The Panacea: Mint Spiritual Meaning and Magic

Bright green mint plants.

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.*

*(See FDA Disclaimer)

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.*

Close-up on a spearmint plant under special lighting.

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!

A close-up of mint leaves.

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.

Close-up of peppermint plants.

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.

Pennyroyal flowers captured with a tilt shift lens.

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.

A close-up of apple mint.

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.*

Close-up of a corn mint plant and flower.

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.

A clear mug full with mint, lime and water, resting amidst mint plants outside.

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.

Deep green peppermint plants.

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.

Peppermint in a clear glass near other herbs in wooden boxes and a white spray bottle, sitting on a glass table.

FDA Disclaimer

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy, or content.


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