Mentha piperita isn’t just for the warmer summer months – we can work with the cool herb from the streets all year round! Peppermint is a gentle diffuse herb with many medicinal uses.
Botanical description
Peppermint can easily be confused with other members of the Mint or Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family. Spearmint, lemon balm and catnip also belong to the family and are very similar. Therefore, it is best to carefully identify this large plant family.
When introducing yourself to a Mint member, it is best to identify the following characteristics to ensure it belongs in the family: square stems, opposite leaves or leaves growing directly opposite each other on the stem, and powerful aromatics. Peppermint produces spikes of delicate purple flowers from mid-summer to fall. Peppermint leaf is known for its strong aromatic menthol compounds. Simply touching fresh peppermint leaves with your fingers releases the wonderful aroma!
A visitor to the Peppermint Patch! Credit: Lauren Nichols
Some think Mints are invasive, but I invite you to think about the lasting collaboration they can provide. Every spring I can count on my Peppermint patch to peek out of the wet, cold ground and make its appearance for the season! Peppermint is a hardy perennial that prefers some shade but can tolerate hot, dry conditions to some extent.
Peppermint spreads very quickly when released in the garden. You can even replace an expensive front yard with medicinal plants like peppermint and save the pollinators while saving on lawn maintenance!
Medicinal uses and traditions
Grandma always told me to drink a cup of peppermint tea after dinner because she knew the herb supports digestion and stimulates a healthy inflammatory response. Peppermint has long been used in traditional herbal medicine for its aromatic volatiles, known as essential oils, but separating the essential oils in large quantities is not suitable for oral or external use. In fact, peppermint essential oil needs to be diluted so as not to burn your skin when used topically! However, when properly diluted, peppermint essential oil can be useful in topical joint ointments, vapor rubs, and professionally made bath salts.
Peppermint leaf extractions can also be taken orally if prepared properly. For example, our new Magic Mint Breath Spray uses the extraction of the whole plant, like you would find in hot tea or an herbal tincture. It is safe for consumption because it does not contain isolated plant substances. This formula freshens your breath and supports a healthy microbial balance in the mouth!
Image of Magic Mint Breath Spray. Credit: Lauren Nichols
The tissue found in your mouth is called epithelial tissue. Although this tissue heals quickly, it is important to treat it gently. Our Gum Strength Oral Health Aid uses the extraction of peppermint leaves from the whole plant to support healthy gums. In other words, its astringent action helps strengthen this delicate tissue.
Have you ever sweated profusely after consuming peppermint? That’s because the herb has warming energies with potential secondary cooling effects. It is traditionally used to dissipate heat through the skin pores during times of excessive external heat. Herbalists use peppermint in herbal preparations for its ability to spread quickly throughout the body and dispatch plant friends in the same way. For example, in Deep Stress Adrenal Rescue with Ashwagandha, peppermint leaf works synergistically with parsley, thyme, milky oats and holy basil to quickly and effectively nourish the nervous system. Like rosemary, peppermint contains rosmarinic acids, which are responsible for providing diffuse support to the nervous system.
Warnings for peppermint
As with all things herbal, consult your doctor to confirm that a collaboration with Peppermint is right for your body. As previously mentioned, the essential oils are super potent and most likely not suitable for pregnancy, new mothers and babies. The astringent energies can cause your body to dehydrate over time if not combined properly with other herbs.
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in Medical Herbalism. She owns it Blue yarrow herbs also known as Herbal Vice, an herbal product company that practices bioregional herbal medicine by growing plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the purchasing and sourcing manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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