The Cooling of Menthol

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you doing well. Over the weekend, I decided to make some time for me. I have truly neglected pampering myself while working on a to do list.

Saturday night, my dogs were barking. No, we don't have dogs, I am talking about my feet. When I was a kid, my Dad would come after a long day at work and say his dogs were barking. Well Dad, my dogs are barking too!
A favorite ingredient of mine is menthol, clear and colorless crystals acquired from steam distilled peppermint oil. Menthol can be found in lip balms, chest rubs, sunburn relief and mouthwash, to name a few. It is refreshing, cooling and possesses a strong peppermint aroma.

You will find menthol in our Peppermint Tree Foot Balm and Back Acre's Rub. Tired and sore muscles or achy feet don't stand a chance with this fabulous ingredient. After applying Peppermint Tree Foot Balm, my feet felt cool, relaxed, energized and ready to take on another day! Our sampler packages include a travel size Peppermint Tree Foot Balm if you would like to take a test drive.

Thanks for stopping by y'all and have a great day!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Peppermint Essential Oil

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds everyone having a fabulous day! Today I am writing about Peppermint Essential Oil. This ingredient is found in several Cactus & Ivy products - Lip Service Lip Balm, Back Acre's Rub and Peppermint Tree Foot Balm. With the winter months fast approaching, it only seemed fit to discuss the fantastic oil of Peppermint!


Since ancient times in Japan and China, mints have been cultivated. Dating from 1000 BC in Egypt, Tombs revealed evidence of a type of peppermint. The peppermint plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 3ft high. It is easily propagated by underground runners. The 'black' peppermint has dark green serrated leaves, with purplish stems and reddish to violet flowers. The 'white' peppermint has green leaves and stems.

The INCI name for peppermint oil is Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil. Peppermint is a relaxing and cooling oil that can help relieve headache, indigestion, reduce mental fatigue, increase alertness, relieve nausea, relieve itching, help maintain alertness and repels insects effectively. Peppermint Essential Oil may be purchased online or in most health food stores.

Peppermint oil can be used the following ways:

- by rubbing on reflexology points on the bottom of your feet
- steam inhalation
- in an air or reed diffuser
- in a therapeutic bath

Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a carrier oil prior to external use. Peppermint oil may cause a skin reaction if the dosage is in excess. Peppermint oil should not be used on children younger than 5 years of age or women who are pregnant.

With the cooler months upon us, mice look for the warmth of indoors too. Peppermint is an effective deterrent to mice. The aroma of peppermint is very displeasing to mice and when they encounter the scent, they go the opposite direction.

Here is a home remedy to try. Place a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and position in areas where mice have been seen. Please do not place cotton balls where children can reach them. Please make sure to wash your hands after handling Peppermint Essential Oil.

I hope you've enjoyed learning about Peppermint Essential Oil. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator-Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy