Cornmint essential oil is a powerful tool for alleviating stress and anxiety. By diffusing these cornmint diffuser blends in your home or workplace you can create an environment that promotes relaxation, eases digestive upset, and soothes 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 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 sellers description for information on its menthol composition. By doing so, you can make an informed decision about which product best suits your needs.
- Rocky Mountain Oils Cornmint has 41.2% menthol listed in their oil.
- Aromatics Cornmint has 72.25% menthol listed in their oil.
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 offers similar benefits as peppermint essential oil. Its high menthol content makes it particularly effective when applied topically; providing a soothing and comforting effect on your skin.
Stress Relief
It can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and promote memory retention. The refreshing scent of this essential oil helps you tune out distractions such as mental chatter or noisy neighbors while maintaining emotional stability.
Relieves Soreness and Headaches
Cornmint is a natural remedy that offers relief from various discomforts, such as muscle pain, soreness, stiff joints, and headaches. Its menthol content provides an analgesic effect which numbs pain and soothes inflammation in affected areas.
The cooling sensation stimulates local nerves to release tension while reducing swelling caused by injury or illness. Soothe away discomfort with a cooling muscle massage oil infused with corn mint. This will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Feel Energized
Start your day off on the right foot by diffusing corn mint to boost energy levels. This aroma will help you feel energized, alert and optimistic about what lies ahead in the day ahead.
Support Digestive System
For digestive support, inhale corn mint essential oil. It can aid in releasing bloating and promoting relaxation. Additionally, mixing cornmint with carrier oils like fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil allows you to massage onto 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 and hygienic, try Cornmint oil. This versatile ingredient can be added into various DIY recipes such as hand sanitizer, kitchen tile scrubbing solution, or air fresheners - all of which will benefit from its antimicrobial properties.
Cornmint Diffuser Blends
Here are several cornmint 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 manufactures directions and adjusted the drops as desired.
Turn on and enjoy one of these aromatic scents from our fragrant cornmint essential oil blends:
Mint Citrus
- 2 drops Lime
- 2 drops Grapefruit
- 1 drop Peppermint
- 1 drop Cornmint
Breath of Life
- 3 drops Eucalyptus
- 3 drops Cajeput
- 2 drops Cornmint
- 1 drop Peppermint
Run and Fun
- 3 drops Rosemary
- 3 drops Siberian Fir
- 2 drops Cornmint
- 1 drop Grapefruit
- 1 drop Orange
Mint Balm
- 3 drops Balm Mint Bush
- 2 drops Melissa
- 2 drops Cornmint
- 1 drop Peppermint
Be Creative
- 3 drops Orange
- 3 drops Cedarwood Atlas
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Cornmint
Green Balsam
- 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 its best to avoid it. Consult with a medical professional. Some studies suggest that large amounts of menthol found in this type of oil could potentially harm fetal development.
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.
Can cornmint essential oil be ingested safely?
Internal consumption of cornmint essential oil is not recommended as it may lead to adverse reactions. It's best avoided for safety reasons.
What are menthol crystals?
Cornmint essential oil is often fractionated (dementholized) to remove a significant portion of its menthol content. The resulting menthol crystals 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.Â
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. Gradually increase the amount if needed until you find your desired strength level. Remember to always use caution when working with oils and consult a professional if necessary.
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.