From the Earth's enchanting alchemy, a spontaneous cross-pollination of aquatic watermint and spirited spearmint, plucky peppermint was born. This marvelous mint entwines a peppy and pervasive history, delicately woven through ancient civilizations, blossoming into an international commodity, and venerated by modern aromatherapists. Lauded for its myriad of therapeutic and aromatic properties, its "nice as ice," calming, and cooling talent is truly unique amongst all distillations.

“It is the destiny of mint to be crushed.”ⁱ

Ancient Roots: From an Essence of Antiquity to Household Apothecaries
Preeminent peppermint has played a pivotal role in human health for millennia, with evidence found in some of the earliest human records, spanning to its current role as a quintessential flavor and fragrance found in present-day households.

Peppermint and Pyramids: Precious peppermint essences were discovered amongst ancient Egyptian pyramids, even within King Tut's tomb. The revered Ebers Papyrus, a medical text dating back to 1550 BC, documents peppermint's power to soothe stomach ailments. 

Peppermint and Pliny the Elder: In ancient Greece and Rome, peppermint was distilled  for its therapeutic medicine and to grace culinary delights. Roman historian Pliny the Elder (1st century AD) documented its use in flavoring dishes and wines, in remedies, and in religious ceremonies.

“As for mint, the smell of it alone recovers and refreshes the spirit."
Pliny the Elder, Natural History

Mint, Monks, and the Middle Ages: Mediterranean monks masterfully made peppermint preparations for tooth polishes and rinses. The visionary 12th-century abbess and herbalist Hildegard von Bingen also recognized the vital virtue of mint in her extensive treatises on medicine and medicinal plants. Mentions of peppermint as an herbal remedy appear as early as 1240 AD in Icelandic Pharmacopoeias, documenting its known effectiveness for ailments of indigestion and headaches.

Botanical Classification: While mints were used for thousands of years, Mentha piperita was first formally described by English botanist John Ray in 1696 and later scientifically classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.

Modern Era: From Farm Fields to International Apothecaries 
The 19th century marked a significant shift in peppermint's journey, from garden apothecary herb to a major agricultural commodity, particularly in the United States. The unique cooling sensation of peppermint led to its widespread popularity in sweets and toothpaste. Altoids were developed in 1780 partly for indigestion relief, and Wrigley's introduced the first mint-flavored chewing gum in 1893.

Commercial Cultivation: Peppermint cultivation began in the United States in Wayne County, New York, in the early 1800s, becoming a highly lucrative cash crop for several decades. The region was the primary producer of distilled mint and profited immensely from its proximity to the Erie Canal, which facilitated the transport of peppermint oil out to the rest of the world.

The Peppermint Kings: Peppermint producers Hiram Gilbert Hotchkiss and later Albert M. Todd became known as the Peppermint Kings for pioneering large-scale distillation. Hotchkiss's company, established in 1839 in New York, produced highly prized oil of the best quality, accounting for nearly half of U.S. output. 

The Chasm of Quality: From Peppermint Kings to Industrial Isolates
The quality of peppermint oils championed by the pioneering Peppermint Kings, and meticulously sourced by Living Libations since the 1990s, represent the full, complex essence of the peppermint plant. This stands in stark contrast to the highly processed and engineered menthol and flavoring compounds used by mass-market industries.

Capturing the complete aromatic and therapeutic profile of the Mentha piperita plant.

Whole Plant Distillation: These peppermint oils are produced by steam distillation of the entire fresh or carefully dried peppermint leaves and flowering tops. This process extracts the vast array of precious volatile compounds (alcohols, ketones, esters, oxides, terpenes, etc.) in their naturally occurring proportions. The hundreds of different monoterpene molecules within the oil work together, often in ways we are yet to fully understand, to create a holistic effect that is greater than the sum of its parts. This creates a nuanced aroma, a balanced therapeutic action, and a richer, more authentic flavor profile.

Terroir + Craftsmanship: The quality is profoundly influenced by the plant's terroir (soil, climate, altitude), cultivation methods (organic, wildcrafted), and the distiller's expertise. Distilling from fresh leaves, as our French partner does, preserves delicate notes lost in dried material, resulting in a vibrant, full-spectrum oil. This is akin to a fine wine or a single-malt whisky — its character is tied to its origin and careful production.

