Peppermint
Appearance and Location
Peppermint, also known as “candy mint“, is an aromatic herb in the mint family. It’s actually a naturally occurring hybrid cross of Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata). There are about 25 species in the genus Mentha. This hardy, summer growing perennial plant is easily adaptable to its environment and can easily and aggressively spread like wildfire. It often becomes invasive in home gardens because of this.
Peppermint has square stems, stalked, smooth, dark green leaves, and blunt oblong clusters of pinkish lavender flowers. The flowers, along with the leaves, are typically harvested just as the flowers begin to open mid to late summer. It can grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads by runners that spread above and just below the ground’s surface.
Peppermint is thought to be of Mediterranean origin and grows wild throughout Europe and North America. You can find peppermint growing throughout moist habitats, including streamsides and drainage ditches – basically any area with a cool, moist climate and well-draining, loose, organically-rich soil.
The scientific name for Peppermint is Mentha piperita. The genus Mentha was named after the Greek nymph Minthe. In Greek Mythology, the god of the underworld, Pluto, fell in love with a nymph named Minthe. Upon hearing of this affair, Pluto’s wife stomped on Minthe and murdered her. Pluto brought her back to life by turning her into a plant – one with a fresh, appealing scent when crushed. On the other hand, the name peppermint is derived from the species name piperita meaning “peppery,” which perfectly distinguishes peppermint from other forms of mint.
Functions and Properties Throughout History
The earliest recorded use of Peppermint for medicinal purposes was in the 1550 BC Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical papyrus of herbal knowledge. It was regularly used as a remedy for indigestion and stomach ailments. They viewed this herb valuable enough to even be used as a form of currency.
Throughout history, people have used Peppermint for a variety of unique uses. From aphrodisiacs to cleaning teeth, to even repelling vermin and pests. By the mid 1700s, peppermint was listed as a medicinal agent for treating a plethora of conditions, from diseases to migraines.
Peppermint is currently recommended for its anti-nausea effects and soothing effects on the gastric lining and colon. In addition, some of the many uses and benefits of this wonderful herb include: muscle and joint pain relief, sinus congestion & respiratory aid, seasonal allergy relief, energy boost & memory improvement, alleviate headaches & migraines, improve IBS symptoms, freshen breath & support oral health, promote hair growth & reduce dandruff, relieve itchiness, repel bugs & rodents, improve skin health, sunburn protection & relief, alleviate flatulence, menstrual pain, depression-related anxiety, treating & healing chronic wounds and more.
Besides medicinally, Peppermint is also commonly used for culinary purposes. It’s a common belief that peppermint is too intense for subtle dishes, but leaves or their essential oil are commonly found in tea, chocolate, confections, chewing gum, jellies, and sauces. Peppermint is most commonly known for its use in sweets and desserts, but it has also been used to flavor sauces, soups, meats, and even in salads. This versatile herb can be used on warm days to help cool down the body by being added to chilled soups or rice.
In addition, the tobacco industry commonly uses peppermint oil as a flavoring agent due to its high concentration of menthol and cooling sensation in filtered cigarettes, cigars, and both chewing and pipe tobacco. It’s also commonly found in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes due to its refreshing and unique fragrance.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
Gardener’s Path | Lifetime Tea | Herbalgram | Michigan State University | Brittanica | Science Direct | Tampa Bay | Medical News Today | Mount Sinai | Encyclopedia | Young Living | Dr. Axe
Appearance and Location
Appearance and Location
Peppermint, also known as “candy mint“, is an aromatic herb in the mint family. It’s actually a naturally occurring hybrid cross of Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata). There are about 25 species in the genus Mentha. This hardy, summer growing perennial plant is easily adaptable to its environment and can easily and aggressively spread like wildfire. It often becomes invasive in home gardens because of this.
Peppermint has square stems, stalked, smooth, dark green leaves, and blunt oblong clusters of pinkish lavender flowers. The flowers, along with the leaves, are typically harvested just as the flowers begin to open mid to late summer. It can grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads by runners that spread above and just below the ground’s surface.
Peppermint is thought to be of Mediterranean origin and grows wild throughout Europe and North America. You can find peppermint growing throughout moist habitats, including streamsides and drainage ditches – basically any area with a cool, moist climate and well-draining, loose, organically-rich soil.
The scientific name for Peppermint is Mentha piperita. The genus Mentha was named after the Greek nymph Minthe. In Greek Mythology, the god of the underworld, Pluto, fell in love with a nymph named Minthe. Upon hearing of this affair, Pluto’s wife stomped on Minthe and murdered her. Pluto brought her back to life by turning her into a plant – one with a fresh, appealing scent when crushed. On the other hand, the name peppermint is derived from the species name piperita meaning “peppery,” which perfectly distinguishes peppermint from other forms of mint.
Functions and Properties
Throughout History
Functions and Properties Throughout History
The earliest recorded use of Peppermint for medicinal purposes was in the 1550 BC Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical papyrus of herbal knowledge. It was regularly used as a remedy for indigestion and stomach ailments. They viewed this herb valuable enough to even be used as a form of currency.
Throughout history, people have used Peppermint for a variety of unique uses. From aphrodisiacs to cleaning teeth, to even repelling vermin and pests. By the mid 1700s, peppermint was listed as a medicinal agent for treating a plethora of conditions, from diseases to migraines.
Peppermint is currently recommended for its anti-nausea effects and soothing effects on the gastric lining and colon. In addition, some of the many uses and benefits of this wonderful herb include: muscle and joint pain relief, sinus congestion & respiratory aid, seasonal allergy relief, energy boost & memory improvement, alleviate headaches & migraines, improve IBS symptoms, freshen breath & support oral health, promote hair growth & reduce dandruff, relieve itchiness, repel bugs & rodents, improve skin health, sunburn protection & relief, alleviate flatulence, menstrual pain, depression-related anxiety, treating & healing chronic wounds and more.
Besides medicinally, Peppermint is also commonly used for culinary purposes. It’s a common belief that peppermint is too intense for subtle dishes, but leaves or their essential oil are commonly found in tea, chocolate, confections, chewing gum, jellies, and sauces. Peppermint is most commonly known for its use in sweets and desserts, but it has also been used to flavor sauces, soups, meats, and even in salads. This versatile herb can be used on warm days to help cool down the body by being added to chilled soups or rice.
In addition, the tobacco industry commonly uses peppermint oil as a flavoring agent due to its high concentration of menthol and cooling sensation in filtered cigarettes, cigars, and both chewing and pipe tobacco. It’s also commonly found in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes due to its refreshing and unique fragrance.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
Gardener’s Path | Lifetime Tea | Herbalgram | Michigan State University | Brittanica | Science Direct | Tampa Bay | Medical News Today | Mount Sinai | Encyclopedia | Young Living | Dr. Axe