The Magical Mints - Part 2 - Peppermint, Spearmint, Patchouli, Sage and Clary Sage

Among the best known essential oils of the mint family is Peppermint (Mentha piperita).  Used for medicinal purposes by the Romans, Greeks, and ancient Egyptians, dried leaves from Peppermint have been found in Egyptian pyraminds and tombs with carbon dating as far back as 1000 B.C.  Documented by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as a species, it was later recognized as a naturally occurring hybrid between Watermint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata).  Watermint, as its name suggests, grows in moist areas such as wet meadows and fens, riparean areas, along streams, canals, riverbanks and other wet areas, and may even grow in the water itself.  Naturally occuring in Northern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwest Asia, it spreads by long runners, creating daughter plants as is typical of mints, and produces abundant midsummer blooms which are caps of tiny florets ranging from deep blue to shades of purple.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) was also native to much of Europe and Southwest Asia.  It also grows in generally moist soils and has spike flowers of white or pink.  Spearmint essential oil contains 45 - 55% Carvone and 15 -25% Limonene.   Spearmint is soothing to the intestines and may help support digestive function, and alleviate occasional sour stomach.      

Peppermint, which has  purple flowers arranged in a spike inflorescence, is a natural hybrid of these two species.  It rarely produces seeds, but is readily cultivated from root cuttings and is widely grown all over the world as a  medicinal and culinary herb.  The essential oil is steam distilled from leaves and stems and has long been regarded as supportive of  healthy digestive function.  Historically, peppermint was  one of the oils used in the famous "Four Thieves Vinegar" used by 15th century bandits to protect themselves during the Black Plague. In early times, peppermint was used as a tonic for refreshing the mind and body. The fragrance of peppermint is an excellent deterrent for mice as they cannot stand the pungent aroma.

Peppermint contains 34-44% natural Menthol which is responsible for the powerful minty aroma, flavor, and cooling sensation.  Menthol is also widely manufactured as a synthetic ingredient, and the demand for it greatly exceeds the available supply from natural resources.  For instance Taskasago International in Japan, which ranks 5th worldwide in the fragrance and flavor industry, manufactures about 3000 tons per year.  The total current annual production worldwide is estimated to be over 19,000 metric tons.    In the U.S., a bottle of essential oil may be labeled as "pure" even if it only contains 5% of the actual ingredient, or as 100% pure even if there is a synthetic ingredient in the mix.  The Fragrance and Flavor Industry leader is Givaudin, with an estimated 19.1% of the market share and over $3824 million in sales per year.   Natural pure peppermint oil is more "minty" in fragrance, with greater cooling properties, and the aroma is superior. Its cooling properties tend to be soothing, where a synthetic or extended peppermint oil is sharper and may become unpleasant or uncomfortable when applied to sensitive areas. Natural properly distilled therapeutic grade peppermint oil has a number of trace minty constituents and other components that are lacking in synthetic varieties.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is very popular in perfumes and incenses though less widely known as belonging to the mint family.  The essential oil is distilled from its small pink flowers.  Patchouli was used for centuries in Asian cultures as an antidote for insect and snake bites, as well as to fight infections and bring down fever.  It was traditionally used by the French for allergies, dermatitis, an eczema.  Patchouli diffused provides a pleasing fragrance with a soothing and calming influence.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is also a member of the mint family, a popular incense and culinary herb.  Derived from the word salvation, it was considered a sacred herb by the Romans. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowers, and is high in ketones, approximately 60%.  Sage may help support the respiratory and digestive systems.    Diffusing may help relieve occasional nervous irritability and promote emotional well-being..

 Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is another mint which has been used to help soothe mild menstrual cramps and and moodiness associated with PMS.  . It is steam distilled from the flowering plant.  It is a soothing and relaxing fragrance which may help with restful sleep

As with all essential oils, care should be taken to find a source which provides high quality, carefully tested oils to ensure purity and maximum therapeutic properties.

For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure any disease.