Plant Medicine Summary: Peppermint

Peppermint is AMAZING for so many reasons. It is great to take internally, use as an essential oil, for aroma therapy purposes, as a tea... it's uses are diverse and vast.

Brief History

Peppermint has a long history of cultivation and has been used in cooking and herbal medicine since about 1500 BC. Until 1696, peppermint was not classified as its own subspecies, but most historians believe it is reasonable to assume that the mint mentioned in many historical texts is peppermint. http://peppermint.indepthinfo.com/history-of-peppermint

How Do I Use It?

Because of it being part of the mint family, peppermint is EXTREMELY easy to grow. It is very aggressive, so if you want to reap the benefits of this amazing herb, plant some in a pot and start using it as much as you would like! After clipping fresh leaves, we put them in our teas all the time, or dry them to use for later.

Peppermint has amazing vitamin and mineral content. As a sudorific, the essence of peppermint is both a cooling and warming agent. Peppermint will induce the production of heat when it is taken internally and results in an improvement in the circulation within the body. At the same time the peppermint by dispersing blood to the surface of the body, also induces sweating in the skin. Especially rich in carotenes and Vitamin C, along with minerals iron, potassium and calcium.

The properties of peppermint are ENDLESS - as you can see in the list below.

Our Experience With It

• We use mint all the time in cooking, cleaning and aromatically.
• We use peppermint essential oil constantly for muscle ailments, tight necks and headaches.
• Peppermint tea helps settle tummies quickly when ill.
• It is also great to use in combinations of other herbs and tastes.
• Easiest way to get all the benefits of this amazing plant is in tea - kids even love peppermint tea!

Few Properties of Peppermint
Adaptogen = Bring the body back in balance
Analgesic = Helps soothe or relieve pain
Antifungal = Demonstrated significant activity against several common infection-causing fungi
Antioxidant = Help to control or elimination of free radicals
Antispasmodic = Suppresses spasms, and reduce muscular tension
 Aromatic = Fragrant oils
Astringent = The tannins give astringent properties are tightening and soothing
Carminative = Help to dispel gas and prevent bloating
Cholagogue = Support the gall bladder and liver by promoting the flow of bile
Diaphoretic/Sudorific = Induce involuntary perspiration that helps to reduce fever, cool the body, and speed the elimination of toxins
Emmenagogue = Stimulate menstrual flow
Expectorant = Help loosen congestion in the lungs by reducing the thickness of mucus
Febrifuge = Reduce fever
Hepatic = Support the liver
Nervine = Sooth the nerves
Skin Tonic = Sooth the skin
Stimulant = Stimulating action on the body
Vasoconstrictor = Constriction of capillaries

List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
 NMM Products With Peppermint

Burn Balm - Excellent salve designed for those burns that happen all the time around the house (and with children!)
Anxiety R&R - If you suffer from anxiety, this is a powerful combination that can help.
Powerhouse - A combination of deep nutrition to add in recovery from extreme physical work or exercise.
Thyroid Stabilizer - Issues with your Thyroid will be supported by this herbal mix!