The Power of Peppermint

The Power of Peppermint

Peppermint (mentha piperita) is a visionary herb-thought to not only uplift the spirit, but also to bring dreams of prophecy.   Peppermint is also one of the world’s oldest medicinal herbs.  Its leaves have been found in pyramids that have been dated to 1000 BC.  Ancient Greeks considered peppermint to be one of the seven polyvalents (cure-alls) which are applicable to many ailments.  Pliny tells that both Greeks and Romans crowned themselves w/peppermint at their feasts and adorned their tables with decorative sprays.  It was also used by their cooks to flavor wines and sauces.

The name peppermint comes from a story in Greek mythology. In one of the most popular versions of this story a young nymph named Minthe is seduced by Hades.  When Hades' wife Persephone learned of the affair she turned Minthe into a plant that people would walk on.  Furious, Hades imbued the plant with the essence peppermint so that whenever the plant was crushed underfoot it would release a wonderful aroma and Minthe would be appreciated for years to come.  Peppermint was often found in Greek gardens, planted near paths where its leaves would be brushed and the scent would fill the air.

Peppermint is native to Europe and Asia.  It is a 2-3 ft. tall perennial plant with tiny purple flowers that bloom from July-August.  Peppermint is thought to be a naturally occurring cross between spearmint (mentha spicata) and water mint (mentha aquatica).

The oil of peppermint is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves which are harvested just before the plant flowers.  Like lemongrass, once the oils are extracted, the exhausted yet still nutritious leaves are often fed to cattle.
We all know peppermint as a flavoring in toothpaste, gum and candy canes, but both the aroma of peppermint and the essential oil itself have many other uses:

-relieves itching...When applied to the skin peppermint has a soothing, cooling effect.  If you get dry, scaly legs, summer or winter, try a peppermint sugar or salt scrub . It exfoliates, moisturizes and feels cool and tingly!
-decongestant and expectorant...the active ingredient in peppermint is menthol, which thins mucus and helps loosen and break up coughs with phlegm.
-relieves indigestion...Peppermint calms stomach muscles and improves the flow of bile, thus allowing food to pass through the stomach more quickly.
-relieves flatulence...Peppermint relaxes the muscles that let painful gas pass.
-antibacterial and antiviral...Peppermint has been shown to kill some types of bacteria and viruses in test tubes.  Peppermint soap is naturally antibacterial.
-reduces symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)...Several studies have shown that peppermint oil capsules reduced the symptoms of IBS.
-headache relief... Just roll a little on your temple (if you have sensitive skin, dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil-like sweet almond or sunflower).
-refreshing, energizing and mentally stimulating...Peppermint has a strong minty aroma with warm, herbaceous notes.  Keep a roll-on with peppermint essential oil in your car for long road trips.  If you get tired while driving, just roll a little on the inside of your wrists.

Peppermint is truly a versatile and powerful essential oil and a little goes a long way-so, use it sparingly.  At Breathe Deep we like it alone or blended with rosemary, lemon, lavender, pine and eucalyptus.  Peppermint, along with lavender should be part of any household medicine chest.