The Magic of Mint
Mint is known as a powerful, potent, and prolific healing herb. Wherever it is planted it takes root, takes over, and quickly overcomes almost any landscape provided for it to grow, which may be a nuisance to some.
Mint Protects Against Disease
However, those knowledgeable of Mint’s incredible power will see a bounty of an herb that has been known to heal many ailments. It is said that keeping a little mint tied to your wrist can keep you in good health and ward off disease. Mint may also be rubbed on the forehead to help alleviate a headache.*
Healing Properties of Mint
Even in Ancient Egypt, Mint was revered for its soothing, healing powers. It has been used to treat menstrual pains, intestinal upset, indigestion, headaches, morning sickness, as well as many other disorders not named.*
Mint Medicinal Benefits
Mint’s cooling, soothing power can fight off infection, lessen inflammation, and ease cramping, muscle spasms, and dull pain. It is virtually a panacea and a healing force to be reckoned with.*
Mint in Greek Mythology and Lore
Mint gets its name from the Greek word minthe, the name of a beautiful water nymph, or naiad, in Greek mythology. The naiads presided over the river Cocytus, one of the rivers surrounding Hades’ domain, the Underworld.
Minthe and Hades Fall in Love
With their habitats being in such proximity, it was only inevitable that the King of the Underworld, Hades himself, may have happened upon this beautiful water nymph. Hades found Minthe stunning and grew attracted to her. The feeling was mutual, as Minthe was attracted to Hades as well.
Persephone Tramples Minthe
Nonetheless, their budding relationship did not please Hades’ wife, Persephone, and she became jealous. Persephone sought out Minthe and trampled her underfoot with all her might once she located her. Miraculously this did not manage to kill the nymph, as Minthe transformed into an herb to protect herself.
Minthe Survives Persephone’s Assault
Again and again, Persephone tried to snuff out Minthe’s life force by trying to crush the plant but to no avail. Each time Persephone stepped on her, Minthe in her plant form would simply emit a sweet, minty aroma. This persistence hearkens to a prominent property of the Mint plant – it’s quite hard to kill!
Peppermint Magical Properties and Uses
The ever-popular Peppermint is a pungently aromatic form of mint known for its use in candy canes and other confectioneries. Peppermint’s power is masculine, its element is fire, and like its scent, its energy is intense and penetrating.
Magical Ways to Use Peppermint
It is believed that sniffing Peppermint can help one find sleep. Peppermint carries psychic energy, and placed under the pillow may help one envision their future in their dreams. Peppermint can also be used in purification rituals, spells regarding travel, and to excite feelings of love.
The Magic of Spearmint
Spearmint is Peppermint’s milder soothing sister, is feminine in its magical nature, and, unlike Peppermint, of the element Water. Spearmint’s aroma can improve mental powers, and a pillow stuffed with Spearmint can protect one while asleep.
Difference Between Spearmint and Peppermint
Spearmint is used in candies, teas, and jellies when a milder taste than Peppermint is preferred. Moreover, when the word “mint” is used generically, it’s typically Spearmint that is being referred to.
The Magic of Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a mint, but unlike other mint plants, Pennyroyal oil is poisonous, so practice caution and keep the plant away from children and animals. It is generally safe to ingest Pennyroyal in tea, but don’t do so for a prolonged period. Pregnant women should avoid ingesting Pennyroyal as it can lead to miscarriage and early labor.*
Pennyroyal Insect Repellent
Pennyroyal’s Latin name, Mentha pulegium, comes from the Latin word for flea, a result of its use as a flea repellent. It is an excellent herb for travelers; kept in the shoe, it can help keep the feet from getting weary and can be carried when traveling by sea to prevent sea sickness.
Protection and Peace with Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is an herb of protection and peace. Keep in the home (somewhere safe, where children and animals can’t get to it) to safeguard the home and maintain an atmosphere of peace.
The Magic of Apple Mint
Apple mint, taller than most Mints with distinctive mauve leaves, is a primarily ornamental form of mint quickly gaining popularity as a decorative ground cover. Due to its faint apple aroma, it lends itself well to various dishes and delicacies.
Repelling Rodents with Apple Mint
Apple mint is considered a “strewing” herb, as scattering it around the house, where food might be stored, or any place that might attract rodents can help repel them. It was also strewn on temple floors to cause incoming worshipers to release its wonderful, sweet aroma as they stepped on the leaves.
Corn Mint Magical Properties and Uses
Corn mint was popular in Europe to heal disorders such as digestive problems and cough. The Aztecs would use it to induce sweating and cure insomnia. The Native Americans also found corn mint, using it in their various traditions.
Wild Mint Benefits
Corn mint, also known as wild mint, isn’t as fragrant as the other mints but has more menthol content. The Chinese made much use of corn mint in their herbal medicine, believing the “cooling” properties of the plant were evidence of its ability to treat fevers and inflammation.*
The Healing Power of Mint
Mint has a generous amount of antioxidants — higher than many other foods. Antioxidants help combat free radicals within our bodies that can cause illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
Is Mint Good for Allergies?
Mint contains rosmarinic, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that has been shown to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms.
Peppermint Water for Sore Nipples
A little peppermint water applied to the nipples for first-time breastfeeding mothers can help reduce soreness and nipple cracks, as well as make it easier to express milk.
Is Peppermint Oil Good for Bug Bites?
In oil, ointment, or lotion form, Mint can have a soothing effect when applied to bug and insect bites. Peppermint oil is specially equipped for soothing bug bites, with the added benefit of repelling insects to prevent further bites.
Peppermint for Gas and Bloating
When it comes to upset stomach, gas, and indigestion, Mint is a classic remedy. Peppermint tea is uniquely effective in helping to alleviate gas.
Peppermint Oil and Headaches
Diluting peppermint oil and applying it topically to the forehead can help relieve headaches and migraines. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which helps to relax muscles and alleviate pain.
Mint and Nausea
A simple whiff of Mint’s pleasant and soothing aroma can help alleviate nausea. Keep this in mind if you are dealing with morning sickness or prone to motion sickness.
Does Mint Help with Congestion?
Mint’s robust and penetrating aroma is a quick and perfect remedy for congestion and can soothe irritations that cause chronic coughing.
Waking Up with Mint
A few drops of mint oil on the pillow before bed can help prepare the mind and body to be energized and alert when you wake up.
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