Peppermint
Animation: Duran Bengü Sound: Beyza-Gül Yüksel
Plant Whisper
I am peppermint – fresh, cooling, and invigorating. My large plant family is diverse: from chocolate mint to Hugo mint, there are many aromatic varieties, and I am also enjoyed as a soothing tea in other cultures.
The mint family is large. Peppermint originated in 17th-century England and was traditionally considered a cooling plant. I was used to counteract "heat" in the body – for example, in cases of inflammation or inner restlessness. At the same time, I was considered less suitable if the body was already cold, such as with low blood pressure, cold hands and feet, or during winter.
A practical tip: Use the cooling effect of peppermint in hot weather as a refreshing cold summer tea, but also remember the tea for nausea and cramps. Mixed with lemon balm leaves, peppermint tea can be drunk when your head is "spinning." The essential oil is available as a roll-on (for symptomatic relief) for headaches, convenient for your handbag. Caution: Do not use peppermint essential oil on infants and small children.
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Botanical Facts
consistent moisture
Very robust, hardy perennial, tolerates winter temperatures down to -40 degrees.
Europe, presumably in England at the end of the 17th century as a natural cross between water mint and spearmint
June/July to September/October
sunny to partially shaded locations
Undemanding, but requires moist soil and spreads rapidly.
Healing Properties
Peppermint leaves (Menthae piperitae folium) contain primarily essential oil with menthol, menthone, and menthofuran, as well as laminaceae tannins, bitter substances, and pigments (flavonoids). The essential oil has an antispasmodic effect on the muscles of the digestive tract, and is also analgesic and mildly anesthetic. It stimulates cold receptors. Peppermint leaves have antispasmodic, cholagogue, carminative, and digestive properties, making them particularly suitable for spasmodic complaints in the gastrointestinal tract, flatulence, or nausea. They also promote sleep and are good as a tea for colds.
Features
30 - 90 cm
🌿 (Herb)
⚕ (medicinal plant), 🍽 (edible)
It serves as a nectar source for over 29 wild bee species and is also a popular food plant for butterfly caterpillars.
Endangerment Level
* Least Concern
All information about herbs has been carefully compiled but does not claim to be complete. None of the information provided constitutes medical advice.
GOLDEN RULE for EVERYTHING: Eat only what you know! The rule applies: a handful of wild plants per person and day may be collected on public land. Use only washed plant parts that you can identify clearly – when in doubt, please refrain from using them.
TIP: One advantage of buying over-the-counter medicines from a pharmacy or specialist retailer is the expert advice on your symptoms.
