Feuille D Menthe: The Cooling and Uplifting Fragrance of Green Grass

Feuille D'Menthe is a blend of several fragrant grass essential oils, with the main ingredients being sage, vetiver, mint and basilic. The perfect combination of these fragrant herbs exudes a rich and fresh aroma, without gloom and turbidity. The addition of mint further accentuates the refreshing and uplifting fragrance, all enveloped in a richness of grass fragrance.

History of Sage, Vetiver, Mint and Basilic

The healing properties of sage are first discovered by the Romans who brought sage into England. The name "sage" comes from the Latin word "salvere", which means "to save". Indeed, sage is a herb that is able to save and heal. The Greeks believe that sage is effective in combating the deterioration of sensory abilities and loss of memory. Ancient Egyptians believed in sage for preventing pestilence infections and also used it to treat infertility.

The name vetiver comes from the Tamil word "vetiverr", which means "hatchet up", a reference to its cultivation method. Indians have been using the fragrance of vetiver to cure illnesses for a few thousand years. They also hang vetiver roots in the wardrobe or weave them into cushions and fans to be hung at the doorstep or along the corridor, so as to emit a light fragrance and allow for cooling ventilation. Russians place small aromatic sachets of vetiver essential oil into the pockets of their fur coats. In recent centuries, vetiver roots have also been used to manufacture various fine spices.

The word "mint" was said to originate from a young lady by the name of "Minthe". According to Greek mythology, when the wife of Pluto discovered Minthe in his arms, she was changed into the mint herb. Romans have been using mint a few thousand years ago to treat problems related to the digestive channel. Ancient Greeks used mint as a perfume and to provide fragrance to their bath water. The use of mint to whiten teeth and flavour toothpastes started from the 14th century and lasted till today. Many eastern cultures use mint as a condiment for cooking. England was the first country to cultivate mint, with Hertfordshire being the largest manufacturer in 1969.

The word "basilic" evolved from the Egyptian word "King"(basileum). As sacred oil used by the King, ancient Egyptians accorded tremendous respect and value to basilic and it even became termed as the King of plants. In the 16th century, people grounded basilic into powder to be inhaled as tobacco for treating illnesses like headaches and flu. The French were the first to distil basilic into essential oils and this breakthrough was even recorded in the Lance Victor articles.

Ecology of Sage, Vetiver, Mint and Basilic

Sage originated from the cold-resistant and evergreen bushes in southern Europe, especially Spain. It has creased round leaves with greyish-green hues and tube-shaped purplish-blue flowers which bloom in June and July. Sage used to be widely cultivated in France but is now mainly supplied by Russia and extracted from Dalmatia and Croatia.

From its Indian and Sri Lankan origins, vetiver has now found its cultivating ground in the Caribbean Sea. Being an upright plant with odourless narrow-shaped leaves, vetiver is quite similar to lemon, citronnelle and other species of fragrant plants. Vetiver essential oil, extracted from the roots, has a dark brown colour and a sweet, earthy and woody fragrance. In 1970, China has also started cultivating vetiver and exporting its essential oils in large quantities. In 1987, the worldwide production quantity of vetiver amounted to 250 tonnes.

Mint originated from the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia. Currently, it is dispersed across all temperate zones in the world, with America being the largest manufacturer of mint essential oil. Mint comes in many species such as water mint, horseshoe mint, perfume mint, etc. The characteristics of mint lie in its squarish stem and wrinkled, bright green leaves with serrated edges, both of which contain oil. When mint blooms in summer, the flowers range from purple to white in colour. The flowers and roots whither in the winter season.

Basilic originated from India and has over 100 different species, with different shapes, sizes and fragrances. The most common species has dark green leaves and carries a rich fragrance. The Mediterranean region produces the largest quantities of basilic. In fact, the reputation of basilic was very much enhanced in Europe.

Sage, Vetiver, Mint and Basilic Health Notes

Sage is able to reduce the deterioration of nerves, relieve fatigue, depression and irritation and is useful for alleviating symptoms such as liver problems, asthma and rheumatism. It can also be used for common external injuries and wounds, such as cuts, burns, heat and ulcers. It can be said to be a panacea. For beauty purposes, it can be added to perfume to enhance its strength. When used to rinse the mouth, it is able to protect the throat and gums. Besides this, sage is also a supplementary gourmet ingredient.

