Peppermint, Mentha Piperita
Common Name: Peppermint, Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha Piperita
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Growth: Perennial, moist soils from zones 3-11
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, stems
Main Constituents: Menthol, menthone, flavonoids, triterpines
Key Properties: Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Decongestant, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Stimulant
Peppermint
Peppermint. Almost everyone can recognize the taste of peppermint, think toothpaste, gum, and candy canes. Pleasing, refreshing, invigorating are some words that come to mind. When I think of peppermint I'm brought back to my childhood.
There was a place we used to go swimming called "the dam" Above the water reservoir/ swimming spot caused by the man-made dam, there was a natural creek where out of the rocks and through the running water an amazing amount peppermint grew on the creekbed. I used to play on the rocks, picking the mint and crushing it between my fingers, breathing the delightful scent. I've learned more about mint since then and I'd like to share what I've learned with you.
Peppermint grows in a variety of soils and seems to really like soggy moist areas on my property. It propagates so well from pieces of root that I established a huge patch in the ditch that surrounds some of my raised beds by just pulling pieces from my current patch and throwing them on the ground. They rooted themselves, growing vigorously and spreading dramatically.
Peppermint is a welcome addition in the vegetable garden as it deters harmful insects with its pungent scent, while attracting beneficial insects with its tiny but many blossoms.
Most frequently I use peppermint leaves dried and in tea. The oils in peppermint are antispasmodic and carminative and as such are very effective at soothing an upset stomach, whatever the cause.
I use this tea when I have a cold as well, due to menthol's decongestant, expectorant and pain relieving properties. Along with a spoonful of raw honey, a few tablespoons of dried partially crushed leaves and fresh boiled water are all you need to make a potently cold combatitive cup of tea.
One of my favorite uses for peppermint is in the form of its essential oil. I use a few drops in a sink of water for wiping down counters and floors. The oil is antibacterial, and energizes me while I clean!
The key volatile oils in peppermint are Menthol and Menthone, which are very effective analgesics (pain killers). Peppermint essential oil mixed with a carrier oil in a small roller bottle is the best remedy against a headache that I've ever come across. I started getting migraines and tension headaches a few years ago and now if I feel one coming on, I use this mixture at the base of my skull and on my temples for immediate relief.
What do you use peppermint for in your home?
Let me know in the comments below!
Take care,
@amymya
Further reading and sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8805113
Wormwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, New World Library, 2016.
https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/peppermint
All photos are my own
banner by @soulturtle
Mint. What a lovely plant. Every morning, when my younger daughter leaves the house on the way to kindergarden she walks by the mint, picks a leave and asks me: "Is this to eat?" Well knowing I will say yes once more she happily chews the leave up after I do so. It's a wonderful ritual!
Aww, cute! That's so nice that she gets to enjoy mint daily :)
Nice post. Of all the plants I grow, peppermint remains one of my favorite to interact with. Nothing like fresh peppermint tea for refreshment!
Oh yes, so good! Thank you for reading :)
Ever neat! never knew you could use it as a cleaner. thats so cool. I do enjoy the smell of mint but not the flavor. Spearmint does it for me. its more mild. Now I am a bit more encouraged to clean today! lol
Haha, yeah it helps get things done! I looove spearmint too, I don't have any growing here yet but it's on the list for this summer!
thank you for the vote ^_^ I cant wait to see it. I think im going to try growing spearmint this summer as well. I really need to plan my land...
Thank you for contributing your knowledge to help others! The Sotall Community has linked to your post here.. If you write any future articles with instructions on how to do any tasks related to a homestead or survival, to ensure they are added to the directory, please submit them. They will be added as soon as possible.
Thank you! I will try to remember to!
MMMM..... I also like my mint tea with milk and honey....
Definitely, having that right now! With turmeric and ginger too :)
Wow, Wat an interesting piece. This is really an eye opener and your organisation really have me patient enough to read the whole article. However am not sure if this leaves grows around the neighborhood but I will try to find out and try most of this things you discussed. Thanks for sharing so much knowledge.
Am following you now to learn more and check out your work, I hope you follow me back as well. That will be much appreciated. Thanks
Glad you liked the post, I will check out your blog :)
Sharing knowledge about powerful plants is my calling! I'm happy it's being well received :)
There was a constant taste of chewing gum in my mouth when reading trough this post haha !
Sweet that that worked our for you!!
t.
Mmmm, hahaha!
Yeah I feel lucky to have such a quick and effective tool at my disposal for headaches. They started after a car accident and have greatly improved with regular chiropractic care :)
Thank you for reading <3
I ABSOLUTELY adore mint in my teas! I have had both regular mint and spearmint in my herb garden!
So many wonderful medicinal and health related uses for mint EO too. I always have plenty in my oil stash.
Yes, you gotta have lots of peppermint eo on hand, its an important one!
I've used it in tea before.. I didn't know you could use it as a cleaner tho..
Oh totally! Minty fresh house! Haha
That and a pinch of lemon :D
Totally. I add lemon or lavender to the mix all the time :)
Mint Essential oil sounds really nice with the diffuser. Just send that minty freshsness throughout the house!
It is! I don't usually diffuse it because of the 1,8 cineole which might be dangerous for kids under 6, spearmint is better for that :)
That being said, I have, and I love it. It really cleanses the air and is so refreshing :)
Thank you for reading @eonwarped