Peppermint is one of the most versitile, and useful plants on the market. The herb and the plant both are beneficial to a number of body systems. Peppermint will perk up your mind body and spirit. It is cooling, soothing, and yet stimulating. This is an herb that likes going places and it will take you along for the ride. This moticated grower is also good at motivating you to grow. It’s a handy little tool to have while you’re traveling along the road to life.
Mentha × piperita
Guess what? Peppermint is another medicinal member of the, you guessed it, mint family. Peppermint is not a species. It is a hybrid between spearmint and watermint. It gets its name due to its slightly spicy quality. This herbaceous little perennial can grow 1 to 3 feet tall. It has the Lamiaceae family trait of square, fuzzy stems and serrated fuzzy leaves. While most of us don’t think of peppermint flowers, it does get clusters of small purple flowers.
Most importantly for us, peppermint has a high quantity of fragrant and volatile oils. These oils are high in menthol and are what gives peppermint it’s healing properties. It is one of the oldest herbs used for both culinary and medicinal products worldwide. The use of peppermint has been traced back to Chinese and Japanese folk medicine. Ancient Egyptians even placed dried Peppermint leaves inside the pyramids. The story of Minthe the nymph in Greek mythology is about the origins of peppermint. She is transformed into a sweet-smelling herb that releases a powerful, lingering aroma every time she is stepped on.
Peppermint was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus from specimens that had been collected in England; he treated it as a species, but it is now universally agreed to be a hybrid.
Menthol activates cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin and mucosal tissues, and is the primary source of the cooling sensation that follows the topical application of peppermint oil. This can also irritate mucus membranes.
In 2014, world production of peppermint was led by Morocco with 92% of the world total. Today most of the peppermint oil is made in the United States, with over 70% of the worldwide supply coming from Oregon and Washington.
The leaves are mainly processed for the essential oil and used to flavor mainly for chewing gum and toothpaste.
Peppermint roots bioaccumulate radium, so the plant may be effective for phytoremediation of radioactively contaminated soil.
Propagation and Uses
Peppermint is native to the to Europe and the Middle East. Peppermint is a truly middle of the road plant. It prefers moist but not water logged places. It loves shady to partly sunny locations. It spreads mainly by underground rhizomes. In the wild you can find it growing next to streams and drainage ditches. Many choose to plant it in containers to try to, well, contain the plant. Peppermint is known to spread quite virulently. In fact, peppermint is considered invasive in Australia, New Zealand, the Galapagos, and even in parts of the United States.
Due to its hybrid nature peppermint is usually sterile, and doesn’t produce seeds. If you want to propagate it you need to take cuttings. It spreads exclusively through its runners. It is worth growing as it has many beneficial properties. If you let it flower it will attract bees and pollinators. It also attracts other beneficial insects such as hoverflies, tachinid flies, and beneficial wasps. The smell of mint will also repel house flies, cabbage moths, ants, aphids, squash bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and even mice. Not a bad little helper to be growing around the house. You will also have a never ending source of peppermint tea.
Properties of Peppermint Essential Oil:
Part Used- Flowering tops and leaves
Scent: Peppermint is a top note with a fresh, sharp scent. It has a high menthol content.
Analgesic, anesthetic, anti-galactagogue, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, decongestant, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, vasoconstrictor, vermifuge.
Digestive System
Peppermint is king of the digestive system. First off, it will freshen your breath. Also, aside from ginger, it is the go to oil for nausea. Travel hack for you guys that get sick on the road. Get some peppermint Altoids. Make sure it’s either Altoids or another brand that uses actual peppermint oil. Carry these with you as you fly or drive. They can be a lifesaver. Peppermint tea is also effective for nausea. Peppermint can also help with gas. Newer studies have shown peppermint to be a promising aid for treating IBS. It is also an effective appetite suppressant, so peppermint tea can aid in weight loss.
Circulatory System
Peppermint is a stimulating oil. It is particularly effective at stimulating the circulatory system. This means it can help expedite healing. It is also wonderful at relieving tension headaches and migraines.
Nervous System
As an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, peppermint is a good treatment for nerve pain, and headaches. It is also an effective fever reducer. Either the oil can be diluted and applied to the temples or the feet, or you can enjoy a cup of peppermint tea, or soak in a peppermint bath to help reduce fevers.
