MINT ~ Mentha Sachalinensis
 |
| Click here to read about preventing mint from dying |
Spearmint ~ Mentha Spicata
Peppermint ~ Mentha Piperita
DISCLAIMER: Remember, I am not a
doctor, psychologist, licensed herbalist, or priestess
ALWAYS CONSULT A
PROFESSIONAL! This is article is for information ONLY.
Mint, one of the most common
household herbs and present in most home gardens, is one of the most hardy
herbs you can own but keeping them in a pot is suggested as they can seriously
overtake your entire garden. A member of the Mentha family it is available in over 30 varieties including
peppermint, lemon mint, apple mint, orange bergamont mint, pineapple mint, spearmint
and mountain mint to name just a few. It was sacred to the Druids and the
Romans (often being used in crowns).
Placed in pots near rose bushes,
mint can deter aphids as well as repel cockroaches, fleas and moths when place
within the home. When used in a bath (let leaves soak in hot bath within a closed
cloth bag for approximately 15 minutes) and followed with an application of
vinegar, mint can be used to treat chigger bites. Which if you live down south,
you know these little monsters can be very irritating.
 |
| Learn more about better digestion with Peppermint tea. |
Traditionally this herb is used
in a tea to treat stomachaches and digestive issues including: gas, nausea,
menstrual cramps, spasmodic stomach pains and as an anti-vomitum. I also found 2 sources that quoted it as being
helpful for treating colic in children. Though mint and peppermint can be quite
strong and using them on small children without consulting a physician is not
suggested, spearmint is a much weaker version of peppermint and is the
suggested substitution.
Mint is a stimulant, a carmative,
an anti-parasitic and an antiviral herb. It promotes bile flow, relaxes the peripheral
blood vessels, cools the internal organs and also promotes increased urine flow
and sweating- effectively releasing toxins. It also stimulates the appetite
when taken half an hour prior to eating in a tea
According to Steven Foster, from Mother
Earth Living.com, “The German Commission E, which regulates herb
use in Germany, approves the use of fresh or dried peppermint leaf to treat
spastic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, and bile duct,
and considers it effective in relieving gas in the digestive system. When
gallstones are present, peppermint leaf should not be used unless recommended
by a physician.”
 |
| This is the brand of peppermint oil I use. |
Treatments:
Insect Repellant/bug
bites and stings- Essential oil with a carrier oil massaged into offending area.
Toothache-
apply flower tops directly to tooth
Chigger
bites – Hot bath soak followed by application of vinegar
Stomach treatment
and appetite stimulant- tea
Congestion
and stuffy nose, nausea, concentration issues and shock- steam bath (steam
inhalation)
Inflamed
muscles and joints- as a compress
Scabies,
ringworm or mild burns – dilute essential oil with water and apply
Tension
Headaches, fevers and menstrual cramps- Essential oil with a carrier oil
massaged into offending area.
Magical Uses:
Planet: Mercury or Venus (pending the species)
Element: Air
Magic Properties: Lust, Love, Money/Prosperity, Travel, Healing,
Protection, Calling in Good Spirits/Exorcism, Blessing, Justice , Success and
Victory,
Being closely related to Gemini, this herb assists in
communication and vitality as well as promoting energy… much like the
mysterious twins of the zodiac. However, depending on the species it can also
be connected to Venus/Libra (justice).
Mint is widely used for protection because it naturally repels
insects and naturally repels negative energy. Peppermint can be rubbed on furniture, floors,
and walls to cleanse them of negative energy. The tea can be sprinkled around
the house to dispel negative energy after a disagreement and can be used to
calm and heal for meditation prior to ritual work.
In healing spells, it is sometimes stuffed into a poppet (similar
to a voodoo doll for those of you who are new to this) or for headaches can
rubbed directly on the head for relief. It can also be worn at the wrist to
prevent illness.
For money matters, some dried leaves where you carry your cash can
promote wealth. Plants in a store can draw customers inside. Also, laying fresh
mint on your altar can beckon benevolent spirits to assist you. The essential
oil can also be used in spellwork for positive life changes.
It can also induce psychic
dreams when placed under one’s pillow. Spearmint stuffed within a mattress or
pillow can assist in protecting you while you sleep.
Sources:
http://www.unc.edu/~reddeer/magick/herb.html#M
http://vestasherbs.weebly.com/page-six-garden-delites.html
http://paganpages.org/content/tag/mint/
http://www.everygreenherb.com/mint2.html
http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbMintMed.htm
The FDA mandates the following
disclaimer for all herbal remedies and information: "Natural remedies, such as herbs, are not a substitute for professional
medical treatment. We are not qualified to answer medical, behavioral or health
related questions. We recommend that you review the information on alternative
medical therapies and consult with your doctor or other medical professional
before making any decision regarding their use in your medical treatment."
No comments:
Post a Comment