plant profile
Peppermint
LATIN NAME
Menta x piperita
MEANING
Affability; Cordiality; Love; Warmth of feeling

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Peppermint
About
Peppermint’s scientific name is Menta piperita and it belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The aerial parts, including the stems and leaves are used. It produces a lovely refreshing and gently stimulating tea as a simple and is enjoyable as an iced tea too.
Active Constituents
Volatile oil, phenolic acids, tannins, and flavonoids..
Sowing & Growing
To sow and grow peppermint, start by selecting a location that receives partial to full sunlight and has well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. You can choose to plant seeds, but it's often easier to use cuttings or small plants, as peppermint is known for its vigorous growth.
If using seeds, sow them in spring, lightly covering them with soil and keeping them consistently moist until they germinate, which may take a couple of weeks. If you're using cuttings, place them in soil or water until roots develop, then transplant them into the ground or pots. Water the plants regularly to maintain moist soil, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to waterlogging.
As peppermint grows, it can become invasive, so consider planting it in containers or using barriers to contain its spread. Regularly harvest the leaves to encourage bushier growth and enjoy the refreshing aroma and flavour of your homegrown peppermint!
Harvesting & Prep
When it's time to harvest peppermint, grab some clean scissors or pruning shears and make your cuts just above a leaf node, where the leaves branch off the stem. Try to avoid plucking individual leaves since that can hurt the plant.
If you're looking for a fresh harvest, snip off the top 10-20 cm of the stems, focusing on the newest growth. For a bigger harvest and to promote regrowth, cut the whole plant back to about 5 cm (2 inches) from the base after it flowers.


Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic, antiemetic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, carminative,circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive, nervine and stimulant.
Traditional Uses
Peppermint has been traditionally used to aid digestion and as an antispasmodic for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
It can also help with respiratory infections, provide warmth when feeling chilled, and alleviate anxiety and tension while enhancing focus. Additionally, it can be used as an analgesic for painful periods, headaches, migraines, and musculoskeletal aches and pains.


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