Vetiver is also known as "oil of tranquility", mainly due to its psychological effects to eliminate anxiety and soothe insomnia and depression. A few drops of vetiver essential oil in your bath water will make you feel relieved of all burdens and totally relaxed. Ayurvedic medicine prescribed the oil for heatstroke, fevers and headaches. Another lesser-known function is its ability to stimulate the immunity system to enhance our resistance to diseases and calm our minds. It also reduces muscle pain, arthritis and sprains.

Mint essential oil is very helpful for the digestive system. Due to its ability to combat convulsions, it can soothe the smooth muscles in the intestine and stomach and can therefore treat various illnesses related to the digestive system. At the same time, mint essential oil can also be used in the nervous system to mediate and pacify. For illnesses related to the respiratory channel, mint can activate its warming and stimulating characteristics to invigorate emotions, warm the body and aid in symptoms such as flu, sneezing, mucus and fever.

---

Acupuncture Arthritis Treatment ? Using Acupuncture to Treat Arthritis

Acupuncture treatment for arthritis and joint pain has been with... Read More

That Popeye Knew a Thing or Two!

For a few weeks the lumps in my throat were... Read More

Food Combining for Indigestion

I'd like to share with you some basic food combining... Read More

The Aromatherapy Home Medicine Chest ? Part I: The Essential Oils

Here we will have a brief look at ten essential... Read More

Top 3 Reasons Why You Suffer From Pain In The Back Of The Knee

Pain behind the knee is something many of us have... Read More

Aromatherapy ? Part II: Mind and Emotions

The Sense of Smell forms the greater part of our... Read More

Feuille D Menthe: The Cooling and Uplifting Fragrance of Green Grass

Feuille D'Menthe is a blend of several fragrant grass essential... Read More

Aromatherapy Candles

Nothing turns a commonplace, ho-hum room into a radiant, inviting... Read More

The Simplest Asthma Solution

During the Democratic convention the Reverend Al Sharpton quoted a... Read More

Constipation Home Remedies Using Juices

Apple Juice, Figs and RaisinsHere's another constipation home remedy using... Read More

Shemale Breast Enlargement - Transgender Breast Development

Shemales, or transgender males who strive to achieve more feminine... Read More

Air Purifiers And Air Filters Can Help The Health Of Allergy And Asthma Sufferers

Indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and... Read More

The Truth About Smokers Pleasure Paradox

Smokers love excuses. Nothing makes them happier than, 'I can't... Read More

Pyrethre: Pest Terminator

HistoryThe pyrethre herb is supposedly named after a famous temple... Read More

What is Sound Therapy?

As energetic beings, our electromagnetic energy field (aura) vibrates at... Read More

Portrait of a Medical Intuitive

I am a Medical Intuitive in the San Francisco Bay... Read More

Why Use An Aromatherapy Diffuser?

We breathe 22,000 times a day, inhaling 400 cubic feet... Read More

Alternative Medicine, Complementary, Integrative, Wellness, Holistic ? What Do They All Mean?

Alternative medicine has grown in so many ways in North... Read More

Will This Years Flu Paralyze The US And Canada?

According to the Associated Press on August 26th, the US... Read More

Straddling the Science/Magic Line: A Look At Magnetic Therapy

What's the difference between science and magic? It's our understanding... Read More

Tai Chi Breathing Reduces Residual Air in Ineffective Retention Space

Breathing is the source of life: if breathing stops, do... Read More

Bladder Infections

"If you let that fiery wise blood just sit there... Read More

Boost Self Confidence Through Hypnotherapy

What is self confidence and how do you get it?... Read More

Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Through Ayurveda

Definition: Benign prostatic hypertrophy is swelling of Prostate gland. The... Read More

Hypnosis - What Exactly is it?

Hypnosis is probably not what you think it is. Hypnosis... Read More

Cure Arthritis? Right!

Arthritis sufferers are daily bombarded with new, better, more exciting... Read More

How to Protect Your Family Against the Coming Pandemic

Most dictionaries define pandemic as "an epidemic that is geographically... Read More

Purchasing Essential Oil

Tips on Purchasing Essential OilsIt is important to purchase your... Read More

Stuttering Self Help

I am Stephen Hill from Birmingham in England. I started... Read More

Essential Oils Blends and Uses

Better Living With Essential OilsPractical formulas you can use in... Read More

Shiatsu

What is Shiatsu? Shiatsu, literally means: Shi = 'finger,' Atsu... Read More

Migraine Headaches And Chronic Pain: Essential Oil Of Lavender, A Natural Remedy

If you suffer migraines or chronic headaches, you are not... Read More

Mood Stabilizers & Mood Enhancers - A Remedy to Naturally Boost Mood & Alleviate Depression

Depression and mood disorders are very prevalent mental health issues... Read More