From Garden to Home Series: Peppermint — Cooling, Energizing & Surprisingly Useful

There’s something refreshing about stepping outside and brushing your hand against fresh peppermint. The scent alone feels energizing. Peppermint has become one of my favorite herbs to grow because it’s simple, dependable, and incredibly versatile for everyday wellness.

The best part? Once you plant peppermint, it keeps coming back year after year with very little effort. In fact, peppermint grows so well that many gardeners recommend planting it in a pot instead of directly in the ground because it spreads quickly and can take over a garden bed before you know it.

At our house, peppermint is one of those herbs we reach for constantly — for tea, headaches, digestion, skincare, and even natural products around the home.

Why Peppermint Deserves a Spot in Your Garden

Peppermint contains menthol, which gives it that cooling sensation and refreshing scent. Traditionally, peppermint has been used to support digestion, energy, focus, and overall wellness naturally.

Some of the many ways peppermint may support the body include:

• Supporting balanced energy levels

• Promoting focus and concentration

• Helping with occasional headaches or migraines

• Supporting digestive balance

• Helping relieve nausea or motion sickness

• Freshening breath naturally

• Supporting healthy skin

• Assisting with seasonal discomforts

• Supporting immune function

• Helping ease stress or tension

• Supporting scalp circulation and hair growth

• Helping soothe sore muscles or inflammation

• Assisting with menstrual discomfort

My Favorite Ways to Use Peppermint

Peppermint Tea for Upset Stomachs

One of the simplest things I do is dry peppermint leaves and store them in jars for tea. Anytime someone in the family has an upset stomach, nausea, or just needs something calming, peppermint tea is usually my first choice.

Simple Homemade Peppermint Tea

• 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves (or a handful fresh)

• 1 cup hot water

• Optional: honey and lemon

Steep for 5–10 minutes and enjoy warm.

Peppermint tea is especially nice after heavy meals or during times when digestion feels sluggish.

Peppermint for Headaches

Peppermint essential oil has become one of my favorite natural tools for headaches. I dilute a small amount with carrier oil and rub it gently onto my temples and the back of my neck.

The cooling sensation can feel incredibly soothing, especially during hot summer months.

Important: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted before applying to skin.

Cooling Summer Relief

Peppermint naturally creates a cooling effect, making it perfect during warm weather.

Here are a few easy ways to use it during summer:

• Add fresh peppermint leaves to ice water

• Freeze peppermint tea into ice cubes for drinks

• Add peppermint essential oil to a cool compress

• Place peppermint leaves in a shower for a refreshing steam effect

• Add a drop of peppermint oil to homemade foot soaks

Peppermint for Hair & Scalp Care

Peppermint can help stimulate the scalp and create a refreshing feeling that many people love in hair care products.

That’s one reason I include peppermint essential oil in my hair serum. It leaves the scalp feeling clean, cool, and refreshed.

Easy DIY Peppermint Scalp Oil

• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil

• 1 tablespoon castor oil

• 2–3 drops peppermint essential oil

Massage into scalp before washing hair.

Peppermint Around the Home

Peppermint is useful far beyond the kitchen.

I currently use peppermint essential oil in:

• Toothpaste

• Hair serum

• Homemade cleaning blends

• And my seasonal product - "Bug Bite Balm"- I’m excited to make again as the bugs are back!

Peppermint’s strong scent is also commonly used to help discourage bugs naturally around the home (or on your body!).

Growing Tips for Beginners

Peppermint is one of the easiest herbs to grow, which makes it great for beginners.

A few quick tips:

• Give it partial sun or morning sun

• Water consistently

• Harvest often to encourage growth

• Plant in containers if you don’t want it spreading everywhere

Even one small plant can provide enough leaves for tea all season long.

A Gentle Reminder (and disclaimer)

Natural remedies can be incredibly helpful, but they’re not a replacement for professional medical care. Always use essential oils carefully and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns, especially during pregnancy or when using peppermint with children.

Sometimes the most useful plants are the simplest ones growing quietly in the corner of the garden. Peppermint is definitely one of those for me — practical, refreshing, and something we use almost daily in our home.