Mentha piperita
Peppermint
This mint
is said to be an aphrodisiac and thus a Venus
plant even though it is normally associated with
the Element of Air and contains the planetary metal for Jupiter (tin).
A hybrid of spearmint
and watermint, peppermint was originally from Asia. It was first cultivated
in England in 1750 and has since spread all over the world. A European
native, like most mints it grows wild in damp places (a good place to grow
mint in the garden is by the hose faucet). This is a good general
digestive, great for nausea and for spasms of the digestive tract; it has
been shown to be helpful in combination with caraway oil in cases of irritable
bowel syndrome. It is also good for bronchitis and pneumonia. A
poultice of fresh herbs on the head can relieve headache, and it makes an
excellent tea that you can drink as often as you'd like. The
scent of peppermint can help you stay awake. This herb is the source
of menthol. Top
How to grow Peppermint: Sow
on soil surface and keep moist to germinate in 15 days at room temperature. Transplant
to moist, rich soil in partial shade, especially where it's hot or the sun is
intense. It can be propagated by root divisions and by cuttings once it
is established. Mint can be invasive, so keep an eye on it or grow it
where it has plenty of room. Harvest when flowers begin to develop. The
dried herb stays strong for a long time. This herb is a perennial in zones
6-10 and an annual elsewhere. It grows 2-3 feet high. General growing
info Top
Mentha piperita
Peppermint
100 seeds $3.00
Uses in Witchcraft & Magic:
Love Magic
Venus/Air Herb
© 2004 Alchemy Works; No reproduction without permission