Peppermint

( Mentha piperita )

Digestive and colic mixtures were made with peppermint, due to its relaxant effect on the bowels and its ability to ease cramps and tension. It also helped clear the sinuses in both oral and inhaled preparations, and was used as an anti-nausea preparation. Drinking the hot tea encouraged sweating, which could shorten the length of cold or flu.

Peppermint has a long history in purification spells. It was said that placing the fresh herb on an altar would attract good spirits to assist in ritual or magic, and that placed beneath a pillow it could offer a glimpse of the future in one's dreams. Last but not least, according to natural philosopher Pliny, peppermint excited love and could be used as an aphrodisiac.












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