MINT - essential oil

Mint is a genus of plants in the Lamiaceae family (mint family), that includes many other aromatic herbs, including most of the more common cooking herbs, such as basil, rosemary, sage, oregano and catnip. There are around 13 to 18 species of mint (Mentha), and there is actually no exact distinction between these species. Hybridisation between some of the species occurs naturally and there are many hybrids and cultivars throughout the world.

Known in Greek mythology as the herb of hospitality, one of mint's first known uses in Europe was as a room deodoriser. The herb was strewn across floors to cover the smell of the hard-packed soil. Stepping on the mint helped to spread its scent through the room.

Health benefits
• Anti-septic
• Anti-spasmodic: relaxing and cooling on nerves and muscles (coughs, aches, abdominal, intestines, muscle strains/cramps/convulsions)
• Disinfectant: internal and external fungal, viral and bacterial infections (particularly stomach, oesophagus, intestinal)
• Skin: scabies, dermatitis, athlete's foot
• Carminative: abdominal/intestinal (reduces gas), headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, loss of appetite, chest pain, vomiting, cramps.
• Improves concentration
• Emenagogue: irregular menstruation, obstructed menses and early menopause, promotes secretion of estrogen
• Stimulant: secretion of hormones, discharge of enzymes, gastric juices and bile, nerves, brain function, blood circulation
• Restorative: all the organ systems (repairs damage, aids in recovery from injuries and wounds, and regaining strength after lengthy illness)
• Insecticide: mosquitoes, white ants (termites), ants, flies, moths
• Insect repellant: mosquitoes

Warning: There are no reported dangers of using this essential oil, but as an emenagogue, it should not be taken by pregnant women.