Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil

Mentha piperita oil is an essential oil distilled from peppermint leaves (Mentha × piperita). It is used as a fragrance in skincare products and for its cooling effect on the skin.

This species of mint is a hybrid of two other mints: watermint and spearmint. Because it is a hybrid, it usually does not produce seeds. It does, however, spread very fast through its shoots and runners.

Peppermint oil may vary in composition and scent according to the cultivar that was used (there are many ‘special’ peppermints: lime-scented, lavender-scented, orange-scented, etc.).

The main mint-smelling compound is the well-known menthol (which forms up to 50% of the content in peppermint oi). Menthol interacts with heat-sensitive nerve endings on application to the skin, which produces a cold sensation. Other mint-scented compounds include menthone, menthyl acetate, and menthofuran. This last compound is bad for your liver, so mints with low menthofuran content are generally preferred.

A fun fact for your home herb garden: very young leaves contain more menthofuran than the more mature ones, so it is wise to collect only the older leaves for your tea and cocktails.

A safety side note: peppermint oil is not suitable for babies and children as they cannot inhale it properly. It may also cause an unpleasant allergic rash on sensitive individuals. This is typical with all essential oils. Always patch-test it first.