Industrial Peppermint: Isolation, Standardization, and Engineering
Differing distinctly from the Altoids of the 1800s, the peppermint flavor encountered in many mass-produced products like chewing gum, toothpaste, candies, liqueurs, essential oils, and processed foods is a very different substance. It prioritizes standardization, isolation, and economical mass production, aiming for a singular sensory experience, usually icy-mint, rather than the full, nuanced plant profile.

Menthol Isolation
The Goal: For industries in places like New Jersey and beyond, the primary goal is often to extract only menthol, the dominant chemical compound responsible for peppermint's characteristic cooling sensation and strong minty flavor.
The Process: While menthol is naturally present in peppermint essential oil, industrial processes go further to isolate it. This involves techniques like fractional distillation or crystallization (chilling the essential oil to very low temperatures, causing menthol to crystallize out). This results in menthol crystals or a high-purity menthol liquid, rather than a full, genuine essential oil.
Loss of Synergy: This isolation strips away hundreds of other beneficial and aromatic compounds that contribute to the essential oil's complexity and synergistic effects. The resulting product is a singular "cool" sensation, yet it lacks the depth, subtlety, and therapeutic properties of the whole essential oil.

Synthetic Menthol + Biotech-Aroma Chemicals: Engineering an Essence
The nuances of nature's vibrant variations are indeed too complex for industrial producers. This pursuit of uniformity has led to the sterile standardization of lab-grown concoctions, cunningly crafted to bypass the very lifeforce of sunshine, nourishing rain, and nurturing terroir. Beyond mere isolation from natural sources, menthol is now routinely synthesized chemically from various precursors, or even precisely produced through cutting-edge biotechnological methods.

Menthol from E. coli: Yes! The startling ability exists to produce menthol and other flavor compounds using genetically engineered microorganisms like E. coli or yeast. These tiny "bio-factories" are meticulously engineered to metabolize simple sugars into complex flavor molecules via specific enzymatic pathways yielding what is termed "fermentation-derived" flavor. While technically "natural" in origin (as it emerges from a biological process), this menthol possesses no morphogenic field, is decidedly not distilled directly from a plant, and completely bypasses the alchemy of distillation.

Today's industrial processes, driven by immense scale and chemical precision, ultimately deliver an isolated note. This is proof of scientific ingenuity, perhaps, yet a stark and soulless departure from the genuine, therapeutic essence captured in a high-quality, whole peppermint essential oil.

The Purity Imperative: Understanding Essential Oil Adulteration
In the expansive world of essential oils, a critical distinction lies between truly pure botanical distillations and those that have been adulterated. This practice involves altering an oil's natural composition, often by introducing cheaper isolated compounds or synthetic substances that mimic certain aspects of the plant's aroma. For instance, “Peppermint Essential Oil” might be augmented with isolated menthol or other synthetic compounds to boost its cooling sensation, for cost reduction, and product standardization. The result is a substance that, while perhaps fragrant, departs significantly from the authentic essence with its inherent therapeutic value and vibrant molecules that reach the olfactory bulb and harmonize with the hypothalamus.

From its ancient origins in varied civilizations for digestive aid, cooling, and purification, through its 19th-century American commercial ascent, and to its modern reverence by aromatherapists, prized for its practicality, peppermint essence offers a perennial panacea for remedial applications.

“For the aromatherapy user, peppermint oil is as indispensable as it is problematic: indispensable due to its healing properties; problematic due to the many different qualities and compositions in which it is offered. Peppermint oil is produced on an industrial scale mainly for the production of menthol.” 
Kurt Schnaubelt, Advanced Aromatherapy

Peppermint Perfection: A Deep Dive into Living Libations' Prized Varieties
A must-have for home-spas, travel, and first-aid kits! Multifaceted and magical peppermint is a vibrant botanical renowned for its invigorating aroma and therapeutic gifts. Our apothecary features not one, but three exceptional varieties: our classic French Peppermint and the two unique American distillations of Yakima and Willamette. Each offers a distinct symphony of scent and sensation, yet all share the remarkable qualities and universal beneficial properties of Mentha piperita.

Beyond a Breath Freshener: Nature's Potent Multi-Tool
Across all its splendid varieties, peppermint has undeniably earned its reputation as an indispensable essential oil, the Swiss Army knife of nature's remedies. Its multifaceted benefits have been treasured through the ages, providing a holistic balm for body, mind, and spirit.

