Mint is a hugely versatile medicinal herb whose rich green colour and distinctive fragrance and flavour refreshes our spirit. Its pleasant aroma clears our mind, gives us a clear head and aids concentration. Mint’s special flavour gives us a freshness boost or enchants us as a flavouring in Asian cuisine.
Yet this popular green plant has even more to offer, as it also possesses many healing properties and is therefore much valued in aromatherapy. The key compounds in mint are encapsulated in essential mint oil, which is extracted through gentle steam distillation. We introduce you to two varieties of mint – peppermint and spearmint – and tell you how you can utilise their positive effects in the context of aromatherapy.
Peppermint oil is particularly prized in aromatherapy. The peppermint plant is especially rich in essential oil. Its high menthol content gives it its typically pleasant spicy flavour, from which peppermint also derives its name. Menthol also has a cooling effect that clears our head, heightens concentration and improves our memory.
Unlike its relative, peppermint, spearmint does not contain any cooling menthol. It therefore doesn’t taste spicy, and stands out thanks to its mild, sweet aroma. Just like its menthol-containing relative, spearmint has a soothing effect on our mental wellbeing and can help to calm us. It reduces stress and relieves us of our tension.
For delicious mental refreshment, we recommend our YOGI TEA® For the Senses Pure Freshness. Discover the precious essential oils of peppermint and spearmint, and treat yourself to a time-out that will help you focus on the truly important things in life.
Would you like to delve deeper into the exciting world of aromatherapy? Here you can find out more: Enchanted by fragrance – the secrets of aromatherapy
Do you need a little gentle assistance to escape into the land of dreams? Here you can learn all about essential lavender oil: Aromatherapy: The secrets of lavender oil
And for a natural mood-enhancer, we here introduce you to the world of citrus essential oils: The fragrance of joy: the world of citrus essential oils
