Mentha × piperita
✾ The Cooling Leaf
Source: Steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of peppermint.
Character: Cool, crisp and intensely minty, with a bright green, herbaceous edge.
Origins: A natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint, peppermint originated in Europe and the Middle East and is now cultivated around the world.
Peppermint spreads through underground runners, quickly traveling through the garden.
ꕥ Why We Love It
Mind: Its crisp, penetrating aroma helps create an atmosphere that feels clear, alert and focused.
Skin: Peppermint is rich in menthol, which creates a cool, refreshing sensation on the skin. A favorite in massage blends after a long day.
Wellness: Peppermint tea is a time-honored after-dinner ritual, enjoyed for its fresh, soothing warmth.
⚘ A Closer Look
From cup to candy.
Peppermint is enjoyed in teas, candies, gums and other foods, where its natural menthol adds a familiar cooling sensation.
Behind familiar relief products.
Peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, the cooling ingredient used in many rubs, balms and patches.
Cool without the cold.
Menthol activates cold-sensitive receptors without actually lowering skin temperature.
Few botanicals announce themselves as quickly as peppermint.
✧ Good to Know
Always dilute. Peppermint oil is potent. Blend it into a carrier oil before it touches skin, and keep it away from your eyes.
Not for little ones. Avoid using peppermint oil on or near the face of infants and young children.
Expecting, nursing, or under medical care? Check with your healthcare provider before use.
✦ Common Questions
Why does peppermint feel cold on the skin?
Peppermint is rich in menthol, which activates the skin’s cold-sensitive receptors. It feels cool without actually lowering skin temperature.
What’s the difference between peppermint and spearmint?
Peppermint is a natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint. It contains far more menthol, giving it a sharper, cooler aroma, while spearmint is sweeter and milder.
Is peppermint oil safe for children?
Avoid using peppermint oil on or near the face of infants and young children. For everyone else, dilute it in a carrier oil and keep it away from the eyes.
❀ Find It In
Peppermint appears in these ZenStream blends.
