Peppermint is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint. There are two varieties, black peppermint and white peppermint. The white version has a more mellow flavour. In ancient Egypt, the herb was used for adornment and flavouring. The 17th century saw the herb grow in popularity as a digestive remedy. Today, the herb is used more for food flavouring.
The herb can be used to aid digestion in home healing remedies and its aroma is a great decongestant – place some leaves in hot water and inhale the vapours. Inhale the fragrance if you have trouble sleeping. The leaves can be used to make fresh herbal tea. Peppermint oil and menthol (which comes from peppermint) are potent antiseptics which have mild anaesthetic effects.
In magick, it is used to create change in a life which is reminiscent of the hybrid nature of the plant. Its healing properties of decongesting and antiseptic make it a great herb to use in workings involving cleansing, healing and consecration.
Peppermint is a plant that grows best in moist, shaded locations and left unchecked will quickly take over. Many grow the plant in pots to prevent its rapid spreading.
Other Names: Lammint
Planet: Venus
Element: Air
Magickal Uses: Healing and purification. Used to create change in a life.