Peppermint

Botanical name: Mentha Piperita
Botanical family: Labiatae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Leaves

Origin: Best cultivated in England, France, USA and Italy.

Description: Fresh and sweet. Strongly piercing quality has the ability to go right through things.

History: Deeply mystical, known to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The tale of the nymph Mentha who was hotly pursued by Pluto. His jealous wife caught them and transformed her into a plant.

Properties and Indications:

• Antispasmodic – very energizing action
• Headaches, migraines
• Used for extremely acute as well as chronic conditions
• Diarrhea, colic
• Senility – works on the nervous system
• Paralysis – particularly after a strong (when declared out of danger)
• Can restore the sense of smell (Anosmia – lost sense of smell)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Emmenagogue – painful or scanty periods
• Carminative
• Analgesic
• Kidney stones, gall bladder stones
• Impotence – slight aphrodisiac
• Anti-allergenic – for the digestive system
• Abscesses, scabies, dermatitis
• Colds – use as inhalation
• Stomach upsets and hangovers

Contra-indications:

• Do not overuse Peppermint oil
• Do not use on eczema – too strong

Blending:

• Benzoin, Citronella, Clove, Lavender, Lime, Mandarin, Rosemary

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