25 Ways to Use Peppermint

O'peppermint tea --

two delights per sip

as steamy hot as passion

cool as a wintry lake dip

~Terri Guillemets 

Come sit with me and share a pot of peppermint tea - I'm so happy you are here!  Peppermint is one of the gifts of the plant world that is extremely versatile.  It can seem both warming and cooling at the same time.  The plant grows easily and spreads quickly so make it one of the first plants you choose for your herb garden - just be sure to set it some boundaries or you will have it EVERYWHERE! 

It is a good thing that it grows so easily because there are many uses for it fresh, dried and as an essential oil.  If you harvest right before the plant blooms, you will get it at its most intense, peppermint-y goodness.  As promised here are my favorite ways to use this herb. 

Ways to Use Peppermint

Fresh: 

• Use leaves to flavor lamb, fish and poultry
• Use leaves to flavor vegetables like peas, new potatoes and carrots
• Use leaves to flavor green salads and fruit salads
• Use leaves in beverages such as punch, lemonade and tea 
• Freeze leaves in ice cubes for your iced tea

 Dried: 

• Makes a caffeine free tea that is invigorating and also helps settle upset stomachs 
• The tea helps some with headache relief 
• The tea is also a source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. 
• Sprinkled in the back of cabinets helps deter ants and mice
• As a hair rinse, it can help with dandruff
• Steeped in a warm bath relaxes tense muscles
• Simmer some in a large pot of water to make your home smell great - especially good to do when someone in the house is ill as an air cleanser 

Essential Oil

• For motion sickness, inhale the peppermint scent
• Add to a humidifier to help with congestion
• Mix with a carrier oil and rub on temples and neck to help with headache relief
• Mix with a carrier oil and apply to abdomen to help ease cramps
• Use in your diffuser to increase alertness and relieve stress
• Use some in an epsom salt foot bath for tired feet
• Add a few drops in some water and drink to aid with digestion
• Add a few drops to scent your bath water 
• Add a few drops to your shampoo to help with dandruff  
• Inhale the scent before a test or difficult task to increase alertness
• Place a few drops in a spray bottle of cold water and spritz yourself to help with hot flashes
• Put a few drops on a cotton ball and place in the bottom of the trash can to dispel odors
• Put a few drops on a cotton ball and place where you have seen spiders.  They do not like it! 

That's the top 25 ways I use peppermint.  How do you use it?  I would love to hear in the comments.  

Tomorrow is Farmgirl Friday and the intermediate level of the Going Green badge has tasks to make laundry soap (I'm still experimenting and looking for a liquid one that won't separate); make all purpose, window and floor cleaners (done); and.....making soap.  I have to admit that making real soap - not the melt and pour stuff - is something I have always wanted to do but have hesitated.  

Let's learn together and support each other to get this task done. Tomorrow, I'll investigate the equipment needed, the supplies and the safety precautions to take to help boost my confidence. We can spend the week gathering both supplies and courage... I hope to see you then.  :) 

Peace be with you, 

Star Schipp

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