When I stepped out into the snow recently, my nose was hit with the crisp and cool air. I immediately thought of peppermint. Is this why it is associated with the Christmas season?
Clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange are warm and comforting scents which seem to easily find their place during the long winter months.
With peppermint, the outside is being brought indoors while we are trying to huddle against the elements!
Hippocrates, the Greek physician born in 460 BC and the father of modern medicine, praised peppermint for its soothing effects on the stomach.
Pliner the Elder, the Roman scholar born in 23 AD, advocated that peppermint cleared the nose and sharpened the mind.
Peppermint’s refreshing scent and flavor were historically linked to purity and renewal, qualities that resonate with winter festivities. As Christianity spread, the lore of peppermint spread into these customs and celebrations as well.
The most significant modern day associated of peppermint with Christmas comes from the candy cane. In late 17th century Germany, a choir master handed out white sugar sticks in the shape of a shepherd’s staff to keep children quiet during the long church services. Over time, the peppermint flavor and iconic red stripes were added.
The olfactory nerve bundle connects our nose (our sense of smell!) to the limbic system—the part of our brain that processes memories and emotions. This is why peppermint and other associated holiday scents trigger feelings of nostalgia.
The key constituent of peppermint is menthol. Constituents are naturally occurring compounds in plants (and therefore essential oils) that give them specific health-supporting properties. Menthol has been studied for is use to support healing and relief of minor aches and pains as well as airway support.
Here are the physical benefits of peppermint:
- Tired muscles: When applied to the skin, it gives a cooling sensation to the nerves. It then creates a warming sensation.
- Fevers: Apply to the bottoms of feet and the back of the neck
- Digestion: Soothes the stomach after all the wonderful holiday food!
- Head tension: Apply to the back of the neck or along the temples (be very careful as to avoid the eyes!)
- Respiratory: Inhale or apply topically to help open up the chest
A Refreshing DIY with Peppermint
The Pink Lily Pad and Two Tadpoles 