Table of Contents
- What is Cornmint Essential Oil?
- Cornmint Essential Oil Facts
- Cornmint Blends Well With
- Corn Mint Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
- Cornmint Diffuser Blends
- Cornmint Essential Oil Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to use cornmint essential oil while pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What is diffusing cornmint good for?
- Can cornmint essential oil be ingested safely?
- What are menthol crystals?
- What does cornmint smell like?
- How much essential oil should I use on my skin?
- How do I store my essential oil?
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Cornmint essential oil is a refreshing helper for easing stress and tension. By diffusing these cornmint diffuser blends in your home or workplace you can create an environment that promotes clarity, eases digestive upset, and soothes tension headaches.
This oil isn't the most popular mint essential oil, but it can help you get clarity and expand your mind with its uplifting aroma. Find out all about this lesser known minty scent.
What is Cornmint Essential Oil?
Cornmint essential oil is extracted through steam distillation from fresh or dried leaves of Mentha arvensis var. piperascens. Its sweet fragrance with a hint of peppermint makes it an appealing choice for many people. The main components that contribute to this unique scent are menthol, menthone, isomenthone, limonene, and pinene.
Peppermint vs Cornmint: What's the Difference?
This essential oil is closely related to Peppermint but has its own unique minty fragrance that's sweeter. It contains higher levels of natural menthol.
Both Peppermint and Cornmint essential oils belong to the same Mentha genus but differ in species. While Peppermint essential oil is derived from Mentha x piperita, Cornmint comes from Mentha arvensis.
Despite their differences, they share similar chemical compositions with menthol and menthone being key constituents present at varying levels across both types of oil. Cornmint essential oil has a high menthol content which can reach up to 80%.
In contrast, Peppermint essential oil and dementholized Cornmint essential oil has a lower range of menthol composition between 30-50%. These differences make each oil unique in terms of their therapeutic benefits.
Cornmint Essential Oil Facts
Cornmint essential oil is often fractionated (dementholized) to remove a significant portion of its menthol content.
- Botanical Name: Mentha arvensis
- Botanical Family: Lamiaceae
- Synonyms: Japanese Peppermint, Field Mint, Wild Mint
- Plant Part: Leaves
- Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
- Aromatic Profile: Strong, mint, sweet
- Note: Middle - Top
- Color/Consistency: Clear-pale yellow, thin
Safety Precautions: Cornmint oil should be avoided altogether in cases of cardiac fibrillation and by people with G6PD deficiency. Do not apply to or near the face of infants or children. -Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand and Young.
Dementholized Cornmint
Dementholized Cornmint essential oil is cheaper and sometimes sold as Peppermint Oil, so it's crucial to be cautious when purchasing your oil. When buying cornmint, look at both the GC/MS report and seller's description for information on its menthol composition. Menthol levels vary a lot from one supplier to the next, from around 40% in dementholized oil to over 70% in whole oil. By doing so, you can make an informed decision about which product best suits your needs. Here is how I choose quality essential oils.
Cornmint Blends Well With
- Basil
- Black Pepper
- Clove
- Cypress
- Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Grapefruit
- Juniper Berry
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Niaouli
- Tea Tree
- Orange
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Rosemary
Corn Mint Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
Cornmint essential oil offers similar benefits as peppermint essential oil. Its high menthol content makes it particularly effective when applied topically (well diluted), providing a cooling, comforting effect on the skin.
Stress Relief
It can help reduce stress and tension and promote focus. The refreshing scent of this essential oil enables you to tune out distractions such as mental chatter or noisy neighbors while maintaining emotional stability.
Relieves Soreness and Headaches
Cornmint is a traditional favorite for muscle aches, soreness, stiff joints, and tension headaches. Its menthol content provides a cooling, numbing effect that feels soothing on tired areas.
The cooling sensation helps release tension. Soothe away discomfort with a cooling muscle massage oil with corn mint (1% for daily use, up to 2% for short-term use, adults only). This will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Feel Energized
Start your day on the right foot by diffusing corn mint to boost energy levels. This aroma will help you feel energized, alert, and optimistic about the day ahead.
