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Peppermint
Description: Peppermint is one member of the mint family. It has smooth slender leaves that have a reddish tinge. The leaves are between 1 and 3 inches long, light to dark green in color, and come to a point. It is a perennial and will spread into other areas if not kept in check.
History: This is another plant with its history set in antiquity. The Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used the plant everywhere from bath water, flavorings, banquet halls to personal garnishment. It was believed to stimulate the appetite, but it was not until later that it was believed to have medicinal value. By the thirteenth century it had reached Iceland's pharmacies and by the seventeenth century it was in apothocary shops in Western Europe. It was prescribed for stomache ailments and sea-sickness, and slowly migrated throughout Europe and into the new world. From here it has become one of the most popular flavorings in the world today.
Parts used: Leaves
Usages: The most common usages are in tea and oil form. Drinking the tea can calm an upset stomach and inhaling the steam can open nasal passages. When suffering from the common cold, a hot cup of tea can go a long way to relieving stuffiness and upset stomaches. It has also shown promise for sufferers of Irritable bowel syndrome, as the oil has been found to reduce the spasiming of smooth muscles in the intestinal area. It should be taken in tablet form, but avoided if you are suffering from heartburn at the same time, since it can relax the opening between the throat and stomach which will allow acidic stomach juice to irritate the throat. The oil can be used for flavorings, candle-making or incense. A little goes a long way, so check as you are adding it. The leaves are a wonderful garnish to roasted meats, salads and beverages. Another use for the leaves is as a pest deterrant. Rats and mice do not like the smell, so place a few leaves wherever you keep food items.
Growing your own: Mint can be grown from seeds or cuttings. They like damp soil with good irrigation, and thrive in full or partial sun. Take cuttings in mid-summer, but pluck leaves all summer long to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. It will expand voraciously if not kept in check, so you may want to seriously clip it once or twice in the summer to keep it under control.
Magickal properties Peppermint is used for rituals involving purification, healing and dream magicks.
Peppermint Recipes
WARNING: Peppermint is generally safe for long term use, however excessive drinking of the tea can aggravate sensitive mucus areas. I am not a doctor and I do not prescribe herbs for medicinal usage. If you are sick, CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Minty mouthwash: add one drop of peppermint to half a glass of water.
Peppermint Candy Cookies
Makes about 40 cookies.
Dough:
1 cup (2 sticks) sweet butter
2 cup 10X (confectioners') sugar
2 1/2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped nuts
l teaspoon vanilla
Filling:
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
1/2 cup 10X (confectioners) sugar
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon milk
1 drop red food coloring
Dough: Cream butter with the sugar. Gradually add flour, nuts and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. Chill.
Filling: Combine candy and sugar. Reserve 1/4 for topping cookies. Blend cream cheese and milk and add to remaining candy mixture. Add food coloring. Mix well.
Remove dough from refrigerator. Shape into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Make a deep hole with your finger in center of each ball and fill with about 1/4 teaspoon filling. Seal with a small bit of dough. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 350oF oven for 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool slightly on wire racks.
While cookies are still warm sprinkle with reserved candy mixture. Cool completely.
Cookie Reciepe from Dinner Co-op
Other Sources Used:
Peppermint
Guide to Medicinal Herbs Online
Peppermint
Creative Seasoning
MotherNature.com
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