Peppermint Leaf, Organic
Bulk Herbs: Peppermint Leaf, Organic
Mentha piperita
Size: 1 oz package
Format: Cut
Plant Part: Leaves
Farming: Organic
Also known as: Mentha piperita, White Peppermint, American Peppermint, Northern Mint, Lamb Mint, Brandy Mint, and Black Peppermint.
Origin: USA
Mentha x piperita is a flowering perennial native to Europe that has since spread worldwide. Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint and water mint. It is valued for its health benefits and is widely used in food. Peppermint leaf is commonly steeped to make a refreshing peppermint tea and is also popular in herbal tea blends and candies. Our peppermint leaves are organically cultivated in the United States.
The world's most familiar "mint scent" is the aroma of peppermint. In Greek mythology, Menthe was transformed into a peppermint plant after Proserpine, in a jealous rage, discovered that Pluto was in love with her. Even earlier, Assyrians used peppermint as an offering to their fire god.
In the cuisine of the Middle East, peppermint is noted for its contribution to savory dishes. It is added to spice rubs for lamb and other meats. It is also blended with yogurts, beans, and cheese.
Active Compounds: Volatile oils (up to 1.5%), the major ones being menthol, menthone, and menthol acetate; flavonoids (glycosides of apigenin, diosmetin, and luteolin; phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, and rosmarinic acid); triterpenes; tannins; calcium; magnesium; potassium.
Actions: Stimulant, relaxant, diaphoretic, rubefacient, carminative, analgesic, spasmolytic, mild nervine, decongestant.
Indications: Peppermint leaf is a versatile herb widely used in traditional medicine to address digestive issues, headaches, and respiratory congestion. Its key compounds, menthol and rosmarinic acid, offer antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Common uses include relieving IBS symptoms, reducing nausea, easing muscle aches, improving mental focus, and treating cold symptoms.
Precautions: Avoid using Peppermint when there is a hiatal hernia or persistent acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus (GERD), as its relaxant effects on the lower esophageal sphincter can exacerbate symptoms. Excessive use of Peppermint should be avoided in early pregnancy due to its emmenagogue effects, and nursing mothers should not use the essential oil without professional guidance, as it can reduce breast milk production. Peppermint inhibits non-heme iron absorption, likely because of its flavonoid content. It also increases the risk of coagulation with Warfarin due to its high vitamin K content.
Herbal Magick: Peppermint leaf is a potent magical herb associated with protection, purification, prosperity, and mental clarity. Ruled by Mercury and the element of Air, it is used to cleanse negative energy, stimulate communication, and attract money or love. Its vibrant energy makes it ideal for boosting spells and enhancing focus during ritual.
The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated this information. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; it is for educational purposes only.