Peppermint (Mentha x peperita) is a vigorous-growing herbaceous perennial most popularly known for its refreshing, distinctively scented oil, which is used in candy canes and ice cream. Peppermint leaves are used in cold-relieving tea in winter and heat-relieving mint juleps in summer. Peppermint is also a popular component of bar and liquid soaps, lending its invigorating scent to the bathroom and laundry in addition to its culinary uses.
Healthy Clean
Most soaps will get you clean, but peppermint soap has the added benefit of incorporating the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties found in peppermint oil. Researchers from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, reported in 2003 in the journal Phytomedicine that peppermint oil demonstrated a significant virucidal effect against various strains of herpes virus when tested in vitro. The online pharmaceutical resource Drugs.com also reports that peppermint oil has proven antibacterial and weak antifungal properties. Beneficial impacts of peppermint oil can be gained by using soaps containing natural peppermint oil for bathing and showering, for washing bathroom fixtures and floors, and in washing laundry.
Safe, Nose-Clearing Scent
Fragrances add scent to personal care and cleaning products. The safest fragrances are those that are derived from the same essential oils used in foods, including peppermint oil, according to the Northwestern Health Sciences University. Because peppermint oil is derived from edible plants, it does not just produce a smell like synthetic fragrances, but also adds nutrients and beneficial properties to the products it is used to scent. According to Drugs.com, menthol--the active component of peppermint oil--works to ease cold-related coughs and congestion and improve nasal airflow. In the shower, the brisk menthol scent of peppermint soap merges with the warm steamy air to open up the breathing passages, clearing the nose and sinus passages. Even the lingering scent of peppermint from hand soap or cleaning soaps can help you to breathe more easily through the day.
Wake Up
Dr. Bronners, a leading natural and organic soap maker, states that peppermint soap clears the mind and acts as a mild stimulant to increase vitality and clarity. Drugs.com reports similar implications, stating that peppermint oil has some central nervous system effects and reduces pain sensitivity in headaches, and is being studied as a potential aromatherapy aid for dementia. Peppermint oil is also an antisoporific--something that fights the tendency toward sleep. In other words, the scent of peppermint wakes you up--a great benefit in a facial and shower soap in those early-morning hours.
References
- Dr. Bronner: Peppermint Soap
- Drugs.com: Peppermint
- Schuhmacher, A., Reichling, J., and Schnitzler, P., "Virucidal Effect of Peppermint Oil on the Enveloped Viruses Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 In Vitro," Phytomedicine 10(6-7), 2003
- Northwestern Health Sciences University: An Organic Guide to Healthy Skin--It's All In the Ingredients
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