PEPPERMINT  1/2
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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Aromatic perennial on root-stock producing runners. Stem is square, erect,
     and somewhat branched. Grows to about 2 feet tall, bearing spikes of mauve
     and occasionally white flowers.

     Peppermint  needs  sun,  or  partial shade.  Soil  should  be  moist, well
     drained,  alkaline,  and rich in nutrients.  Take root or stem cuttings or
     divide  plant  in spring and autumn.  Plants are best grown from purchased
     transplant, as seeds are sometimes untrustworthy in purity and variety.

     Thin  or  transplant to 12 inches apart  into  large pot or plastic bag to
     restrain  the  invasive  roots. All flowering  stems  should be removed to
     avoid cross-pollination.

     Pick leaves just before flowering. Harvest sparingly during the first year
     of growth to allow the plant to establish itself. Dry or freeze leaves, or
     infuse leaves in oil or vinegar.


                                   CULINARY  USES:
     Spearmint  and Peppermint can be used for mint sauce and with chocolate in
     rich desserts.

     Mint  is  indispensable  in the kitchen.  Its  strong fresh flavor is very
     distinctive and it is rarely mixed with other herbs.

     A  sprig  of mint added to boiled  potatoes, spring carrots, and peas will
     make them taste delicious.

     To  protect  the  flavor of fresh-picked  mint  leaves,  store them in the
     refrigerator or freeze in airtight bags or container.

     There are about 25 species of mint.

     Make  your  own  mint  sauce.  Stir 1  teaspoon  of  caster  sugar  into 1
     tablespoon  of  wine  vinegar. Mix until  completely  dissolved, now add 2
     tablespoons of fresh finely chopped mint leaves. Sweeten more if necessary
     and store in airtight jar.



                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     Peppermint  and spearmint are both used in herbal healing and have similar
     effects,  peppermint is the tastier and  more potent. Both mints owe their
     value in healing to their aromatic oils. Peppermint oil is mostly Menthol.
     Spearmint oil contains a similar chemical called Carvone.

     Peppermint  may help prevent stomach ulcer.  It also appears to soothe the
     smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract, and the uterus.

     Peppermint  oil  may  help you fight  diseases.  Studies  show that it can
     inhibit   the  action  of  some  30  different  bugs,  Including  the  one
     responsible for Asian flue, sinusitis, cold sores, and mumps.
     




                                  PEPPERMINT  1/2
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     For wounds, burns, scalds, and herpes, apply a few drops of peppermint oil
     directly to the affected area.
     Peppermint with its chemical Menthol helps relieve nasal, sinus, and chest
     congestion.  It also lessens the amount of time food spends in the stomach
     by  stimulating  the gastric lining. Peppermint  can  also reduce the sick
     feeling typical of migraine headaches.


                                      WARNING:
     Ingesting pure Menthol is poisonous. As little as a teaspoon can be fatal.
     Pure peppermint oil has also been found to produce toxic effects.


                                    OTHER USES:
     Grow near roses to deter Aphids. Scatter fresh leaves around food to deter
     mice. Strew in cupboards and beds to deter ants and fleas.

     Mix  with  thyme,  woodruff, lemon verbena  or  lavender and 1 teaspoon of
     orris for a long lasting delightful fragrance.


                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     For  a herbal bath, fill a cloth bag  with a few handful of dried or fresh
     mint leaves and let the water run over it. An infusion of peppermint makes
     a  popular  mouthwash. A strong infusion of  3-4  tablespoons of fresh ( 1
     tbsp  of dried ) peppermint makes  an effective astringent lotion. This is
     good  for  removing ingrained dirt,  or counteracting an over-greasy skin.
     Chewing a few leaves to sweeten your breath.