Got more peppermint plants than you know what to do with? Or maybe you just can’t get enough of this powerful little herb? Don’t worry—I’ve been there! Your green thumb hasn’t locked you into a boring routine. There are so many fun and practical ways to put all that peppermint to good use. Let’s turn your greenery into gold!
1. Refreshing Peppermint Tea
This is a great option for belly aches. This cup of goodness is like a mini spa for your stomach. The star player here is the menthol found in peppermint’s essential oils, which can work wonders for your digestive system. Whether you’re wrestling with indigestion, dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or just need to ease a pesky stomach ache, this minty delight can come to your aid.
Brewing it is easy! Just grab a few fresh leaves from your thriving plant. Give them a good rinse, steep in hot water, and let the leaves do the rest. The aroma alone is enough to soothe, but it’s the sip that seals the deal. Sit back, relax, and let the refreshing tea work its therapeutic wonders on your tummy.
And remember, this isn’t a one-trick pony. You don’t have to wait for a grumbling gut to enjoy a cup. Making it a part of your daily routine can help avoid those digestive issues. It’s also extremely beneficial for that stubborn cold that is keeping you all stuffed up.
2. Culinary delights
Peppermint isn’t just for tea—it’s a versatile herb that can take your cooking to the next level. Fresh peppermint leaves add a burst of flavor to everything from salads to roasted vegetables. Try tossing some chopped leaves into a fruit salad for a refreshing twist or using them as a garnish for soups and savory dishes. The herb’s natural cooling effect pairs beautifully with spicy flavors, making it a great addition to curries and marinades.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, peppermint is your new best friend. Whip up homemade peppermint ice cream, brownies, or fudge for a treat that’s better than store-bought. You can also infuse sugar or honey with peppermint for a subtle, refreshing flavor boost in baked goods or drinks. Don’t forget to experiment with cocktails or mocktails—a few muddled leaves can elevate lemonade, mojitos, or herbal sodas.
For a creative twist, make your own peppermint oil or extract to use year-round. It’s perfect for holiday baking or gifting to friends and family. Whether you’re cooking, baking, or mixing drinks, your peppermint plants can add a flavorful touch to almost any recipe!
3. Homemade beauty products
Ready to turn your overflowing peppermint plants into at-home spa remedies? With its soothing and antiseptic properties, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s start with your lips! Mix 4-5 crushed peppermint leaves with coconut oil or shea butter to make a refreshing lip balm and let the cooling properties invigorate your skin.
We can’t forget about those tired feet, either. How about a cooling foot soak? All it takes is a handful of fresh leaves steeped in warm water. Your feet will thank you for the soothing relief.
And here’s a fun fact: Peppermint’s antibacterial properties also make it a fantastic ingredient for homemade face masks. Mix the crushed leaves with yogurt and honey for a refreshing and skin-nourishing treat.
With these DIY beauty treatments, you’re not only making the most of your flourishing collection but also embracing a more natural and eco-friendly beauty routine. So, pamper away! Your overflowing peppermint plants are ready to serve you beyond the kitchen and into your beauty regime.
4. Natural Peppermint bug repellent
Having a bug problem at home or in the garden? Your peppermint plant might just be your new best friend. Here’s the fact: bugs despise the scent of peppermint. It’s almost like they have a natural aversion to this fragrant herb. Let’s turn this to our advantage and create a simple, natural bug repellant.
It’s as easy as one-two-three.
- Take a handful of peppermint leaves and crush them in your hands to release the oils.
- Next, steep these leaves in boiling water and let the process happen.
- Once the mixture cools down, strain it, and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
- Your natural bug repellant is ready for action!
This homemade concoction can be sprayed around your home, on your plants, or even on your skin (make sure to do a patch test first!) Say goodbye to those pesky mosquitoes, ants, and other bugs that have been bothering you. With your natural repellant, you’re not only protecting your home from insects but also avoiding harsh, chemical-based repellants. So, unleash the power of peppermint and show the bugs how powerful nature really is!
5. Aromatherapy
Who needs a synthetic air freshener when you can go au naturel with your peppermint plants? If you’re craving that refreshing scent all day long, look no further than your garden. Drying peppermint leaves for aromatherapy is incredibly easy, and the result is so worth it.
Start by harvesting a few leaves and let them dry out naturally. When they’re good and crisp, gently crumble them up to release their aromatic oils. The released oils carry that refreshing peppermint scent we all adore. Place your dried, crumbled leaves into a sachet or small bowl like these, and voila! You’ve just created a natural air freshener.
You can place these sachets in your closets, drawers, car, or even toss one into your vacuum bag for a minty fresh scent while you clean. As for the bowls, they make perfect centerpieces and create an invigorating atmosphere in your home. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter! And remember, whenever the scent starts to fade, you’ve got an overflowing plant collection ready to step in and keep your spaces smelling amazing!
6. Homemade Peppermint Scrub
Wouldn’t it be awesome to skip the store-bought, chemical-filled body scrubs and create your own refreshing and invigorating one? This endeavor begins right in your garden with your very own collection. Say hello to homemade peppermint sugar scrub – a natural exfoliant with a zing!
To quickly whip this up you’ll need:
- a cup of sugar
- a handful of finely chopped peppermint leaves
- a generous dollop of coconut oil.
Instructions:
- mix these until you get a slightly coarse paste.
- add a few drops of peppermint essential oil if you have any on hand, for an extra burst of freshness. And there you have it!
Using your homemade peppermint sugar scrub is like giving yourself a mini spa treatment. Rub it gently on your skin in a circular motion and then rinse. The sugar will slough off the dead skin cells, while the peppermint leaves will invigorate your senses and leave your skin feeling cool and refreshed. Plus, the coconut oil will keep your skin feeling silky smooth.
So next time you’re in for a pamper session, ditch the store-bought scrubs and reach for your homemade peppermint sugar scrub. It’s a sensational way to show some love to both your skin and that peppermint plant collection just waiting to be used!
7. Peppermint Infused Oil:
Here’s another idea: Make a peppermint-infused oil by steeping fresh peppermint leaves in a carrier oil like olive or almond oil. Next, allow it to sit for a few weeks, strain out the leaves, and use the fragrant oil for massages or as a natural moisturizer.
Making peppermint-infused oil for massages is super easy. Start by crushing a handful of fresh peppermint leaves to release their oils. Next, place the crushed leaves into a clean glass jar and cover them with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or fractioned coconut oil making sure the leaves are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about two weeks, shaking it gently every few days.
After two weeks, strain out the leaves and transfer the infused oil into a clean bottle and there you have it. You now have a peppermint-infused oil for soothing and invigorating massages. Enjoy the refreshing scent and cooling sensation it provides!
Get Creative!
These are just a few fun and practical ways to make use of your peppermint plant abundance. Enjoy exploring the versatility of this wonderful herb. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun exploring all the possibilities, after all, the power’s in your hands.
Did I miss anything? Please let us know any other ways you utilize your abundance of peppermint plants in the comments below!
Disclaimer: The content shared on Bloom in Eden is intended for informational purposes only and is based on personal experiences. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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