Quicken the Mind: Peppermint

The crisp and recognizable scent of Peppermint Mentha Piperita brings money to those who carry its leaves and protection to the traveler.  Use Peppermint as an incense or floorwash to purify and energize a space. Tuck the leaves beneath your pillow to enhance dreams and visions or wear them about your neck to increase focus and drive.  Peppermint in the garden brings success to all endeavors.  The genus name of Peppermint, Mentha, is after that of a Greek nymph named Minthe, who after an affair with Pluto was turned to the Peppermint plant we know today by a jealous Persephone.  Or at least that is one version of the story…

For those that feel they are walking in a haze, worried about that which lies beyond the fog, but unable to direct focused attention towards it.  They might be too worried to know more, prone to upset stomachs, too hot then too cold, and a bit exhausted by it all.  Peppermint might be the wise green ally who helps bring them back to focus through gentleness and loving perception of the body’s needs.

Peppermint from iloveherbs.net

Peppermint loves to soothe the body.  Use as a tea or tincture to settle the stomach, ease abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, and for flatulence (especially if taken after meals).  Peppermint is also antiparasitic.  As a tea Peppermint eases flu and cold symptoms, helps to break fevers by encouraging a sweat, expels phlegm, and clears the head.  Peppermint helps treat sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, and is good for inflamed lung conditions, asthma, heart palpitations, lung infection and congestion. Eases insomnia, general tension, and is good for dizziness and fainting, fatigue, and headaches

Yerba Buena

Use the oil or a tea externally to soothe sore muscles, inflammation, rough skin, hives, and rashes. Also use in cool washes for chicken pox and measles.  Peppermint can be used as a gargle for mouth and throat and to prevent gingivitis.  The crushed leaves can be applied to forehead for headaches and directly on bee stings or insect bites.  Preventatively, Peppermint can be used as a repellent for most biting bugs.

Try rubbing the fresh, crushed leaves on your skin as a natural bug repellant and for its calming properties.  I love mixing the fresh mint leaves with apple juice and ice for a cooling drink – especially important in our new Austin home!  Peppermint tea on its own is a wonderful digestive remedy, but also try mixing it with a bit of fresh grated Ginger, some Cinnamon, and a bit of Fennel seed.  Delicious!