Herbal Healing by April Horton

Peppermint is an herb to keep on hand for all kinds of ailments. Lovely, gentle yet hardworking it brings strength and comfort to many herbal remedies. It is extremely versatile and is safe to use by people of all ages. (Even babies!)

I love peppermint for it’s strong and nourishing nature.

Earlier this fall when i first came to New England I had fun gathering peppermint from an overgrown patch out in the yard. I have it stored in paper bags and will keep it on hand for the winter colds and such. I feel like herbs you gather by hand hold much more vital healing energy over herbs you can purchase and are much more effective when administering herbal remedies. This has always been my personal experience anyway.

It is always a pleasant surprise when you find wild stands of it as well. A wondrous gift of nature.

Peppermint grows in virtually all corners of the world and has been used by generations for hundreds of years for healing. The Greeks and Romans wore crowns of peppermint during special feasts. Peppermint represents hospitality and is often used as a garnish or decoration at the dinner table for this reason. Not to mention it is tasty to chew after meals.

The following is just a short list of all the ailments and situations that peppermint could be indicated for helping.  It really is very versatile.

Tea is the best way to take peppermint but it can also be used as a poultice as the oil can be used neat (not diluted) directly on the skin.

INDICATED FOR USE:

-insect bites

-rashes

-fatigue

-stomach aches

-decongestant

-morning sickness/ nausea

-colic

-cough suppressant

-menstrual cramps

-headaches

-asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis

-relieves stress

-revitalizing for tired feet in a foot bath

-sinusitis

The best way to keep peppermint on hand is in loose form. In a pinch tea bags will work and are easy for a poultice. Peppermint essential oil is also useful as an aromatherapy treatment and directly on skin for certain conditions.  It is a wonderful pick me up in an oil burner.

*Never ingest peppermint essential oil and never use near the eyes or genital areas* If you have sensitive skin be very cautious using it directly on the skin as it could be irritating.

Peppermint is super easy to cultivate. It really doesn’t need much care and is very forgiving. Given a chance it will take over your yard.  You could easily grow some from seeds in a pot indoors to have in at your fingertips at all times. It even will grow in the winter time on a sunny window!

I love to drink  iced peppermint tea in the summers and have also used it for nausea and for lung support at different times.  Peppermint is also my favorite ingredient to do a steam inhalation with. I will post a recipe and directions for this tomorrow!

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