Peppermint has many names, balm mint, curled mint, lamb mint and well, of course, peppermint. The plant is easily identified by its scent and flavor. It is indigenous to Europe but can be found worldwide and it commonly used throughout many cultures. It is in the Lamaceae (Mint) Family.

Identification

This plant is a perennial that grows from 1 to 3 feet tall. it has smooth, square stems and dark green opposite leaves with reddish veins. the leaves are 1 to 3 inches long and about half as wide. they have coarsely toothed margins, covered in short hairs, and a pointed tip. Purple flowers bloom from mid to late summer and are about 1/4 inch in length. The flowers do not produce viable seeds and the plant spreads by underground roots and rooting stems.

Medicinal Use

Menstrual cramping is a great way to introduce peppermint tea or oil to your monthly cycle. it is known to relax uterine muscle spasms and relieves menstrual cramping. Women can drink 3-5 cups a tea daily.

Rubbing the oil onto the forehead or on the scalp over the nay sore neck/shoulder muscles may relieve any tension headaches. The oil relieves the spasms that cause some type of headaches. You can use peppermint infused products, although the distilled oil is stronger.

Peppermint calms the stomach and intestinal tract, relaxes the muscles, and soothes the mucous membranes. It helps treat diarrhea, spastic colon and IBS.

This plant has an anti-bacterial component that works to bring an increased blood supply to the skin to speed up healing. Leading to slightly numbing the skin surface to relieve pain from insect stings, itchy skin, and mild skin irritations.

Recipe

Peppermint Tea – 1 teaspoon peppermint leaves, 1 cup water. Pour boiling water over the peppermint leaves and allow leaves too steep in water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Digestive Aid Tincture – The POWERFUL properties of Dill, Peppermint, and Chamomile can be harnessed in a small 2 ounce bottle and placed right into your beverage for convent relief with this tincture on hand!

Fever, Cold, and Flu Tincture – This herb cools the body naturally and is high in calcium, potassium, and magnesium which are needed for your body to recover from an illness.