Field mint

A species of mint (Mentha) belonging to the labiate family. Already mentioned by Hippocrates (460 BC - 370 BC) and Paracelsus (1493-1541) as a medicinal plant. The essential mint oil (Menthae arvensis aetherolum, see Menthae arvensis aetheroleum partim mentholum depletum) is obtained from the herb of field mint by steam distillation. The mint oil is extracted from the primary, menthol-rich viscous oil (menthol content up to 90 percent) by various chemical processes. Field mint is used to extract natural menthol for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Phytotherapeutically, it is not the plant itself that is used, but the essential oil (mint oil - Menthae arvensis aetheroleum partim mentholum depletum) obtained from the flowering herb, partially freed from menthol.

Field mint is found in almost all climate zones. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant that reaches a maximum height of 40 to 45 cm. Leaves are stalked, oval in shape and often hairy. Its purple flowers grow directly on the stem at the base of the leaves. Flowering time: July to August, fruit ripening September to October.

The main chemical component of mint oil is menthol. Mint oil contains approx. 30 to 50 % menthol, approx. 17 to 35 % menthone, approx. 5 to 13 % isomenthone and approx. 1.5 to 7 % methyl acetate, as well as other terpenes. In higher dosages the oil has an anaesthetic and analgesic effect. The effect corresponds to that of (real) peppermint oil.

Menthol acts on the cold menthol receptor (TRPM8), therefore the oil has an (apparently) cooling effect, but the body temperature is not affected. This effect is comparable to the heating effect of capsaicin.

Effect: The main chemical component of mint oil is menthol. Mint oil contains approx. 30 to 50 % menthol, approx. 17 to 35 % menthone, approx. 5 to 13 % isomenthone and approx. 1.5 to 7 % methyl acetate, as well as other terpenes. In higher doses, the oil has an anesthetic and analgesic effect. The effect corresponds to that of (real) peppermint oil. Menthol acts on the menthol receptor (TRPM8), also known as the cold menthol receptor. This explains why the oil has an (apparently) cooling effect (effect of the cold sensation in the oral mucosa when peppermint is sucked), but the body temperature is not affected. This effect is comparable to the heat stimulus of capsaicin.

Use of the oil:

• Internal use for meteorism, functional stomach, intestinal and biliary complaints;
• For inhalation in chronic bronchitis.
• External use for headaches and to alleviate the symptoms of colds.
• Due to its high menthol content, mint oil acts as a repellent (insect repellent).
• Rubbing mint oil into tense muscles relieves the symptoms. A drop of mint oil applied to the temples can relieve headaches.

Medicinal use of the whole plant:

• Field mint has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also has proven effects as an anti-inflammatory (the active ingredients are extracted by boiling the leaves and then filtering them through a carrier - acemint tea). Acemint tea helps with gastrointestinal complaints and colds, has a calming, analgesic and antispasmodic effect. The tea can also be used externally (compresses).
• Field mint tea has a disinfectant effect.
• An anti-carcinogenic effect of extracts of field mint is suspected via the effect on the menthol receptor (see there).

Cosmetic applications:

• Mentha arvensis extract (INCI), essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the flowering herb
• Mentha arvensis oil (INCI), an extract from the leaves and shoots of the plant
• Mentha arvensis powder (INCI), a powder from the leaves of the plant

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