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| Mint Oil ....
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Introduction Peppermint oil is the most extensively used of all the volatile oils, both medicinally and commercially. The oil is stored in glands on the underside of the peppermint and spearmint leaves. An acre (0.4 ha) of mint produces about 76 pounds (34.5 kg) of oil. Peppermint oil is extracted from the whole plant above ground just before flowering. The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh or partly dried plant and the yield is 0.1-1.0%.
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PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING The leaves of the "Mentha Piperita" are subjected to steam distillation, the distillation products are condensed and separated into peppermint oil and water. The crude mint oil then obtained is refined by vacuum filteration and then chilled to about 5-10 degree C to obtain Menthol Crystals. The crystals, thus formed are centrifuged and obtain about 45% yield of menthol. The spent oil is treated with sodium hydroxide and Boric Acid while crystalline borate esters formed are separated and decomposed by steam. The mother liquor is distilled to obtain dementholised peppermint oil. The overall yield of menthol is about 50% and an equal amount of dementhonised oil is obtained as co-product.
The oil extracted from mint through a steam distillation process is highly concentrated.One pound will flavor 135,000 sticks of gum.
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REFINING AND BLENDING Most mint oils go through a refining process called fractionation, which removes or reduces certain components to alter the strength or the taste of the oil.
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DESCRIPTION OF MINT OIL Peppermint oil has a fresh, sharp, menthol smell, is clear to pale yellow in color and watery in viscosity. Mint Oil is a source of essential oils which are monoterpene mainly synthesized in leaves,is menthol which is white crystalline substance having the peppermint odor and produces a sensation of cold in the mouth.
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CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION Menthol, Menthyl acetate, Carvone, Menthone, Carvacrol and Limonene.Amonge these etheral complex organic compounds; Menthol and Carvone are mainly responsible to give mint the taste and aroma that make it a favorite for chewing gum, toothpaste, candy and medicine.
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THERAPUETIC PROPERTIES: Analgesic, Antiseptic, Anti-infectious, Anti-spasmodic, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Decongestant, Digestive, Stimulant, Vasoconstrictor and Vermifuge.
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USES:
- Peppermint oil is excellent for mental fatigue and depression; it can help for apathy, shock, headache, migraine, nervous stress, vertigo and faintness.
- Peppermint oil is useful in general respiratory disorders as well as dry coughs, sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and cholera.
- For the digestive system Peppermint oil can be effective for colic, cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence and nausea.
- Mint Oil can relieve pain in cases of toothache, aching feet, rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular pains and painful periods.
- Peppermint oil can be useful for dermatitis, acne, ringworm, scabies and pruritus.
- Mint oil can relieve itching, sunburn and inflammation of the skin.
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OTHER USES:
- Peppermint Oil Blended in the bath or massage assists in cramps, back pain,sweaty and tired feet, flatulence, headaches, muscular pains,and mental fatigue.
- A mouthwash with Peppermint oil added can help with: bad breath and gum infections.
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COMMERCIAL USES:
- Use of Mint Oil to flavour Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Soap, Body Gel etc.
- Use of Mint Oil in cosmetic industry in Hair Oil, Creams, Body Lotions etc.
- Use of Mint Oil in backery industries like mint flavoured biscuts,cakes,cookies etc.
- Use of Mint Oil in perfumes and body talc.
- Use of Mint Oil in Pharmaceuticals mostly for digestive problems.
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PRECAUTION:
- Peppermint oil is non-toxic and non-irritant in low dilutions but sensitization may be a problem due to the menthol content.
- It can cause irritation to the skin and mucus membranes and should be kept well away from the eyes.
- Peppermint oil should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used on children under seven.
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