Peppermint - Mentha x Piperita

When I think of peppermint, I'm reminded of Candy Canes and the little candies I like to eat when I have an upset stomach, a cold, or a sore throat.   Peppermint is a plant that grows and spreads easily.  It's so common, that it's easy to forget about when looking for home remedies.  Yet, it's one of a small handful of herbs that I prefer to keep in stock at all times.

Peppermint is a pungent herb that is drying and can be warming and/or cooling (think of an icy-hot sensation).  It's good for freshening the breath and reducing fever.  It's used to relieve nausea, pain, headaches, gas,  hiccups, itchy skin, inflammation, and cramping/spasms.  It can also be soothing for flu, colds, and congestion.  

Because the menthol in peppermint stimulates the hippocampus, it can boost concentration, alertness, memory, and cognitive function.  If you're studying for a test, try drinking peppermint tea while you study.  Try sucking on a peppermint candy while taking that test.  

Those are some seriously great therapeutic properties, but wait, there's more -- Peppermint can be part of a nutritious diet!  It has Vitamins A, B 6, and C, Calcium, Copper, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Riboflavin, Thiamine, and Zinc in small quantities.   

Next time your stomach is upset, try drinking some peppermint tea.  Liven up your salads with fresh peppermint leaves.  Lift your spirits with this refreshing herb as often as you wish!