Common Name: Peppermint
Latin Name: Mentha piperita
Family Name: Lamiaceae
Constituents: menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, 1,8- cineol, limonene, beta-pinene and beta-caryophyllene
Characteristics: Peppermint has distinct bright and deep greens leaves that smell spicy and cool. The leaves are smooth with soft serrated edges that follow the edge of the leaf. The stems are square and usually a brownish purplish color. The smell of peppermint is sharp especially when compared to other mints.
The Blurb: Peppermint is another herb you may have in your garden or in tea bags in your pantry. Peppermint is the most common mint used in the culinary world which makes it accessible for many people. A great stomach ache soother is peppermint tea or spirits. It can help relive gas or bloating and stomach spasms. Peppermint is also a great decongestant, either used topically in a balm on the chest to open and clear the chest or used in a tea or a diffuser to help relive sinus congestion. Peppermint in a diffuser can also help with stress or tension headaches and help with clear thinking, however many people are sensitive to scents so be hyper aware before putting peppermint essential oil in a diffuser and always dilute in another carrier oil (like almond, olive or jojoba oil) before using topically. Peppermint is also a mild pain reliever, and many pain relief balms have menthol in them to help cool and soothe sprains or other aches and pains. I usually drink peppermint tea to help relieve bloat. I usually take a peppermint tincture to relieve nausea or put a few drops in a diffuser. To relieve congestion a cup of peppermint tea will do wonders but I recommend making or buying a good salve or balm with peppermint to use topically. Be mindful of pets when using any essential oils, but use the upmost caution using peppermint essential oil in a diffuser or for cleaning products; a little goes a long way and pets are extremely sensitive to different smells and plant materials. Don't use peppermint around your pets is a good rule to stick to but from my personal experience ants hate peppermint so I love keeping it around especially during the winter months.
-Maisie Moore, 4/2020
We love the crisp bite of Peppermint here at Moonrise and it adds so much to some of our favorite blends like our Nourishing Blend, Ginger Cold & Flu, and our Smoking Mix (which also makes a lovely respiratory tea!
Want to pair some savory flavors with your peppermint? This yummy pesto recipe from Spruce Eats peps up your usual pesto with respiratory enhancing peppermint! Simple and delicious!