Mints are sobering and clear headed herbs. They are even aloof. They are descended from a nymph called Mentha in the mythology, who had surrendered to Pluto's desires. His jealous wife Persephone (or according to some accounts, her mother Demeter), disgusted and enraged, stomped the poor nymph into the ground and punished her with infertility.

Peppermint, a hybrid between common Garden Mint and Watermint and is indeed sterile. Peppermint and has been used for food and medicine for millennia from China to Egypt. It is still commonly used in home remedy and provides flavouring for different products like chewing gum, chocolate and cigarettes, to name but a few.

Peppermint oil is keeping away creepy crawlies. Mice, rats, cockroaches and ants all hate the scent. A few drops on their pathways will surely deter them.

Traditional usage:

• Peppermint is mostly used as a digestive aid, to ally nausea and travel sickness, and to relieve cramps and colics in aromatherapy.
• It aids PMT related symptoms, such as bloating or abdominal pains.
• It can be used to decongest the upper respiratory tract and to clear stuffiness, catarrh and sinus headaches, sinusitis and bronchitis.
• It can also be used as a cooling oil for sore muscles, rheumatism, arthritis or painful joints.
• The cooling property is great for sunburn. It refreshes the mind and combats exhaustion and lack of concentration.
• This oil needs to be very carefully dosed lest one ends up shivering with cold.
• Caution: Not recommended during first 4 months of pregnancy.

Magical usage:

• Peppermint can be used to help keep one's 'cool'. It clears the mind and helps concentration for study and helps focussing.
• It can be used for protection and cleansing rituals.
• It clears the air of lingering emotions and cuts through irrational fears or attachments.
• It is a good oil for seeking direction and mental clarity.

Scent
A fresh, green, sweet, camphor-like, 'minty' scent. Blends well with - Basil, Cedar, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme, Black Pepper, Fennel, Ginger, Lemon and Lemongrass.

Content Source Credit to www.starchild.co.uk