Cooling + Calming Comfort: With its legendary "nice as ice" sensation, peppermint offers swift, soothing relief. A pure drop applied to temples and necks can smooth tension while a diluted application can calm irritated skin, quell persistent itchy bites, cool heads, and alleviate inflammation from acne, eczema, and minor rashes. It's like portable, pleasing ice for skin in need of anti-itch, tender loving care.

"A drop of peppermint oil on the temples or neck is like a cooling balm for an overheated mind."
Gabriel Mojay, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit

Digestive Harmony + Delight: From ancient elixirs to modern remedies, peppermint is a paragon for the digestive system. It's known to ease internal ailments and effectively improve overall digestion and discomfort. Its zippy, sweet spirit also makes it a delightful addition to culinary creations, spoonsful of honey, smoothies, and teas.

"Peppermint is one of the quickest acting and most effective essential oils for digestive upsets, especially nausea and motion sickness."
Shirley Price, Aromatherapy Workbook

Mental Acuity + Uplift: The very word "mint" derives from the Latin mente, meaning "thought," reflecting our ancestors' belief in its brain-boosting ability. This energizing essence cultivates mental clarity, sharpens focus, and cleanses cognitive cobwebs. Apathy is uplifted with aromatic peppiness, inviting invigorated inspiration.

“Peppermint is perhaps the emblem of a Western cerebral stimulant. Awakening and uplifting, when inhaled this oil can go a long way to induce a more optimistic outlook, increase alertness and generally promote motivation. Like Rosemary, Peppermint is a classic for individuals suffering from loss of enthusiasm or downright pessimism; for loss of self-esteem and reduced left-brained activities such as difficulty focusing and memorizing.” 
Peter Holmes, Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics

Respiratory Relief: Peppermint's invigorating aroma is a true breath of fresh air for the respiratory system, adept at clearing stuffy sinuses and airways and boosting better breathing.

"Peppermint is a potent decongestant due to its high menthol content, making it highly effective for colds, flu, and sinusitis. Inhalation is particularly effective for clearing the nasal passages and alleviating headaches associated with congestion."  Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy

Optimal Oral Care: Peppermint is a potent ally for oral wellness. Unlike the artificial menthol in commercial toothpastes which offers no benefit against gingivitis, genuine peppermint is a powerful antioxidant and actively inhibits the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Ingesting pure peppermint oil has been shown to reduce levels of oxidized fats in body tissue and even reverse declines in glutathione caused by radiation exposure.ⁱⁱ  A single pure drop on the tongue or toothbrush provides instant, long-lasting fresh breath and contributes to a truly thriving mouth.

"Where the mint breathes, no one is inhospitable." Arabic Proverb

Skin + Scalp: Pleasant yet potent peppermint is principle for skin and scalp care. A soothing solution for itchy, dandruff-prone scalps, its scientifically documented antifungal properties offer a beneficial application for managing various fungal scalp conditions, including those caused by dermatophytes and yeasts.ⁱⁱⁱ  Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities make it a comforting application for minor bruises, rashes, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It may be applied neat to minor bruises and bites, and diluted it can gracefully calm itchy patches of rashes or eczema. Research also highlights its significant anti-itch capabilities for conditions like chronic pruritus.^iv 

"Mentha piperita relieves the itching of hives and eczema. Diluted and applied topically it is surprisingly effective to relieve migraines and headaches. Immediately applied it performs miracles on bruises and sports injuries."
Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD.

Antimicrobial Ally: Beyond topical applications, peppermint's potent properties are victorious against a wide variety of bacteria and viruses. Studies confirm its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, inhibiting strains like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.^v   Its antiviral prowess extends to combating viruses such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Research indicates that peppermint essential oil act directly as a virucide by affecting viruses before they adsorb to host cells and may also function by piercing viral membranes or inactivating essential viral enzymes, thereby preventing viral replication, as notably shown against the Herpes Simplex Virus.^vi 

A Trio of Pleasing, Practical, and Palliative Peppermints
Let's dive into the subtle, differing nuances that make each mint a natural miracle.

