Guest guest Posted May 19, 2006 Report Share Posted May 19, 2006 Peppermint Botanical Name: Mentha piperita Family: Labiatae Location: Peppermint grows throughout Europe and is now largely cultivated in the United States, which is the major world producer. Extraction: Steam distillation of the leaves Parts Used: Leaves, essential oil Color and Odor: The essential oil is colorless and has a strong piercing, sharp aroma. Cosmetic Properties: Stimulating, fragrant, deodorant Recipes: Facial masks and steams, body powder, mouthwash Description: A small herb growing up to 90 cm, it has dark green leaves with serrated edges and small purplish flowers. The plant propagates by underground runners and prefers to grow in damp places. Background: The plant is named after Mentha, a nymph much loved by Pluto in Greek mythology. Persephone, Pluto's wife was so jealous of Mentha that she trod her into the ground. Pluto however, turned her into the enchanting herb we all know so well. Peppermint oil is used medicinally to treat irritable bowel syndrome. The aroma of the oil is very strong and may counteract homoeopathic remedies. It is also strongly disliked by pests, both rodents and insects. Properties: Analgesic, sedative, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antispasmodic, and surdorfic. This versatile essence comes from the peppermint plant. You can actually feel the coolness of mint by putting your hand near a mint plant on a hot sunny day. Ancient cultures used Peppermint for centuries, no doubt because of it's extremely useful health-promoting properties. Peppermint is best known for it's qualities to treat digestive issues such as flatulence, nausea, indigestion, liver problems, vomiting, cramps and motion sickness. But it is also very effective in treating fevers, flu, headaches, and migraines. Peppermint's wonderful anti-inflammatory properties are great in helping to reduce swelling and strengthen the skin's natural defenses. You can treat the symptoms of muscle and joint pain resulting from overexertion tenderly and effectively with this oil. On an emotional level, Peppermint sharpens the conscious mind, increasing concentration and memory, thus allowing you to become clearheaded and to feel your spirits revive. The disinfectant and antiseptic properties of Peppermint make it a must in every first-aid kit because it relieves insect bites, repels fleas and ants, and alleviates bad breath at its main sources (stomach and mouth). It also helps ease toothaches. Peppermint is used in many products you are already aware of. Often mouthwash, cold and cough syrups, and muscle pain rubs contain Peppermint, either as the natural essence or in a synthetic form. *Warning* -- Peppermint is not recommended to use with homeopathic treatment. Peppermint may also irritate the mucous membranes of individuals with hay fever. -- Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words.Keep your words positive, because your words become your behavior.Keep your behavior positive, because your behavior becomes your habits.Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your values.Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny. - Mahatma Gandhi Check Out My Groups: Everything Natural http://health./ Everything Magick EverythingMagick/ -- Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.6.1/343 - Release 5/18/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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