August Herb Circle (All about Peppermint!)

This months's circle was all about peppermint. I will be posting a peppermint monograph soon as well as another blog post about making tea blends with peppermint along with a plethora of tea recipes. But these are some of the things we made this month at our circle featuring peppermint!

Peppermint Headache Balm

This cooling balm can be rubbed into the temples as needed for headaches. It also doubles as a bug bite salve for "hot" type of bites and stings.

2/3 cups olive or almond oil
2 tbsp. shea butter
1/2 ounce of grated beeswax or granules
10 drops peppermint essential oil 5 drops pine oil and 5 drops of Aura Cacia's Chill Pill blend

Infuse the peppermint in oil over low heat for about 20-30 min. (If you have time several hours is ideal but this is what we had time for at our circle). Remove from heat. Strain. Add the beeswax and shea butter and stir until melted. Add essential oils and pour into tins. Let solidify before covering with lids.


Peppermint Bitters (Digestive Remedy)

Take one dropperfull before or after meals or for upset stomach or other minor digestive complaints.

Fill a clean dry jar 1/2 full with equal amounts of dried peppermint, fennel seeds and chopped ginger root. Fill the jar to the top with alcohol of your choice (vodka, rum or brandy). Let sit away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks shaking occasionally. Strain and rebottle.


Peppermint Lime Foot Scrub

This is an old favorite of mine that I make each year. It makes a great gift!

1 cup Epsom Salts
1/2 cup freshly chopped mint leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
20 drops lime essential oil

In a well ventilated area, combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Using a fork is best. Store in a glass jar and use about 1 tbsp. per foot. Apply generously and rub into feet. Rinse well. Alternately you can use this as a foot soak as well.


Chocolate Covered Mint Leaves

We melted ceremonial grade Imlak'esh organic cacao wafers and added a touch of sugar. Dipped the leaves in the melted chocolate and froze until solid. These are delightful!!!