You’re probably familiar with Peppermint as one of the most popular dōTERRA® essential oils in existence. The essence of the peppermint plant's soft, serrated leaves is a delightfully familiar one, delivering an icy blast of invigoration each time the bottle is unscrewed. But this time, we have the modifier “Japanese” preceding Peppermint, introducing a unique new-to-us variety of a well-known herb. Want to know what sets it apart from the Peppermint for which you usually reach? I wanted to know, too; so I’ll share what I found with you!
While both plants belong to the same genus, Mentha, they constitute two separate species. The two oils’ chemistries are similar, with the exception that Japanese Peppermint has a uniquely high concentration of menthol, the component delivering that unmistakable icy blast. The menthol content in the Japanese peppermint plant is so high that the chemical can even crystallize visibly on top of the leaves! Imagine the strongest, sharpest, most penetrating mint, and you have the aroma of Japanese Peppermint.
Japanese Peppermint oil is useful in the same ways as its sibling mint, with the catch that the Japanese kind will be especially cooling and soothing when applied topically. If you typically dilute your Peppermint, you’ll definitely want to use your Fractionated Coconut Oil when applying the Japanese variety to sensitive skin.
Peppermint is a gift of the earth that spans cultures and continents. The name peppermint itself hails from a Greek mythological story about a rather interesting love triangle involving Hades, Minthe, and Persephone; and its essence has been sold on street corners and utilized as a natural remedy around the world. In Japan, the peppermint plant has been cultivated since antiquity under the name Hakuka. Since long ago in East Asia, peppermint was a household name with an extreme level of popularity. Some things never change, and the families of ancient times surely appreciated these plant-based ways of supporting wellness even more than we do today. The beauty-loving people of Japan were inspired by the peppermint’s tantalizing blue and green leaves, sprinkled with light violet flowers; and they began to grow the herb in household planters as well as their fields. The Japanese once carried their own personal supply of crushed peppermint leaves in special boxes attached to the waist — talk about easy access!
Because of that extremely high menthol content we mentioned, just a few leaves of Japanese peppermint go a long way. Both beauty and efficiency flow forth from this species of mint. Relating this concept to the oils, try and see how much extra mileage you can get out of one bottle of Japanese Peppermint! Employ a drop here and there to strengthen your toothpaste or mouthwash routine, bump up the soothing power of a tension-targeting massage, or inhale at strategic times to support a feeling of fullness when appetite suppression is necessary. Place a drop into your favorite smoothie for a cool, indulgent-feeling twist. Wild cravings can wonder at what just hit them. There’s nothing to lose, except maybe a few pounds for those who have resolved to eat well, exercise regularly, and let dōTERRA encourage them toward increased wellness from the inside out. As an important bonus, the abundance of menthol promotes a feeling of clearer airways, always a refreshing plus!
Beautiful, efficient, and refreshing, Japanese Peppermint is here to up the level of crisp, cool mint beyond what you think possible. In this first half of the first month of the new year, it’s available as a special promotion while supplies last. Take advantage of this extra cool opportunity before it’s passed you by. It’s a new mint for a new year, all in support of a better you.