Peppermint leaves4/5/2023 Peppermint generally grows best in moist, shaded locations, and expands by underground rhizomes. Peppermint grown in a pot outside a house Outside of its native range, areas where peppermint was formerly grown for oil often have an abundance of feral plants, and it is considered invasive in Australia, the Galápagos Islands, New Zealand, and the United States in the Great Lakes region, noted since 1843. Being a hybrid, it is usually sterile, producing no seeds and reproducing only vegetatively, spreading by its runners. Peppermint typically occurs in moist habitats, including stream sides and drainage ditches. Peppermint is a fast-growing plant once it sprouts, it spreads very quickly. The chromosome number is variable, with 2n counts of 66, 72, 84, and 120 recorded. Flowering season lasts from mid- to late summer. The flowers are purple, 6–8 mm ( 1⁄ 4– 5⁄ 16 in) long, with a four-lobed corolla about 5 mm ( 3⁄ 16 in) diameter they are produced in whorls (verticillasters) around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes. The leaves and stems are usually slightly fuzzy. ![]() They are dark green with reddish veins, with an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins. The rhizomes are wide-spreading and fleshy, and bear fibrous roots. It is a herbaceous, rhizomatous, perennial plant that grows to be 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall, with smooth stems, square in cross section. Peppermint was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus from specimens that had been collected in England he treated it as a species, but it is now universally agreed to be a hybrid. Learn more about the versatility of our favorite herbs for use in the home, for body, and as food.An 1887 illustration from Köhlers Medicinal Plants As always avoid it if anyone is allergic and seek advice from trained professionals if you have any concerns. As always double check with a doctor or pharmacist to be sure mint won’t interfere with any prescription medications. Always dilute mint essential oil, as it can burn sensitive skin. Please, make sure that you are growing your own peppermint herb (organically!) or purchase quality organic mint herb, like our very own Pronounce organic peppermint leaf herb.Ī Few Precautions: Mint is generally considered a safe herb but as with anything it isn’t for everyone. Now that you know how to use mint, be sure to harvest that mint often and dry it for later so that it can have a place in the medicine cabinet, kitchen, and cleaning routine. ![]() With all these uses and benefits, it’s no wonder that peppermint grows so abundantly, it seems as if there could never be enough. Also, check out this DIY Mint Chocolate Whipped Body Butter recipe, which uses only 3 ingredients and smells just like a peppermint patty. Substitute mint essential oil in our lemon foot scrub recipe to get this amazing benefit. ![]() Rejuvenate: While mint is calming when taken internally, the cooling feel of it on the skin can help rejuvenate tired and achy feet. Use the tea as an aid to help the body and mind relax and sleep soundly. A cup of tea will often soothe those digestive issues, but a mint-infused soothing lollipop can even be better.įreshen: The smell of peppermint seems to make us all feel fresh and clean, making it the perfect choice for a DIY mouthwash.Ĭalm: A common ingredient in many sleepy-time tea blends, mint can help soothe the frazzled nerves at the end of the day. Heal: Mint can help ease nausea, upset stomachs, and many other digestive ailments. It’s smell is one that often calms us as the delicious flavor is ingested. ![]() The power of mint’s tummy soothing abilities seems to be one that is ingrained in us a humans since the beginning of time. Peppermint is often the first herb many of us learn to use medicinally probably even before we realize it.
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