FROM MINT TO MINT OIL

Essential oil n.  An oil derived from a natural substance, usually either for its healing properties, flavoring or as a perfume.

Mint and the oil derived from the leaves has many, many uses. It has been used for centuries to help treat ailments, and its effectiveness has been studied throughout the years. Essential oils are extracted most commonly through hydrodiffusion, also known as steam distillation. Other methods include Carbon Dioxide Extraction, Cold Press Extraction, or the use of absolutes. Steam distillation is the classic and most traditional method. In the 11th century, a Persian chemist by the name of Avicenna invented the process to extract essential oils.  His invention contributed not only significantly to the development of the perfume industry, but also to the scientific world because now, compounds could be derived from organic material in a most pure form.

How it works

The mint is grown on our rich “muck” soil, in what we call Mint Valley in St. Johns. When it is time for harvest, the mint is cut and chopped into a mint wagon. Once positioned in one of the stalls in the still, the wagon gets hooked up to steam.  During distillation, the steam runs through the plant material and breaks downPeppermint Jim pouring mint oil at the still during harvest. the cells of the plant. The water carries the essential oils to a cooling chamber, or condenser, where the hydrosol (water portion of the plant) and the essential oil (volatile oils of the plant) are separated. The end result of the oil production is subject to many factors; climate, soil, growing methods and the expertise of the distiller. One mint wagon holds four ton of plant material from about one acre of mint and this can yield 35 up to 40 lbs of oil.

Once the oil comes out of the condenser, it is stored in a barrel. From there, it is bottled up in small bottles and sold directly to the customer, or the company that produces the added value products like our mint soy candles, candy and honey.

Because of our non-traditional farming practices and ecological accountability our oil is tested to be chemical, herbicide, insecticide and pesticide free, as well as free of banned and industrial chemicals.

The mint is grown on our rich “muck” soil, in what we call Mint Valley in St. Johns. The city itself is known as Mint City USA and hosts the annual Mint Festival.

Because of our non-traditional farming practices and ecological accountability our oil is tested to be chemical, herbicide, insecticide and pesticide free, as well as free of banned and industrial chemicals.

PEPPERMINT AND SPEARMINT OIL

Our farm grows and distills two kinds of mint; peppermint and spearmint. They are two different plants, each with a different chemical make-up, but both with very similar medicinal and healing properties. The uses are numerous, but both are known to have 8 major qualities:

  • Anti-inflammatory,
  • Antiviral;
  • Antifungal;
  • Antibacterial;
  • Antimicrobial;
  • Antioxidant;
  • Analgesic;
  • Antispasmodic.

Also, we put together some more bulletpoints for CROSBY MINT PEPPERMINT AND SPEARMINT OIL:

  • Unlimited shelf life;
  • Takes up little room for storage;
  • Replaces over $150.00 synthetic over the counter medication;
  • Can be consumed both internally and externally;
  • Pesticide, herbicide, insecticide free (FDA  ALLOWS 5ppm);
  • Banned and industrial chemical free;
  • Grown and produced at one point of origin;
  • Can not dilute the mint oil to a point of ineffectiveness;
  • One drop has the similar relief as two Tylenol tablets;
  • Most uses are topical.

Peppermint is known as the cool, uplifting and vitalizing variant, where spearmint has a more relaxing, warming effect. Both can be used for the following purposes, and the choice of which to use is based on personal preference and taste. The oils can be diluted with your liquid of choice, but works well with water, tea and olive oil.

I have used the mint oil produced by our family farm every day for my whole life. From breath fresher to hand sanitizer, to apply on cuts and bites for pain relief and cleansing, to use for headaches and drowsiness. I carry it with me everywhere I go. Here are some general usage tips for you and how mint can make your life easier and more comfortable.

External uses

  • Acne - tip a Q-tip with mint oil against the spot before bedtime.
  • Airway infection - add one or more drops to a vaporizer. Start with one and add more as needed.
  • Athlete's foot/Fungi infections - apply directly with Q tip between the toes or affected area.
  • Arthritis - massage onto affected joints
  • Cleaning - cleans hard surfaces around the house and toothbrushes.
  • Hair and skin care - add to shampoo/soap.
  • Headaches and migraines - apply oil on your fingertips and massage it onto your temples. For a localized treatment of the pain, massage into the scalp locally or all over.
  • Household - add to dish water, or cleaning solutions. (Note: add oil to the water, not to solutions in plastic bottles.
  • (Insect )bites, wounds apply on injury or bite to disinfect, for pain relief, anti-swelling, anti- itching and promote healing

  • Itching - add to bathwater, massage or olive oil, or apply directly on skin.

  • Sinus congestion - rub a small amount of oil underneath nostrils.

  • Sore muscles/joints - apply on painful areas.

  • Stress - add to massage oil/bathwater/showerfloor.

 Internal uses:

* Please note that Crosby mint oil is pure and undiluted. I advise you to dilute one or two drops with your liquid of choice, such as water, tea or coffee. You cannot dilute the oil past effectiveness. 

  • Breath refresher - add a drop to your drinking water, or apply a small amount to the tip of your tongue.
  • Congestion/snoring - add a drop of oil to (mouth) water, swoosh and swallow.
  • Drowsiness - ingest oil as needed, inhale, massage on back of neck.
  • Flavoring - add a drop toyour tea, water and baked goods.
  • Intestinal flora imbalance/ parasites -  ingest as needed with tea or water.
  • Nausea, upset stomach, IBS - ingest one drop with water, repeat as needed.
  • Sore throat, infection - add to liquids (water, tea), gargle and swallow.
  • Stress -  ingest oil as needed (spec. spearmint).
  • Toothache - apply oil on cotton ball and place on tooth.

 To buy high quality Crosby oil, please visit: http://www.savethemintfarm.com

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

* Keep all oil products out of reach of children.

* Pregnant women should consult a physician before using.

* Avoid all contact with eyes.

* Some people may be allergic to mint oil.

* This information is in no way intended as a substitute for medical consultation by a health care professional.

I hope you find these tips useful and when you have a question, concern, suggestion or anything else, please do not hestitate to email me.