Mint, also known as Mentha, has been valued for its aromatic properties for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans used mint, and its effect was so powerful that, according to myth, a nymph called Menthe, who was greatly loved by Pluto, was transformed into the mint herb by Pluto's jealous wife. In Ancient Athens, mint was the scent most commonly used on the arms. Mint was introduced to England by the Romans and is mentioned by John Gardiner before 1440 as 'myntys'. Instantly cooling and utterly refreshing, mint has been infused for centuries in various preparations to be taken as a herbal remedy for digestive complaints, to soothe inflamed skin and also to splash on as a tonic for the senses. Traditionally used as a medicinal herb – mostly in order to treat stomach ache and nausea – the Menthol mint essential oil (used at 40–90% concentration in compositions) has long been enjoyed for its skin-cooling and spirit-reviving properties in Colognes, perfumes and cosmetic products. Overall, mint is enjoying something of a resurgence in both male and female fragrances over the past few years.
Natural or Synthetic?
Mint is used in both its natural and synthetic forms in perfumery. Natural mint oil, typically extracted through steam distillation of the leaves, provides a fresh, cool, and herbal aroma. However, due to the variations in natural oil and the desire for consistency in mass production, synthetic mint-like compounds, such as menthol, are also widely used.
Fragrance Families Mint Most Commonly Found In
Show fragrances that contain Mint as a note