ABSTRACT
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Essential oils isolated from the mint family have a long history of use in products that span
the range from foods to pharmaceuticals. These uses provide improved flavor to foods,
including confectionaries and beverages, and pleasant fragrances to cosmetics and other
commercial products. They have been used as folk remedies for a number of ailments and
recently have been used or are under investigation for pharmaceutical use. Their potential for
use as pesticides has been investigated and some show significant insecticidal activity,
although none is currently in use as a pesticide. Overall, these essential oils provide an
increased enjoyment of life to many and it is expected that their use will continue and even
expand. There is the potential for greater human exposure to these materials as their uses
expand. This requires that these essential oils be under scrutiny for potential adverse effects in
the general population and in sensitive individuals.
