The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Peppermint
The Power of Herbs: Herbs and Spices

ORIGINS

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a cross between watermint and spearmint. This perennial plant has small purple or white flowers and aromatic leaves that are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Peppermint is native to Europe and the Middle East, but it is cultivated worldwide.

HISTORY/LORE

Greek mythology offers a creation story for peppermint: Hades, the god of the underworld, seduced a water nymph named Minthe and they entered into a relationship. When Hades’s wife, Persephone, found out about the affair, she turned Minthe into a plant so that everyone would walk on her. Hades then gave the plant a pleasant scent, so that every time someone stepped on it they would be reminded of Minthe’s beauty.

USES

Healing Uses: Peppermint treats cold and flu, particularly as an expectorant. It is also excellent for digestive issues such as bloating, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (this includes pregnancy-related discomfort). Peppermint contains menthol, a natural analgesic. This, along with selenium and zinc, makes it useful for treating the redness and irritation associated with dandruff. Inhaling the scent of peppermint oil relieves headaches.

Magical Uses: Peppermint is a protective herb. Rub the leaves on furniture or objects or burn dried leaves as incense in a new home to remove any negative energy. Peppermint tea brings passion. Use peppermint in money and prosperity spells. Peppermint essential oil brings alertness in the dream state and assists in remembering and learning from dreams. For this purpose, use it as an inhalation or include the leaves in a sachet placed underneath the pillow.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Peppermint is a natural stimulant. It boosts energy and invigorates the mind, as well as increases awareness, perception, and sensitivity. Peppermint essential oil cleanses the spirit, increases spiritual attunement, and supports intuition. The essential oil is particularly useful for overcoming resistance to change, as it eliminates fear of the unknown.