Respiratory System
Diluted peppermint essential oil is a clear choice for clearing the sinuses. You can make a massage oil to rub on your face and chest to clear congestion. Make sure to keep it away from your eyes. It’s not fun near your eyes. Also start with a low dilution, as it can cause irritation to mucous membranes.
Muscular System
At its heart, peppermint is an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. This means your muscular system LOVES it. This is why menthol is in muscle rubs. Peppermint will ease muscle aches, cramps, and tension. Muscle cramps include menstrual cramps ladies. Rub some diluted peppermint oil over your lower tummy while you're feeling the pain. Menthols cooling nature also works wonders on common complaints life low back pain, and shoulder tension.
Integumentary System
Peppermint is good at relieving itching and inflammation of the skin. This means it’s boss at relieving mosquito bites. Don’t use it undiluted for this. Just one drop on the area helps immensely. I live in Houston, I know mosquitos. As an astringent peppermint also tightens the skin and minimizes pores. Peppermint also expedites healing and renewal of skin. This makes it an excellent addition to concoctions designed to ease sunburns. As for hair care, peppermint reduces dandruff and can promote new hair growth. In other words, it’s a good addition to shampoo
Mind
Peppermint is an invigorating, and motivating plant. It will help keep you focused. It will also help you weed out the minutia and get to the heart of situations. I guess you could say it helps you digest on a physical as well as an emotional level. It is a powerful tool in meditations as it keeps you present. This is a wonderful oil to help with issues of depression. reduce feelings of nervous tension, soothe feelings of irritability, boost energy, balance hormones, and enhance mental focus.
Energetic properties
Peppermint is a prime purifier. Both physically and energetically peppermint is a cleansing oil. It will banish negativity. Once all the noise is out of the way peppermint helps you find clarity in your purpose. It is a boone to your self worth and boosts vitality. It is a wonderful oil to use to purify your space or objects.
Home Uses
Peppermint, alsong with lemon are good to add in home cleaning products. Peppermint is not only a deodorizer, it is a good disinfectant. In addition, bugs don’t like peppermint. It can be used to keep pests away.
Precautions
Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use. Do not use with homeopathic remedies.
Shameless Product Promo
Peppermint is making its product debut with us in our Vishuddha throat chakra blend.
Vishuddha- PURIFY
Peppermint, Niaouli, Lavender, Myrrh
The throat chakra is all about communication. These implications run deep. It is about authentic, true communication. Not only with each other, but also with ourselves. Honest communication breeds vulnerability, which in turn brings authenticity. When we communicate what we need clearly and purely we open the way for our own unique light to shine through. Own your originality. Manifest your purpose by speaking your truth. Vishuddha is an important center in our energetic body. It bridges our spirit and body, heart and mind. Vishuddha is an invigorating blend that brings about clarity and helps fight mental fatigue. It boosts confidence and fearlessness. This is the blend to use if you are struggling to remain alert. This blend is highly antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial. Physically this blend is the most purifying blend we make. It is soothing to the respiratory and digestive systems. It helps relieve headaches and sinus congestion and can ease feelings of nausea, and muscle aches. This blend will help focus your intentions. It is all about being present, yet also propels you forward to achieve your goals. This blend is all about discovering your authentic self, filtering out all of the noise that gets in our way. The Vishuddha chakra blend is available as a vegan soap and a pre-diluted essential oil roll-on. Soap- The Vishuddha soap is our highly nourishing, soap base. The blue tint comes from a combination of kaolin clay and activated charcoal. Both of these additives are soothing to the skin, and act as a gentle astringent. Smoothing the skin out for a flawless finish. Roll- on- The Vishuddha roll-on is a powerful tool in balancing the throat chakra. It is wonderful to use during meditations, or while you’re singing your heart out. The scent is so refreshing it is wonderful to add in your mask. It can also be used to purify your space or anoint your ritual objects.
Be Authentic
Peppermint is a must have addition in your apothecary. It is a wonderful first aid tool, servicing a variety of common ailments. It is also a must have on your journey through life. Peppermint will help you travel, and travel along your path. It is good at stripping away the unnecessary and finding the truth at the bottom of the issue.
Find peppermint in our new Anja blend. Speak your truth and manifest your authenticity!