One of the first things we’ll do once we finally purchase our homestead is put in a large herbal garden with loads of both culinary and medicinal herbs for me to have at my fingertips. I have a few potted herbs now that can be moved easily, but it isn’t the same.
Thankfully I have my collection of dried herbs available to use. They are so handy and convenient, and I keep all my mason jars lined up and ready to put into action at a moment’s notice.
Peppermint Leaf is one of my favorite herbs to use in so many different applications throughout life and home. The scent is typically loved by all ages, and the herb is calming and soothing to the body.

Here are nine ways that I love to use Peppermint.

1. Add a little cooling tea to your shampoo regimen. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried Peppermint, Horsetail, and Nettle Leaf to 8 ounces freshly boiled water and let steep for 1 hour. Use to rinse hair to stimulate scalp and encourage hair growth. You can use this recipe to make a bigger batch, if needed; simply store the extra in the refrigerator and use up within three days.
2. Add dried Peppermint Leaf to sugar scrubs to add texture and a delightful aroma.
3. A cup of peppermint tea can help to soothe an upset stomach or a feeling of having overeaten.
4. Make a peppermint-infused oil to gently massage the stomach and back and relieve an icky stomach from the outside in.

Peppermint Leaf Infused Oil

Fresh or Dried Peppermint Leaf
Your choice of oil (we suggest Olive Oil or Coconut Oil if you plan on using it in any edible recipes)

Add peppermint leaf to a jar and cover with oil. Shake well and leave in a window. Shake every 12 hours. In the summer, you can strain after 2 days of steeping, but in the cold days of winter you might need to allow to sit for a full month to get a potent infusion. Strain and store infused oil in a glass jar for up to 3 months.

5. Put dried Peppermint Leaf in small fabric bags, tie with a ribbon, and place the sachets in drawers, closets and cabinets to discourage bugs and pests. You can also sprinkle the leaves straight into your cabinets and on window sills.
6. Try some Nighttime Peace Tea the next time you have trouble settling into bed. Use 1/2 teaspoon each of dried Peppermint, Catnip, and Chamomile. Steep in 8 ounces of freshly boiled water. Sweeten with honey or stevia to taste.

7. Using a base of unscented lotion, add ten drops of Peppermint Leaf Tincture and mix thoroughly. Then massage on sore muscles and joints. This makes a wonderfully cooling and soothing massage cream!
8. Make your own Peppermint Leaf Extract to use in cooking or as a tincture.

Peppermint Leaf Extract
Peppermint Leaf, fresh or dried
Vodka, unflavored and preferably non-GMO

Add peppermint leaf to a mason jar and fill the jar to cover the herbs with vodka. Use a ratio of 1:4 if using dried herbs, so 1/4 cup dried peppermint to 1 cup of vodka; for fresh herbs, use 1:2, so 1/2 cup fresh peppermint to 1 cup vodka.

If using fresh peppermint, strain after one month; with dried peppermint, allow to steep for four months. This extract can be used to flavor coffee and teas or in baking, or take a few drops to help relieve digestive complaints.

9. I am in love with using a Peppermint Poultice as minty warm relief for congestion and headaches! Place several teaspoons of peppermint leaf in a bowl. Add enough freshly boiled water to thoroughly dampen the herbs. Mix well with either a pestle or a fork until incorporated. Place the moist herbs on a clean, dry cotton cloth and fold into a small packet. When cooled enough to apply to the skin, place on the chest for congestion or on forehead or back of the neck for a headache.

How do you use Peppermint Leaf? Let us know in the comments below!