Peppermint: The Classic Mediterranean Marvel

This particular Peppermint Oil holds a special place for us. Our connection with this essential essence began in 1992 when I discovered the exquisite distillations of my forever favorite French fourth-generation family distillers, that we have worked with ever since. They craft a "magic mint" that stands out as a rare peppermint distilled from fresh (instead of dried) leaves, preserving its vibrant essence. Bursting with fresh, minty majesty, it offers an uplifting burst of potent fortification.

Iconic Mint Condition 
A pillar of purity and a perennial powerhouse, its pioneering potency sets the standard for sharp, stimulating refreshment. This classic essence invigorates the senses with unwavering clarity and crisp coolness.

Key Constituents: The vibrant character and therapeutic power of our Classic French Peppermint is orchestrated by a precise balance of its primary chemical constituents. While exact percentages can vary slightly by batch and year, the typical profile delivers its signature crispness and cooling effect:

• Menthol (35-50%): The star compound, accountable for peppermint's unmistakable cooling sensation and analgesic elements. Its high concentration contributes to the "nice as ice" feel and its effectiveness in easing things.
• Menthone (15-30%): Contributes to its iconic, minty aroma and is known for its invigorating and stimulating qualities, enhancing focus and mental clarity.
• Menthyl Acetate (3-7%): A soothing ester that adds a sweet, fruity nuance to the aroma, contributing to the oil's complexity and calm balm.
• 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol) (5-10%): Provides that classic camphoraceous, energizing, lung-expanding note.
• Isomenthone (2-5%): A monoterpene isomer of menthone contributes to the overall minty profile and offers its own subtle nuances to the oil's balanced bouquet.

This confluence of compounds creates the quintessential French Peppermint profile: sharp, fresh, and intensely invigorating, yet wonderfully balanced for comprehensive well-being.

Peppermint Willamette: The Verdant Velvet of the Valley

From the lush, verdant expanse of Oregon's Willamette Valley hails our Peppermint Willamette Essential Oil — a confirmation of the cosmos’ brilliant capacity to create subtle yet discerning distinctions within a single species. While sharing the botanical name Mentha piperita with its classic French counterpart, this variety offers a uniquely soft and smooth aromatic profile, earning it the prestige of the gentlest smelling peppermint across the lands.

Pleasant Pizazz 
Peppermint Willamette embodies a pleasant paradox: it delivers all the invigorating "pep" that mint is famed for, yet it's enveloped in a peppermint-puff of softness. Its silky, green, and minty aroma is a direct result of its rare terroir. The high altitude of the Willamette Valley combined with its mild, wet winters cultivates a soft, lush peppermint that, while still feeling fresh and crisp, imparts a perceptibly creamier coolness than other varieties.

Key Constituents: The velvety softness and verdant aroma of our Peppermint Willamette is beautifully orchestrated by a chemical composition that leans toward a tender touch, distinguishing it from its bolder brothers:

• Menthol (30-45%): While still a primary constituent, its slightly lower concentration compared to classic peppermint contributes to the reduced intensity and softer cooling sensation, making it more palatable for sensitive folks.
• Menthone (10-20%): Present in moderate amounts, this ketone constituent provides a fresh, minty character without overpowering the oil's overall softness.
• Menthofuran (3-8%): Often found in higher proportions in American peppermints, this compound contributes significantly to the green, herbaceous notes that define the Willamette's unique verdant aroma.
• Menthyl Acetate (4-9%): This soothing ester adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the aroma, enhancing the oil's gentle profile.
• 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol) (3-7%): This component offers a light, camphoraceous freshness that blends harmoniously without the sharp prominence found in other varieties.

This soft symphony of specific constituents results in a peppermint that offers benevolent benefits for those seeking a milder mint experience.

Peppermint Yakima: The Sweet Spirit of Summer

Completing our trio of preeminent peppermint varieties is our Peppermint Yakima Essential Oil, another testament to the morphogenic influence of terroir on botanical essences. Hailing from the sun-drenched, long-day, cool-night summers of Yakima, Washington, this variety offers a distinctly softer and sweeter aromatic profile compared to its more intense peppermint pals. It presents a refreshing, herbaceous scent with a classic hint of candy mint, making it a distinct distillation.

Provenance and Palate
The unique atmosphere of Yakima, Washington, specifically its long days and cooler nights during summer, encourages the nuanced emanation of sweet, herbal monoterpenes and lactones in this particular peppermint. The geographical influence cultivates a gem of an oil that, while potent with pep, remains silky smooth. Its velvety vigor is especially appreciated by sensitive noses seeking a softer, sweeter mint experience.

