Peppermint oil as used in preparations to treat aching feet

Peppermint oil has great analgesic and anesthetic effects which are great for relieving foot pain, as well as aching feet, rheumatism, neuralgia and muscular pains. It furthermore has good stimulant action which is most useful as it assists and boosts blood circulation.

Peppermint is used in the following of our products Nourishing and Refreshing Foot Cream

On this page

• Cosmetic benefits of peppermint
• General information on peppermint oil
• Classification of peppermint oil as a cosmetic ingredient

Cosmetic benefits of peppermint

According to Greek mythology, the nymph Mentha was hotly pursued by Pluto, whose jealous wife Persephone then trod Mentha into the ground. Pluto then turned her into a herb for people to appreciate her for years to come.

Peppermint is ideal for use in skin preparations designed for the feet, as it has good antiseptic properties. The vasoconstrictor action helps to reduce redness of the skin and reduce dilated capillaries.

An increase in circulation helps to relieve itching and removes toxic congestion. The cooling effect on the skin is a welcome bonus for tired, swollen and achy feet.

Although peppermint essential oil can be used for the inflammation of acne and problem skin, we have opted to only use it in our foot preparations, since it is strong smelling oil, and contact between it and the skin, as well as mucus membranes, can cause irritation if used in too high concentrations. It should also be kept away from the eyes.

This refreshing herb has found a foothold in many household items ranging from toothpaste to air fresheners, skin care and hygiene products.

General information on peppermint oil

The therapeutic properties of this volatile essential oil on the skin are analgesic, anesthetic, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, astringent, anti-infectious, decongestant, stimulant and vasoconstrictor.

The main constituents are menthol, menthone, 1,8-cineole, methyl acetate, methofuran, isomenthone, limonene, beta-pinene, alpha-pinene, germacrene-d, trans-sabinene hydrate and pulegone.

Classification of peppermint oil as a cosmetic ingredient

Mentha piperita oil is a volatile oil obtained from the plant Mentha piperita (Labiatae family) and classified as an essential oil. It is used as a miscellaneous skin-conditioning agent and fragrance ingredient and is also known as brandy mint and balm mint.

For clarification of the above, please click here.