Support Digestive System
For digestive support, inhale corn mint essential oil. It can aid in releasing bloating and promoting relaxation. Mixing it with carrier oils like fractionated coconut or jojoba oil allows you to massage it onto your belly. This combination can provide relief from soothing physical discomforts associated with digestion issues.
Naturally Clean Home
If you're looking for a natural way to clean your home while also keeping it smelling fresh, try Cornmint oil. This versatile ingredient can be added into various DIY recipes such as a kitchen tile scrubbing solution or air fresheners, all of which will benefit from its antimicrobial properties.
Cornmint Diffuser Blends
Here are several corn mint diffuser blends to enjoy in your essential oil diffuser. Just add the drops of oils to your diffuser tank with the required water for your machine. These recipes are created for 100 to 200 ml sized diffusers, but you can use your desired aromatherapy machine. Just follow the manufacturer's directions and adjust the drops as desired.
Like peppermint, cornmint is for adults and kids 6+. Blends with eucalyptus or cajeput are for adults and kids 10+. Keep diffusers away from cats, and make sure dogs can leave the room.
Turn on and enjoy one of these aromatic scents from our fragrant cornmint essential oil blends:
1. Mint Citrus
- 2 drops Lime
- 2 drops Grapefruit
- 1 drop Peppermint
- 1 drop Cornmint
2. Breath of Life
Adults and kids 10+ (contains eucalyptus and cajeput).
- 3 drops Eucalyptus
- 3 drops Cajeput
- 2 drops Cornmint
- 1 drop Peppermint
3. Run and Fun
- 3 drops Rosemary
- 3 drops Siberian Fir
- 2 drops Cornmint
- 1 drop Grapefruit
- 1 drop Orange
4. Mint Balm
- 3 drops Balm Mint Bush
- 2 drops Melissa
- 2 drops Cornmint
- 1 drop Peppermint
5. Be Creative
- 3 drops Orange
- 3 drops Cedarwood Atlas
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Cornmint
6. Green Balsam
Adults and kids 10+ (contains eucalyptus).
- 3 drops Balsam Fir
- 2 drops Cornmint
- 2 drops Eucalyptus
- 1 drop Basil
Cornmint Essential Oil Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions for some answers:
Is it safe to use cornmint essential oil while pregnant or breastfeeding?
When it comes to using cornmint essential oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding it's best to avoid it. Consult with a medical professional.
What is diffusing cornmint good for?
Diffusing this essential oil creates an invigorating and refreshing atmosphere. When diffused, it can clear airways, promote clarity, and uplift mood. Try one of our cornmint diffuser blends.
Can cornmint essential oil be ingested safely?
No. Never ingest cornmint essential oil, or any essential oil.
What are menthol crystals?
Cornmint essential oil is often fractionated (dementholized) to remove a significant portion of its menthol content. The resulting menthol crystals (affiliate link) are then used by manufacturers in massage formulations, pain relief blends and other applications that require the use of menthol. The formation of crystals in pure menthol is reminiscent of quartz's appearance.
When it comes to Cornmint essential oil that has not been dementholized - cooler temperatures can cause the oil to solidify into crystal formations. To avoid any issues with usage, it is advised to allow your oils time to warm up before using them after refrigeration.
What does cornmint smell like?
Cornmint essential oil boasts a fresh and crisp fragrance that is characterized by its cool minty aroma. Its scent will leave you feeling invigorated and refreshed.
How much essential oil should I use on my skin?
To avoid any adverse reactions from using cornmint, start with one drop per teaspoon of carrier oil (1%), and keep it at 2% or less for adults. Never use it on or near the face of children, and patch test first.
How do I store my essential oil?
To ensure the longevity of your cornmint essential oil, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep this product out of reach of children and pets for their safety. Remember that proper storage is key to maintaining its effectiveness over time.