Key Constituents: The sweet, herbaceous harmony and cushiony cooling power of our Peppermint Yakima is cosmically orchestrated by its distinct chemical profile, shaped by its sun-soaked origins:

• Menthol (30-45%): While still a significant component, its balanced concentration provides the characteristic cooling sensation with a gentler intensity, contributing to the oil's smoother feel.
• Menthone (8-18%): Present in moderate amounts, this ketone adds to the fresh, minty aroma, complementing the oil's overall softness rather than dominating it.
• Menthofuran (5-12%): Often in higher proportion in sweeter American mints, this compound deeply contributes to the verdant, herbaceous, and slightly earthy notes that define Yakima's unique profile.
• Menthyl Acetate (5-10%): This soothing ester enhances the oil's inherent sweetness and subtly rounds out the aroma, ensuring a pleasant and balanced aromatic experience.
• Additional Monoterpenes + Lactones: Yakima's unique terroir encourages a richer expression of various sweet, herbal monoterpenes and delicate lactones. While each one is a small percentage, their collective presence weaves the distinct candy-mint and herbaceous undertones that make Yakima Peppermint so profoundly special and unique.

This sweet symphony of specialized constituents culminates in a peppermint that is both robust in its benefits and exquisitely cushiony in its aromatic charm.

Practical Pointers: How to Use Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil, a veritable botanical multi-tool, offers a myriad of application methods to harness its potent properties. Whether seeking a cooling sensation, mental clarity, or soothing relief, this invigorating essence can be integrated into your daily rituals with ease.

For general use, dilute peppermint oil into a carrier oil, such as jojoba or a Best Skin Ever, for soothing massage blends that calm discomfort and redness on the skin. A single neat drop can provide immediate relief when applied directly to minor cuts, hangnails, bug bites, or bruises. You can also craft a refreshing mist by adding drops to a spray bottle, perfect for chilling hot flashes or invigorating weary spirits during sweaty sports moments and long flights

For internal harmony, a drop on the tongue instantly freshens breath, or add it to honey, sweet treats, teas, and culinary creations to quell grumbly tummies. 

For tension, apply a drop to temples and the neck for a cooling, easing treat. Inhale its clarifying aroma in a salt pipe or diffuser to refresh focus, encourage beautiful breathing, and alleviate apathy.

General Contraindications: Due to the effective cooling properties shared across all Mentha piperita varieties, it is generally advised not to use undiluted peppermint oil on children under five years old, as it can potentially lower body temperature. For young children, a small amount (1-2%) can be used diluted, or milder alternatives, such as spearmint essential oil, may be preferred. A Note of Caution for Baths: Due to its intense cooling properties, peppermint essential oil is generally not recommended for full-body baths, as it can also be too strong for the genitals without dilution.

Peppermint's Potent Presence in Beloved Living Libations Creations
Peppermint adds its particular calming and cooling pizzazz to these treasured Living Libations formulations, where magnificent mint lends its medicinal and remedial magic to soothe both skin and spirit. From daily dental delights to restorative relief, peppermint’s pervasive power is cherished in a diverse array of our Libations. It is truly a testament to our love for this liquid asset!

Petal Soother: This gentle Yoni serum, designed for post-birth care, is exquisitely enriched by peppermint’s cooling compassion. For down-there-care, it provides an immediate, soothing sensation, offering anti-itch TLC.

Mint Condition Lip Fix: For lips longing for lushness, peppermint provides its signature cool kiss, leaving a refreshing tingle and helping to maintain a smooth, supple pout, especially delightful on hot days.

Triple Mint Toothpaste: A trifecta of minty magic for impeccable oral optimization. Peppermint’s potent properties work harmoniously with mineral nano-hydroxyapatite promoting a pristine, dentist-fresh feeling that lasts.

Peppermint Pal: This competent companion is your first-responder friend: a pocket-sized solution and clarifying on-the-go fixer for immediate comfort. Roll this cooling concentrate on tender tissues, temples, neck, skin spots and dots, or along the spine to cool your jets and bring refreshing reprieve wherever you experience tension longing to be freed.

Happy Gum Drops: Our classic, organic oral optimizers that ignited our entire oral care line, these original drops harness peppermint's invigorating freshness and potent properties to cleanse, soothe, and vitalize gums with every swish and brush.

