Peppermint: Menta piperita

Plant Family & Name:

a. Lamiacea

b. "Mentha" comes from Greek mythology: The story goes that Mentha was a female spirit that resided over bodies of fresh water who seduced Hades. Persephone (who was the wife of Hades) became angry and turned her into a plant on the ground. This story tells us about how the Mentha genus grows near water, has a powerful smell when walked upon, and has a seductive flavor!

"Piperita" refers to the peppery smell.

Habitat & Ecological role: Peppermint loves to grow near water, it grows natively in Europe in riparian zones along streams and lakes. It spreads rhizomatically and can fill in disturbed areas quickly.

Parts Used: Leaves. Harvest leaves in the late morning through early afternoon when the plant is dry. Ideally, harvest on a cloudy day when the heat of the sun hasn't caused the loss of volatile oils. It can be helpful to stop watering for a few days prior to harvest as the plant creates more volatile oils when under stress. Avoid harvesting in the rain.

Herbal Actions: Nervine analgesic, pungent carminative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, antiemetic, antimicrobial.

Season: Summer

Taste: Sweet, aromatic, pungent, astringent.

Energetic Qualities: Cool, mobile, dry, sharp, clear.

Indications: Indigestion, gastrointestinal infections, nausea, muscle aches, minor pain, respiratory infections. Topical use of diluted essential oil for muscle aches and pains, dry skin, head lice, nausea, fatigue, tension headaches. Inhalation for sinus and lung infections, nausea, fatigue, & tension headaches.

Body system affinities: Nervous, digestive, respiratory.

Safety: Generally very safe, though peppermint can relax the esophageal sphincter leading to reflux in some individuals.