-015-3858-7.