Caer's Eclectic Apothecary

Also known as-  Mentha piperita, White Peppermint, American Peppermint, Northern Mint, and Black Peppermint.

Introduction:  The familiar "mint scent" is the aroma of peppermint. Peppermint contains an essential oil that is unique to other mints for its quality and flavor. Artificial peppermints do not effectively duplicate its aroma or medicinal effects.

Constituents: The essential oil of peppermint (up to 2.5% in the dried leaf) is mostly made up from menthol (ca. 50%), menthone (10 to 30%), menthyl esters (up to 10%) and several monoterpene derivatives (pulegone, piperitone, menthofurane). Traces of jasmone (0.1%) give the oil its characteristically "minty" scent. The aromatic chemicals in the mint are concentrated when the plant is grown in areas with long, warm, bright summer days.

Parts Used: Dried or fresh leaf, and essential oil.

Typical Preparations: Tea is the most common and best employed use of this ingredient. The oil is used as flavoring in toothpaste, dental creams, mouthwash, cough candies, chewing gm, and baked goods.

Summary:  Essential oil of peppermint can be applied to the skin or mouth to relieve pain. The essential oil in peppermint teas relieves the pain associated with colitis and colic.  The oil of peppermint offers its cool, refreshing flavor and unmistakable aroma to a wide variety of foods and beverages. In the western world it is a common ingredient for candies, toothpastes, ice creams, pies and other desserts. The peppermint leaf itself is muddled and added to cocktails, and is a popular ingredient in herbal teas when dried.   In cuisine of the Middle East, peppermint is noted for its contribution to savory dishes. It is added to spice rubs which are used to flavor lamb and other meats. It is also blended with yogurts, beans, and cheese.

Medicinal Uses of Peppermint Oil:  In dietary supplements, peppermint oil has been tried for a variety of digestive problems including:  Irritable bowel syndrome,  Indigestion, Heartburn

Dietary supplements containing peppermint oil are also used by some people for the following conditions, although there is no clear evidence that they are helpful:

Itchiness,  Allergic rash, Repelling mosquitoes

Precautions:  For best results, avoid boiling a peppermint tea, and instead add simmering water to a cup of the material instead of boiling directly:

Specific: No known precautions.

Aries: You hit some roadblocks when expansive Jupiter starts spending time in strict Capricorn starting on December 2. You'll want concrete results, but you don't necessarily want to do what it takes to overcome the obstacles in your way. It looks like you have some serious decisions to make if you want to reach your goals.

Taurus:  Sultry Venus, your home planet, sextile powerful Mars on December 3, kicking your love life into high gear. You're very attractive now (thanks to that increase in self-confidence), and you take a very commanding approach to the things you want. Wouldn't it be nice to feel this in control all the time?!

Gemini:  You might feel slightly reined in when optimistic Jupiter pairs up with focused Capricorn on December 2. You'd love to be out there having a good time, but you can't get away from that little voice in the back of your head reminding you of all your responsibilities. If you realize there's a time for fun and a time to get serious, you should be fine.

Cancer: Lucky Jupiter begins its trip through ambitious Capricorn on December 2, which in all honesty can kind of put a damper on things. It's not like you forgot about your responsibilities; you were just looking forward to a little break. Unfortunately, the only luck you can count on now is the kind you make yourself.

Leo: There's a sun-Neptune square on December 8 that can cause disappointment and confusion during the first part of the month. You might feel like you're the underdog but lack the will or energy to do anything about it. This isn't like you, Leo. You might not have the desire to fight now, but you won't stay in the shadows forever.

Virgo: When limitless Jupiter joins up with practical Capricorn on December 2, your best approach to reaching your goals is a methodical, realistic one. You can identify with the Goat's down-to-earth energy, but expansive Jupiter puts a little voice in the back of your head telling you that you might not be doing enough.

Libra: There's an empowering sextile between your home planet Venus and intense Mars on December 3 that gives you the confidence to be a power player this month. You have a charismatic and attractive nature, Libra, but behind the charm you*re all business. Chase down your desires while you can!

Scorpio:  There is a complexity and seriousness to your thinking during the Mercury-Pluto sextile on December 2. Your probing nature makes you want to find out life's deepest mysteries, and you won't stop until you solve the hardest puzzles.

Sagittarius:    Your home planet Jupiter enters serious Capricorn on December 2, toning down your adventurous nature and making you say goodbye to some of the fun you*ve been having. It*s not that you can*t have a good time, Sagittarius, but there*s a time and place for everything. Get your work done first, then party afterward.

Capricorn: When expansive Jupiter enters your ambitious sign on December 2, you work hard to get what you want. Luck plays a role, but you can't (or don't) count on it. You'd rather put in the effort and make sure something happens than sit back and wish upon a star.

Aquarius: When talkative Mercury enters adventurous Sagittarius on December 9, your mind becomes more open and your thoughts turn daring. You're ready to explore the vast landscape of the world, and you'd love to have some company! Your best travel companion now is a fire sign who seeks excitement-or another wild and free air sign.

Pisces:When Jupiter moves into serious Capricorn on December 2, you'll be looking for more concrete results than you expected during its turn through easygoing Sagittarius. You might be able to rely on a sprinkling of good luck here and there, Pisces, but it comes connected to hard work and effort rather than on its own, out of the blue.