Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – Refreshment for Body, Mind and Digestion

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a perennial medicinal herb from the mint family, created by a cross between water mint and spearmint. It contains an essential oil with menthol and menthone, tannins and flavonoids. It has cooling, antispasmodic, antibacterial and refreshing effects – it helps with digestive problems, bloating, headaches and colds.

Mint is one of the most popular medicinal herbs , and its unmistakable cooling scent refreshes body and mind. In this guide you will learn what effects peppermint has, how to grow, harvest and use it correctly in the kitchen, in cosmetics and in your home medicine cabinet.

Botanical description and occurrence

Peppermint grows 30–80 cm tall, has a square, purplish stem, ovate-oblong toothed leaves of dark green color and small light purple to pink flowers arranged in spikes. It flowers from July to September. The whole plant has a characteristic cooling menthol scent. It is a cultivated hybridthat does not spread by seed – it is propagated exclusively by rhizomes and cuttings. It grows in gardens and herb beds throughout Europe.

Medicinal effects of peppermint

Mint is a universal medicinal herb with a wide range of effects:

• Digestion – it eases cramps, bloating and nausea and supports gallbladder function
• Headaches and migraines – a menthol balm on the temples eases tension
• Colds and a runny nose – inhalation clears the airways
• Fatigue and lack of focus – it refreshes and improves attention
• Travel sickness – it eases nausea
• Skin and itching – it soothes insect bites and irritation with its cooling effect
• Bad breath – it naturally freshens and cleanses the mouth

Uses of mint in the kitchen and cosmetics

In the kitchen , mint is one of the most versatile herbs – it is added to drinks (mojitos, lemonades, iced teas), desserts, chocolate, salads, lamb, sauces and tabbouleh. In cosmetics , you will find mint in toothpastes, mouthwashes, shampoos, facial toners and body lotions for its refreshing and cooling effect. Mint essential oils are among the basic ingredients of aromatherapy.

Magical and spiritual use of mint

In folk magic, mint is a symbol of cleansing, abundance, protection and healing. It is traditionally used:

• to attract money and prosperity – leaves in your wallet for abundance
• as protection of the home – bundles by the door repel negative energy
• in cleansing baths before meditation or an important decision
• for clarity of mind and focus – the scent of mint stimulates the brain

Recipes – tea, inhalation, syrup

Mint tea for digestion and refreshment

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of dried leaves (or 5–6 fresh ones)
• 250 ml of hot (not boiling) water

Method:

1. Pour hot water over the leaves and cover.
2. Steep for 5–7 minutes.
3. Strain and drink 2–3 cups a day, preferably after meals.

It helps with bloating, stomach complaints, nausea and fatigue.

Mint inhalation for colds

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of dried mint leaves (or a handful of fresh ones)
• 1 liter of boiling water

Method:

1. Put the mint in a bowl and pour over boiling water.
2. Lean your head over the bowl and cover it with a towel.
3. Inhale the steam for 5–10 minutes with your eyes closed.

It clears a blocked nose and sinuses and soothes coughs.

Homemade mint syrup

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls of fresh mint leaves
• 500 ml of water
• 500 g of sugar
• the juice of 1 lemon

Method:

1. Pour boiling water over the mint leaves and let them steep overnight.
2. Strain and add the sugar and lemon juice.
3. Boil for 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and pour into sterilized bottles.

Great in lemonades and cocktails, on ice cream or in tea. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Harvesting and drying mint

Harvest mint leaves from June to August, ideally before flowering or at the beginning of flowering, when they have the highest essential oil content. Harvest on a dry, sunny morningonce the dew has dried. Cut whole stems and tie them into small bundles. Dry them hanging upside down in a dry, dark, ventilated place at a temperature of up to 35 °C – higher temperatures destroy the essential oils. Drying takes 5–10 days.

Warnings and contraindications

Mint is generally very safe, but long-term use in large amounts may irritate the stomach and worsen reflux. It is not recommended for children under 2 , and do not use menthol oils on infants (risk of laryngeal spasm). During pregnancy and breastfeeding , consume it in moderation. Take care with gallstones and when taking certain medications (e.g. blood thinners).

Interesting facts about mint

• The name "mentha" comes from Greek mythology – from the nymph Minthe, whom the goddess Persephone turned into a plant.
• Peppermint was first recorded only in 17th-century England as a natural cross between two wild mints.
• It is one of the most widely cultivated medicinal plants in the world .
• Menthol from mint is used in thousands of products – from chewing gum to muscle balms.

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