Let’s talk about the healing power of plants. Plants can be a huge ally in our journey to wellness. Medicinal plants are like beautiful gifts from Mother Nature that work synergistically with the human body to create balance. They can be a wonderful tool in finding physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
This week I want to shed some light on Peppermint and talk about her benefits, uses, history, and folklore of this plant.
Below is a video on the benefits of peppermint essential oil. I hope you enjoy! Mentha piperita – PeppermintHistory
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is in the Lamiaceae (mint) family, and is a hybrid plant between spearmint (M. spicata) and water-mint (M. aquatica). The plant has a bit of uncertainty regarding its origins, but is thought to be of Mediterranean origin. Since discovery, it has been highly valued in Greek, Roman, and even Egyptian culture.
Before its medicinal uses, Greeks and Romans used Peppermint to adorn themselves and dining tables, and to flavor sauces and wines. It is said that ancient Egyptians, may have used Peppermint as ritual perfume, and there has been discovery of dried leaves in Pyramids dating around 1000 BCE. The essential oil of peppermint has recorded use from as early as the 14th century for dental hygiene and teeth whitening.
Peppermint grew in popularity in Western Europe in the 18th century, as people began to discover the many medicinal uses of the plant. It is now grown commercially throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
Benefits/Therapeutic Actions
- Cooling
- Stimulating
- Stomachic (aides in digestion)
- Relaxes the stomach muscles and increases the flow of bile and other digestive liquids
- Soothes lining and muscles of the colon
- Carminative (relieves gas)
- Antiemetic (prevents vomiting)
- Soothes nausea & bloating
- Carminative (relieves gas)
- Antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms)
- Diaphoretic (stimulates perspiration/sweating)
- Antimicrobial (stops or slows growth of microorganisms)
- Analgesic (relieves pain) when used topically
- Antiseptic
Different Uses
- Peppermint Tea with dried leaves
- Essential oil
- Add to homemade toothpaste for oral hygeine
- Use topically (diluted in carrier oil) for tension and minor muscle aches
- Diffuse or inhale for energy, focus, and clear breathing
- Use internally (diluted in 4oz of water) for healthy digestion, circulation, and respiration
- Tincture (plant infused in alcohol
- Dried herb capsules
- Ointment or cream
- In cooking – use fresh leaves:
- Infused in honey
- In chocolate or hot chocolate
- Mixed into dressings
- Infused in water, lemonade, iced tea, cocktails, or mock-tails
The Myth Behind the Mentha
The Latin name for Pepermint, Mentha (From Menthe – meaning thought), is said to have originated from the Greek myth of Minthe and Pluto (or Hades), God of the underworld. Minthe was a Niad nymph, daughter of the river god Cocytus, who’s river ran through the underworld.
In one version of the story, Minthe had been a lover to Pluto before he had asked Persephone to be his wife. One day Persephone was abducted, and Pluto abandoned Minthe. Minthe, upset, confronted Pluto and boasted her own beauty over that of Persephone’s, and claimed his marriage to her would grow dull over time.
In another version, Pluto and Persephone had already wed before Minthe entered the picture. Minthe caught the eye and heart of Pluto, and Persephone found out about their affair.
Both versions of the story end with either Persephone, or her mother Demeter, driving Minthe deep into the ground. Pluto tended to her, and brought her back to life as a healing, aromatic plant.
DoTERRA Blends & Kits with PeppermintBlends
Align
Promotes feelings of self acceptance, peace, and purpose. Great blend for centering and setting intentions.
Aroma Touch
Add to carrier oil for massage to soothe, relaxe, and ease tension
Breathe
Creates feelings of clear easy breathing and minimized effects of seasonal threats
Deep Blue
Cooling comforting blend that can help soothe tension from work, exercise, or growing bodies.
DigestZen
Supports healthy digestion and soothes upset stomach, gas, or indigestion
Blends for Kids
Tamer
For digestive ease to use topically or aromatically
Thinker
For focus and to reduce mental stress or distraction
Kits
Travel kit:
Lavender, Wild Orange, Peppermint, Aroma Touch
Athlete’s Kit:
Includes single oils of Lavender, Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Peppermint, blends of Breathe and On Guard, and Deep Blue muscle rub → supports healthy athletic activity and recovery
Family Essentials Kit:
Just like the name says, its the essentials that covers all the bases and a great kit for getting started.
It includes Peppermint, Lemon, Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Oregano, Frankincense, and blends of Deep Blue, On Guard, DigestZen, and Breathe.
Beginner’s Trio Kit:
Lemon, Peppermint, Lavender (Introductory kit is this same Trio but smaller bottles)
I hope this Newsletter has gotten you excited about different ways you can use peppermint in your life.
If you need extra assistance in this time, Harmonizing Healthcare is still offering online herbal consults. Feel free to give us a call to book your next session!
Have a beautiful weekend!
With gratitude,
the Harmonizing Healthcare team