Open Sky Eye Serum: For excellent, around the eye care, peppermint lends its cool clarity. Providing a refreshing sensation that helps to de-puff, send bags packing, and revitalize the delicate skin around the eyes, inviting a luminous glow.

Peppermint Scrub: Invigorating and exfoliating, this scrub uses peppermint’s perkiness to awaken the skin. It provides a cooling, cleansing action that polishes and purifies, leaving skin feeling fresh, smooth, and utterly alive.

Mint + Myrrh Tooth and Swishing Serum: For calming and refreshing oral care, peppermint’s cooling touch combines with myrrh’s soothing strength. Cleanses, tones, and revives mouth and gums leaving breath brilliantly fresh.

Immune Illume Essential Oil Chrism + Balm: Peppermint’s clarifying and invigorating essence adds a vital note to these immune-supporting formulations. Its ability to clear airways and uplift the spirit makes it a cherished ally in holistic wellness blends.

Lucky Love Butter: This nourishing love butter tingles with peppermint’s subtle soothing and cooling properties, perfect for days and nights of play. 

Dew Queen Dew Dab: Peppermint contributes its calming and cooling touch to this targeted spot treatment and ozonated beauty balm. The queen of serene, this dew dab helps skin stay cool, calm, and collected.

Be Dew Dab: This refreshingly reassuring remedy masterfully mixes peppermint's clarifying coolness with blue tansy's serene soothing and frankincense's regenerating grace. It’s the go-to “Keep Calm and Carry On” elixir for placating puffiness, redness, flareups, and sensitivity.

Scalp Tonic: To nourish hair growth and for a refreshed and revitalized scalp, peppermint’s stimulating and cooling properties work wonders in this popular formula that clarifies the scalp and soothes split ends.

Zen Shave: Peppermint brings its zing to this soothing shaving ritual. It provides post-shave smoothness, preventing irritation and ensuring soft skin.

Seabuckthorn Shampoo: Peppermint invigorates the scalp and adds a refreshing, clean aroma to this nourishing shampoo. It helps to stimulate circulation to the hair follicles, leaving the scalp feeling revitalized and clean.

Peppermint's potent presence across such an array of Living Libations creations happily highlights its vital versatility and our deep appreciation for its multidimensional, multifunctional practical magic. From the subtle sweetness of Willamette to the classically crisp, camphorous essence of French, and the velvety vigor of Yakima, each distillation contributes its aromatic charm to the collective constellation of the pantheon that is peppermint. It remains, as it has for millennia, a steadfast and cherished friend of the people, ever present as a healing helper and a comforting companion, beautifully bridging the wisdom of its remedial past with our radiant present.

 ⁱ Waverly Lewis Root
  ⁱⁱSamarth, Ravindra, M. Kumar and P. R. Vivek. “Radioprotection of Swiss albino mice by plant extract Mentha piperita (Linn.)." Journal of Radiation Research. 44 (2), 2003:101-109.
  ⁱⁱⁱFor scientific literature on peppermint's antifungal properties, see: Vakili-Ghartavol, M., et al. "Antifungal activity of Mentha × Piperita L. essential oil." Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Hortorum Cultus, Vol. 23 No. 2 (2024); Sowińska, J., & Witkowska, D. "The Antifungal Properties of Peppermint and Thyme Essential Oils Misted in Broiler Houses." Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola, Vol. 19 No. 4 (2017). 
  ^ivElsaie, L. T., et al. "Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus." Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 9 (2016): 333-339. 
  ^vSharma, K., et al. "Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Mentha piperita L. (Peppermint)—An Important Multipurpose Medicinal Plant." Scientific Research Publishing, 2 No. 2 (2012): 134-138; Amato, E., et al. "Mentha piperita: Essential Oil and Extracts, Their Biological Activities, and Perspectives on the Development of New Medicinal and Cosmetic Products." Molecules, Vol. 28 No. 21 (2023): 7444.
  ^viSchuhmacher, A., et al. "Virucidal effect of peppermint oil on the enveloped viruses herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro." Phytomedicine, Vol. 10 No. 6-7 (2003): 504-510. 
Li, Y., et al. "In vitro antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of Mentha piperita L." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014 (2014): Article ID 206016.