Healing & Health

Mr Moon's Materia Medica: Peppermint

An exploration of the magical, physical, and spiritual properties of Peppermint.

Article · 3 min read · Oct 27, 2026 · 15:00

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Welcome to my new series: Mr Moon's Materia Medica, where you'll go on a journey with me researching and exploring the different properties of herbs; in the magical, physical and spiritual sense.

I've been interested in herbs and plants for as long as I can remember, but in 2023 I got a job at a herbal apothecary which activated my senses and passion deeper. Since then I have done a lot of travelling and have worked at 3 different tea shops in different countries, a metaphysical store, and have also practiced blending my own tea and essential oils.

This series stems from a mixture of personal experience, real-life research, and channelled information. I will also link references and definitions so that you can refer back and make your own appropriate notes.

**Important Disclaimer: **The information in this series is not professional medical advice. Some herbs are also not safe to take on medication or if pregnant. Please consult your doctor if you're wanting to take herbs while on medication or if you have any health concerns.

Without further a due, let's dive right in.

In herbalism, one such phrase is “materia medica,” which comes from Latin and literally means “healing materials.” More specifically, a materia medica is a body of knowledge that describes how plants have been used therapeutically throughout the ages.

— https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/what-is-a-materia-medica/

The first herb I'm beginning with is Mentha × piperita, also known as_ _Peppermint. Peppermint is a beautiful herb; with it's strong cleansing properties, a cup of peppermint tea can really bring you an energetic refresh.

Peppermint is considered a carminative** **herb; meaning it supports the digestive system, relieves gas and bloating, and is often highly aromatic. It also contains volatile oils; oils that evaporate quickly.

Lorna Mauney-Brodek says, ''the volatile oils in herbs act as antispasmodics', meaning those oils act as muscle relaxants that "help relax the smooth muscles that line the walls of your internal organs" [Reference].

Peppermint is Antiemetic - a herb that may assist the tummy with relieving the feeling of nausea. Many carminative herbs have an antiemetic effect.

This is the carminative plant par excellence, ideal for persistent bloating and feelings of heaviness.

— Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue - https://www.vogue.com/article/three-ingredient-evening-drink-gut-health

This wonderful herb pulls from the inside outwards; a periphery effect that causes sweating. It gets the body moving and releasing, and hence it has this cleansing experience associated with it.

Considering all this, it makes sense to put peppermint essential oil in a balm for muscle relaxing; calming sores and aches. Drinking a cup of pure peppermint leaf tea is a strong choice when feeling a cold coming on.

However, other than the physical herbal effects, Peppermint also has magical properties that correlate with the traditional herbal energetics of the plant. Magical properties include cleansing, renewal, purifying, stimulation, activation and more.

Illustration for Mr Moon's Materia Medica: Peppermint

Peppermint Qualities:

Botanical Name: Mentha × piperita

Family: Lamiaceae

**Common Names: **Peppermint

**Botanical Description: **Aromatic toothed green leaves with dark purple stem. The flowers are whorled and a light purple colour.

Magical properties: renewal, cleansing, action, activate, awaken, authority, awareness, banish, inner calming, challenges, change, clarity, concentration, focus, creativity, divination, dream work, healing, intelligence, life, love, luck, lust, omens, dreams, the mind, purification, release, stimulation

**Zodiac Association: **Aquarius, Aries, Gemini, Virgo

Planet Association: Mercury

**Chakra: **Throat

Element: Air, Fire, Yang Energy

**Gods: **Pluto, Zeus

You can use peppermint for magical purposes by reflecting on one of the above magical properties or associations and integrating it into your life.

A simple ritual could even be steeping a cup of pure peppermint leaf tea.

Put a heaped teaspoon of peppermint leaves in a tea strainer and fill the cup with hot water. Speak into the water your intention, such as;

_"With this peppermint tea I cleanse and purify my body of energy that does not serve me, and so it is". _

Cover the tea with a plate or lid and let it steep for 5 minutes.

Afterwards, remove the tea strainer, drink, and enjoy.

I'd love to know, have you used peppermint for magical purposes or for other benefits? It really is such a wonderful, versatile herb. Let me know in the comments below.

And don't forget, if you enjoyed this read, please hit the 🌙 button and follow me for future reads. This is only the first article of my new Materia Medica series, and I am excited for how it unfolds. Have a blessed day! 🌿