Mentha Oil
Mentha oil is extracted from the leaves of the Mentha arvensis plant also known as Japanese mint. This robust perennial plant is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae. It grows up to a maximum height of 1m. Mentha is a hardy plant that grows well and survives in high altitudes ranging up to 1500 meters. It is indigenous to Japan and widely cultivated in many other countries like India, Argentina, Brazil, China, North America, and few other parts of south Asia and Europe. This plant contains hard branches, erect stems and running root stocks. The leaves are simple, oblong, hairy and ovate with roughly serrated leaf margins. These leaves are arranged alternatively and measure about 6.5 cm long and 2 cm broad. The Mentha flowers occur in auxiliary whorls and measure about 3 to 4 mm long. These flowers generally bloom between May, June and November. Mentha flowers are hermaphrodite in nature and are pollinated by the bees and few other insects.
Mentha oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the Mentha plant by steam distillation. The Japanese mint is the chief source of menthol oil and accounts for about 75% of the world’s total menthol oil. This oil has a sweet, cooling, refreshing, calming, minty and herbaceous aroma.
Latin name: Mentha arvensis.
Alternative names: Wild mint, Corn mint, Field mint, Japanese mint.
Japanese mint is an easy to grow plant as it can grow even in harsh and dry conditions. It grows well in most types of soil like medium, light, acidic, moist, alkaline and heavy soils. It prefers partial or complete shade for its fertile growth. This plant is found growing in the sunny edges, shady areas, woods, cultivated beds and dappled shades. Propagation is usually carried out by planting the stem cuttings or by root division method. This is done during autumn or spring season. This plant is also grown by sowing seeds in small pots. The seedlings are also transplanted. Mentha oil has antiseptic, carminative, anesthetic, emenagogue, antispasmodic, galactofuge, rejuvenating, diaphoretic, stimulant and febrifuge properties. It contains volatile oils, menthol and few other chemical components making it healthy and healing.
Uses: Mentha oil is valued mainly for its carminative and antiseptic properties. This oil helps in treating headaches, sprains, swellings, fever, cough, cold, bronchitis and few other respiratory disorders. With its cooling effects, Mentha oil is used to treat stomach ulcers and cancers. With its rejuvenating properties, this oil energizes the mind and body. Mentha oil enhances blood circulation, soothes rheumatism and treats muscular cramps. This oil is also used in toothpastes, mouthwashes and few other medicines as a healing ingredient.
