Peppermint Products
This common plant has ancient origins with usages stretching from culinary to ritualistic in many different cultures from the ancient Assyrians to the Chinese. Indigo Herbs has within its Peppermint range; Peppermint Leaf Tea, Pure Menthol Crystals, Peppermint Hydrolat and Peppermint Pure Essential Oil. All of these products are from refined and pure examples of the Mentha piperita plant species and represent some of the finest Peppermint products on the market. You can also choose from some wonderful Peppermint based products within our guest range.
The first evidence of Peppermint being used was possibly by the ancient Assyrians from about 2,400 BC. It is thought that Peppermint was ritualistically offered to the Assyrian fire god Nusku. The ancient Greeks also used this plant ritualistically but also in wines, sauces and as wreathes for the heads of noblemen. Theophrastus, the Greek philosopher, attributed the name of peppermint to the story of the nymph Mintho. In Greek mythology Mintho is a partner of Pluto, the god of the underworld, who abducts Persephone to rule the underworld with him. Persephone soon becomes jealous of Mintho and curses the nymph to live forever as the fragrant but lowly plant Peppermint. Later in the Bible it mentions Peppermint as a precious plant that was given as a tax and also as one of the bitter plants that was eaten during the Last Supper. As well as these great cultures Peppermint has been found in Egyptians tombs and mentioned in Jewish writing as an aromatic and astringent herb used with water to clean Synagogue floors.
The Peppermint mentioned above is the forefather of modern Peppermint which is thought to be a fairly modern addition to the mint family. The first mention of Mentha piperita was by the English Botanist John Ray in 1696 who found the herb growing naturally in a field where by it quickly became known for its medical benefits. The Peppermint of today is a naturally occurring hybrid cross of watermint and spearmint can be found throughout its native Europe and now across the world. Just like the spread of the plant in the world, Peppermint can spread quickly once it has pushed above ground producing leaves that are dark green in colour and slightly fuzzy. When flowering, clusters of white purplish flowers emerge in sprays at the ends of the branches. The whole plant gives off a very pleasant aroma that can be smelt if close to the plant.
