Peppermint - Mentha piperita

Mentha piperita  

PEPPERMINT - Mentha piperita  is such a wonderfully aromatic plant!  It's a great addition to a herb garden, though you should take caution when planting because it spreads like wildfire. A container is a great idea here or consider making a underground barrier so it cannot travel too far.  The plant enjoys full sun and moist soil that is well-drained.
It makes a wonderful tea with fresh or dried leaves and a it a perfect addition to a fruit salad or lemonade/limeade on a hot sunny day!
Peppermint is also commonly referred to as Balm Mint or Brandy Mint.
The name peppermint is said to have originated from Greek mythology.  In the story, a nymph named Minthe, was transformed after death into the aromatic plant by Pluto's jealous wife, Persephone.  
Peppermint is grown primarily in the United States though there is also some coming out of India, France and Italy.  The United States has, historically been the largest producer of Peppermint essential oil.  Essential oil of peppermint is steam distilled from the leaves, stems and flowers.   
Peppermint carries aromas that can be described in the perfume world as herbaceous, fresh mint, green and some say tobacco.  The essential oil is used in many household products and foods like toothpaste, mouthwash, breath freshener, soaps, confections/desserts and liquors.

Peppermint essential oil will not leave a stain on a blotter, has a light yellow to light green color and is a rather thin oil.  It is a: 


Anesthetic, Analgesic, Antacid,
Antiseptic, Antispasmatic and Astringent. 


It is commonly known to relieve pain from headaches and minor muscle aches and can be soothing for skin irritations and cooling for a fever.  


Peppermint essential oil has another interesting characteristic.  It is known to be a adaptogenic.  This means that it adapts to what your body needs.  It can act as a stimulant OR a sedative.
Peppermint essential oil can be used as a bug repellent too! So when you are getting ready for summer bbq's have your spray bottle ready!
Please be careful with peppermint essential oil.  Like all essential oils, it is quite powerful and you should be sure you do a skin patch test prior to applying it topically.  When you do use it topically, diluted with a carrier oil at a 2% dilution rate and don't use on damaged or sensitive skin.  Peppermint can be a irritant and cause hypersensitive reactions in some.  In large doses it could case a allergic reaction.  Consult with a physician if you intend to use it during pregnancy.  Peppermint has been known to cause milk production reduction.  Use caution (dilute considerable more than with adults) when considering use on children and never use on children under 2.   Also, talk to your doctor if you are taking homeopathics,  as some suggest it's use can cancel out the therapeutic effects of homeopathics.  Additionally, if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or low blood pressure, epilepsy, or seizures, it is best to avoid peppermint essential oil and consult with your physician prior to using any essential oils.  In general, it's a good idea to consult with a experienced certified aromatherapist prior to using essential oils and they, in turn,  may also recommend you talk to your doctor prior to using essential oils depending on your individual circumstances.