When it came to mint, I had a clear idea that I would be talking about a forest fairy. But I had no idea what was hidden in a bottle of spearmint essential oil (Mentha arvensis). The scent conjured up an image of Gustav Frištenský, a strongman from the First Republic. A chest like steel, hands like shovels, hair cut in a hedgehog style, and a mustache waxed to the tips.
Mint variety
I'm not sure it's possible to properly count all the varieties and species of mint, not because there are so many, but because many of them are hybrids of two other species. For example peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid of water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). The substance menthol is the thing that is the common denominator of all types of mint. However, in each of them the composition of the substances that make up menthol is different. Therefore, each mint has its own original taste and aroma. And even though field mint It has more menthol than peppermint, it is softer and sweeter. As soon as I turned on the diffuser with this essential oil, the room smelled like Slavia candies.
A fresh wind of thoughts
Mint gives us direction, brings visions – in ancient times, drinking mint was used to induce a trance state and supposedly caused oracle dreams. However, even if you don’t get a tip for the numbers in Sportka from it, it will definitely help you with problems that you can’t digest. I like to use it as a quick stimulant to support attention and maintain thought. It makes sense, since its generic name Mentha is from the Latin name mente, meaning thought. And perhaps also because it needs deep and loose soil to grow, it allows us to penetrate the essence of the thing we are entangled in and cannot get out of. Its chemical composition can be used as a support for coughing and relieving a stuffy nose. As an analgesic, it will help with headaches or stomachaches, and in folk medicine it is used as a carminative (relieves flatulence and nausea).
It is all around us.
It enriches cosmetics with its fresh scent and gives the skin a pleasant cooling sensation. Its astringent effect will be appreciated by those who struggle with problematic and acne-prone skin. When I think about where the mint essential oil ingredient is used – toothpastes, mouthwashes, massage creams, chewing gum… the consumption of menthol is so great that natural sources are no longer enough and it has to be produced synthetically. Mint is truly a strongman who trains and strengthens every day. She lifts dumbbells above her head to reach the victory podium and give the world everything it needs.
Pro SoZoLe Rose was written by Aneta Jirchářová, aromatherapy_flower (on Instagram)
Author: Aneta Jirchářová
A graduate of art school, she is currently studying aromatherapy, which she likes to see from the perspective of colors.
“I most often seek inspiration in nature, which I admire and respect for its wisdom. In my drawings, I try to capture the soul and power of the plant.”
