Happy New Year! For many, holiday celebrations have ended, but there are still weeks of winter ahead. Peppermint is a great way to continue enjoying the flavors of the holidays during the long winter months, plus it has an interesting history of health-related benefits.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a cross between wintermint and spearmint, according to Michigan State University Extension. MSU also has some fun facts about the minty herb. The history of peppermint dates back at least to Ancient Egypt, where medical texts from 1550 BC include mention of the herb. Peppermint is mentioned in Greek Mythology, by Roman philosophers, and by monks in the Middle Ages. The ancient Greeks believed peppermint helped cure hiccups. Traditional medicine in both the East and West has used peppermint as an aromatic, antispasmodic, and antiseptic in treating indigestion, nausea, sore throat, colds, toothaches, cramps, and cancers.
Michigan State University notes that peppermint grows between 18 and 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide and spreads by runners above and just below the ground’s surface. Like all mints, it can become invasive in the home garden, so it is best grown in containers; 12- to 16-inch pots can support the plants to mature size. Specialized cells in the leaves of the plant produce peppermint oil, which is released when the leaves are crushed or chopped. Harvest peppermint on a sunny day, just when the plants are beginning to flower.
The University of Illinois notes that a distinct identifying characteristic of members of the mint family is square stems. The four distinct angles can be felt by rolling the stems between two fingers or observed by cutting a stem. Other members of the mint family include giant hyssop, bugleweed, coleus, spotted dead nettle, lemon balm, beebalm, catnip, and salvia.
There is research to support peppermint’s health benefits. Michigan State University Extension says the aroma of peppermint can help enhance memory and increase alertness and processing speed. The aroma can also boost your mood, reduce stress, enhance sleep, self-confidence, and physical and cognitive performance. Additionally, peppermint can improve our quality of life by aiding the digestive process and pain tolerance. One study even found that peppermint can decrease anxiety and fatigue while driving.
According to Illinois Extension, research suggests that the main volatile components of peppermint oil – menthol and menthone – offer the health benefits of significant antimicrobial and antiviral properties, antioxidant properties, and even potential use as an antiallergenic. In studies where peppermint oil was used with human subjects, some benefits to the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems were observed, Illinois Extension reports.
If you grow peppermint in your garden, both the leaves and flowers are edible, and Illinois Extension says you can use them to garnish salads, desserts, and drinks. To make peppermint tea, steep crushed peppermint leaves in hot (not boiling) water for five to ten minutes, then sweeten if desired.
Continue to enjoy peppermint as we move through the winter months. January 19 is National Chocolate Mint Day! Have some peppermint hot cocoa, peppermint bark, or mint-chocolate cookies!
Peppermint is a popular winter flavor for beverages and desserts. This member of the mint family also has medicinal and health benefits. Photo by Kristina Gabalski.
