What is peppermint essence used for?
Peppermint oil is used as a flavouring agent in foods and fragrance in hygienic or cosmetic products, and as an anti-itch and cooling agent in topical pharmaceutical products. It is also an active ingredient in topical analgesics for the relief of joint and muscle pain. Its fragrance is pleasant and popularly found in shampoos, skin creams, and other products. While peppermint oil may be known for some skin care benefits, it’s also good for your hair and scalp. It may help with dryness, itching, or other scalp problems.Some studies also show that inhaling peppermint oil through aromatherapy can help with symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Other research has shown that peppermint relieves menstrual discomfort and may help reduce headaches and migraines, Hilbert added.Studies show that peppermint oil can improve the way your brain functions and boost your mood, which can translate into more restful sleep and fewer disturbances. It also has purifying effects that can help to clear the sinuses and make breathing easier.Evidence suggests that peppermint aroma can improve learning and memory impairments. It has been proved that mint compound essential oil sniffing therapy can improve the cognitive function of patients with mild cognitive impairment by reducing the content of serum AchE [13].Today, peppermint is promoted for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, headaches, muscle tension, nausea, and other conditions.
Is peppermint essence the same as peppermint extract?
No, these are two different ingredients. The extract is commonly used and easily available everywhere, the oil is harder to find and not as common in recipes. OP should be able to find it easily by googling “food grade peppermint oil” though. The main difference between peppermint oil and extract is the concentration. Plant extracts are diluted with alcohol and other liquid ingredients, so they are less potent.Peppermint extract is much stronger than vanilla. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 the amount called for and add more to taste. Use it in cookies, frostings, hot cocoa, ice cream, and marshmallows. It pairs especially well with chocolate and coffee.Peppermint Essence offers a myriad of uses including as flavouring in melted chocolate to give a rich chocolaty peppermint flavour. For use in drinks, cakes, biscuits, toppings, home-made sweets or to make cordial. Your imagination is the only limit with this wonderful essence.
What is peppermint essence made of?
Peppermint extract is an extract of peppermint (Mentha × piperita) made from the essential oil of peppermint leaves. Peppermint is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint. The oil has been used for various purposes over centuries. Peppermint extract and peppermint oil are two different ingredients and peppermint extract can be used as a substitute to essential oil for making some recipes. Peppermint extract cannot be always used as essential oil.Awa recommends using peppermint oil in place of peppermint extract wherever possible as its higher concentration yields a stronger flavor.
What are the side effects of peppermint essence?
Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. Rarely, peppermint oil can cause allergic reactions. Capsules containing peppermint oil are often enteric-coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn. People who have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, might want to be careful, though, because peppermint can relax the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, which can lead to heartburn. Overall, Velayutham said, peppermint might not be magic, but it is safe for most people.