Grow | Harvest | Make with Peppermint
"Like most mints, has a wild spirit and is a survivor" Rosemary Gladstar
Mentha x piperita
The x indicates the plant is a hybrid. Peppermint is a combination of spearmint and watermint. In the late 17th century it was recognized as its own species and added to the England Pharmacopeia in the 1720s. Mint has been crossed for centuries and there are now over 2,000 varieties.
Relatives in the Lamiaceae family include lemon balm, basil, oregano, lavender, rosemary, sage, catnip, bee balm, and penny royal.
I D E N T I F I C A T I O N Grows up to 3 feet
Square stem indicative of the Lamiaceae family Lance shaped, toothed, smooth, dark green, aromatic leaves
Whorled, aromatic flowers in shades of purple
G R O W
Perennial
Hardy to zone 3-9
Rich, moist soil
Full to part sun
Use cuttings or transplanted roots rather than start from seed.
Best grown in containers as it will spread and take over a space.
H A R V E S T
Spring through fall
Midmorning
Regular clippings for continued harvests
D R Y
Cool, dark place with good airflow
Leaves can be moved from stems before or after drying
"A blast of green energy."
Robin Rose Bennet
P R O P E R T I E S Variable cold and warm | Dry | Pungent | Stimulating Antibacterial | Antispasmodic | Aromatic Anodyne | Carminative | Diaphoretic
M A K E Tea: nausea, gas, bloating, cramps, colic, cold and flu, fever, decongestant, motion sickness, muscle soreness, headaches especially caused by tension or indigestion Oil: muscle tension, itchy or inflamed skin, oily skin Wash/Compress: poison ivy, sunburn, hives, stings, burns Flower Essence: alert presence of mind, move beyond mental sluggishness Culinary: desserts, pestos, chutneys For educational purposes only. Not intended for medical advice. Always consult your physician.
🎨 La Nymphe de la Foret by Guillau
Folklore & Fables of Peppermint
"Smelle rejoyceth the heart of man.”
John Gerarde
Mentha × piperita Its genus name Mentha is derived from the Greek word "mintha" for the nymph.
Its species name piperita is derived from the Latin word "piper" for pepper.
Common names include lammint, brandy mint, white mint, balm mint Ruled by venus and the signs of gemini and taurus, its element is air. Its tarot card correlation is The Fool. In floriography, or Victorian Language of Flowers, peppermint signifies warmth of feeling and spearmint signifies warmth of sentiment. Mint's overarching indication is virtue. Symbolism includes:
purification
success
protection
wisdom
strength
hospitality
The Greek nymph Menthe was loved by Hades and turned into a plant by his jealous wife Persophone. Given mint's early arrival each spring, it is a manifestation of Menthe unwilling to be banished.
Sacred to Zeus, mint honors any male deity.
In the time of Pliny the Elder, mint was used as a strewing herb in churches. It was thought to increase concentration of the messages being bestowed and to make for a fresh smelling aroma within such a confined space.
Romans wore mint as crowns for alertness during their studies. It would pair nicely with rosemary to help with remembrance. Greeks used mint in their temple rites.
Victorians used mint to flavor their snuff and as a cordial paired with gin to disguise the piercing flavor. Peppermint humbugs were a Victorian confection that regained popularity through the Harry Potter books.
A visionary herb, mint is said to illicit curious and prophetic dreams, to support initiating change and enhancing intuition. It is said to be especially powerful when burned at sunset.