Mentha piperita is one of 20-30 species of this genus. Supposedly it originates as a cross between Metha aquatica and M. spicata.

Is a hardy, undemanding herb that is best kept at the edge of the garden in a semi-shade spot. It grows wild, so it should be enclosed with a root barrier or grown in a pot.

Firstly, note: in case of any allergies by topical essential oil application, avoid any kind of direct contact with essetial oils with the skin. The menthol contained in Mentha piperita essential oil can also irritate the stomach lining and respiratory tract, so use with caution.

Home made peppermint care oil and/or deodorant

Necessities:

• clean packaging for roll-on deodorant,
• 5 ml vegetable oil (preferably sweet almond) or jojoba wax,
• no more than 3 drops of peppermint essential oil and 1 drop of lemon essential oil.

Preparation and use:

• in case of a headache, apply the mixture to the side of the face, between the ears and eyes (not too close to either),
• the oil can also be used to refresh tired feet by massaging in the oil,
• be careful with usage, because the lemon essential oil is phototoxic, so do not apply it during the day.

Refreshing minty lemonade

On hot days we can prepare mint tea, cool it and add it to lemonade. Mint can also be made into syrup, or be added to salads, desserts, spreads, soups and smoothies.

Mint tea spray for hot days

For daily refreshment, we can prepare mint tea spray. Make mint tea, pour the cooled tea into a spray bottle and use it as a body and face spray. It is only usable for one day, for a new day, make new tea.

The specialty of peppermint (Mentha piperita) is its high menthol content. It also contains tannins and flavonoids. The leaves have the highest concentration of these substances just before flowering. That’s when the cooling effect is strongest.

In general

Due to its tannin content, mint is used for digestive problems and heartburn. Cooling oil (recipe above) is recommended for headaches and migraines. In high concentrations, menthol acts as a local anaesthetic. Inhaling with a drop of peppermint oil in a vaporizer helps relieve cold symptoms and has an antiseptic effect. It has soothing and antioxidant effects. As mentioned above, use with caution.

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