Tag: Mentha

Herb of the Day – Peppermint

Herb of the Day – Peppermint

Peppermint is a prolific plant, often spreading beyond its intended borders. In Pliny’s writings, he mentions that the Greeks and Romans decorated their feasting tables with sprigs of peppermint, and in fact flavored many of their foods with it. Dioscorides, the Greek physician, notes that it had medicinal properties, when its oil was extracted and used to treat spasms and disorders of the digestive system. Peppermint may have been cultivated by the ancient Egyptians as well. It appears in the Icelandic Pharmacopoeias around 1240 C.E., and eventually was accepted for use in western Europe around the mid-1700s.

During the Middle Ages, monks — who were known for their herbal wisdom — used peppermint leaves to polish their teeth. Around the same time, cheesemakers figured out that mint leaves sprinkled around cheese piles would keep the rats out of the storeroom.

Peppermint is a natural stimulant, and in Back to Eden, Jethro Kloss says it should be in every garden. He says Peppermint is “an excellent remedy for chills, colic, fevers, dysentery, cholera heart trouble, palpitation of the heart, influenza, la grippe and hysteria.” It also works nicely as a toning astringent, and peppermint applied to the skin provides a nice refreshing feeling (try a peppermint foot bath at the end of a long day at work!).

Peppermint, like other members of the mint family, is found often in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. Use it to season lamb, curry, couscous, or your favorite vegetables.

Magically speaking, peppermint is often used in healing and . It can be burned or rubbed against objects to clear them of negative energies, or consumed as an elixir or tea to bring about healing. Pliny also noted that peppermint “excites the emotion of love”; add it  to bring passion your way.

Other Names: Lammint, Brandy mint
Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire
Planetary Connection: Mercury
Deity Connection: Pluto

You can make a tasty peppermint tea in the same way people make sun tea: Gather up about two cups of fresh peppermint leaves, and place them in a gallon of water. Allow the tea to steep outside in the sun until fully blended. Add a bit of stevia to sweeten it for drinking, or use the mint tea as a refreshing cleanser in the bath.

The Wicca Book of Days for August 28 – Memorable Mint

The Wicca Book of Days for August 28

Memorable Mint

 

The botanical name of mint is Mentha, for a Greek myth tells that the river nymph Mentha (or Mintha) was transformed into this herb following a doomed affair with Hades. The Greeks and Romans dedicated the plant to Mercury, this Virgoan day’s planetary ruler, however, on account of its ability to clear the head and encourage rational thinking. Still the world’s most popular breath-freshener and an invaluable herb to have to hand in the kitchen, it is furthermore a refreshing, cooling agent whose power to relax muscles makes mint tea an excellent digestive.

 

Be Open to Orange!

If you need to remain calm and objective before making an important decision today, infuse yourself with these Mercurial characteristics by incorporating a splash of orange – Mercury’s color – into your outfit, maybe in the form of a scarf or handkerchief.

Herb of the Day for August 17: Peppermint

Peppermint

Mentha piperata

MEDICINAL: Peppermint cleans and strengthens the body. It acts as a sedative on the stomach and strengthens the bowels. It is also mild enough to give to children as needed for chills and colds. Used with bitter herbs to improve their taste.

RELIGIOUS:

Peppermint is used in charms to heal the sick, as well as in incenses in the sickroom of the patient. It is burned to cleanse the home, and is used in sleep pillows to aid in getting to sleep. Placed beneath the pillow, it can bring dreams that give a glimpse into the future. The essential oil is used in spells to create a positive change in one’s life.

GROWING:

Peppermint is a perennial grown in full sun, is tolerant of most soil types, and grows to 3 feet tall.

Daily Feng Shui Tip for August 1 – ‘Lammas Cooler’

Everyone else might be dancing in honor of today’s Lughnasad, or the Celtic celebration of the upcoming harvest, but I’ll be making some magically delicious ‘Lammas Cooler’ to keep the heat away and the mystical here to stay. If you’d like to join me in this uplifting libation then you’ll need one half cup each of blueberry puree and freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately a dozen limes), three tablespoons of agave sweetener, two tablespoons of brown sugar, three cups of cold spring water and some fresh mint for garnish. Place the berries and the agave in a blender and blend until smooth. In a mixing bowl stir the puree, lime juice and the sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Divide this mixture among drinking glasses filled with crushed or shaved ice. Stir in the spring water and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Of course, it couldn’t hurt if you’d like to add a little something more potently potable. Either way, the Llamas libation is believed to banish the blues while allowing you to feel lighter, brighter and better about life in general. Now, that’s a wonderful way to start a waning summer month!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com