Common Names  Peach, Peach tree, Persian apple, Momo, Táo Ren.

Latin Name: Prunus persica

Family: Rosaceae

History
Peach is an old European folk remedy that was adopted by the Indigenous people as a food and medicine when European settlers brought it to the New World. Peach trees were first cultivated in China but the Persians created a variety that was prized by the Chinese. Peaches have been mentioned in literature as far back as 49AD and there have been findings in ancient Chinese manuscripts going back to 1100BC.

Chinese people believed the peach tree had greater vitality than any other tree. This is because the blossoms appear before the leaves have sprouted. Peaches are featured in many ancient Chinese writings. Peaches or gifts with peach imagery were prized gifts.

‘Peach Blossom Land’ is the term used to describe a haven of peace. Sweet peaches also have a place in many religious rites and are often found on family alters. There are many illustrations of elders or Buddha holding a peach.

In Chinese (Taoist) mythology, “peento peaches” were a type of peach grown by the heavenly queen mother and were considered fruits of immortality. These peento peaches were said to only ripen every 3,000 years and could only be eaten by immortal beings.

Chinese people are known to eat peach-shaped dumplings on their birthday sometimes because peaches symbolize prosperity and longevity. 

The wood of a peach tree has often been made into weapons because of its tendency to ward off evil. In China images of peaches are often used to decorate objects, ranging from decorative vases to drinking cups. Beautiful images have been carved out of peach pits. Peach is a Goddess symbol as the phallus is a God symbol.

In Japanese folklore there is a hero named Momotaro. He was born from a giant peach and was found by an old childless woman who was washing clothes by the river he was floating down in his peach. The woman and her husband were going to eat the peach but discovered the child who explained that he had been given to them by the gods to be their son the couple named him Momotaro because Momo is the word for peach and taro is the word for the eldest son in the family. Some people call him peach boy. At the girl’s festival, Hinamatsuri, peach blossoms and fruit are featured due to their banishing powers. 

In Korea, peaches are seen as the fruit of happiness, longevity, riches and honor. They also consider the peach tree to be immortal.

In Vietnamese mythic history, the peach branch is used to send a message of victory and coming peace after a battle. Also, it is by a peach tree that lovers meet and fall in love. In Vietnam, peach blossoms signal spring. The peach bonsai is one of the symbols used during the Vietnamese new year.

Ancient Egyptians offered peaches to the God of Tranquility. Romans associated the peach with Venus. In Germany peaches have been seen as an aphrodisiac with magical properties. Southern Native American nations applied a poultice of ground peach and grape leaves to skin inflamations and boils, changing the bandage several times a day until healed.

A peach with a leaf attached symbolizes the union of the heart and tongue, hence truth.

“You’re a real peach” originated from the tradition of giving a peach to a friend you like.

Energetics
Flavor : Sour, aromatic, bitter, sweet
Temperature : Cooling (fruit, leaves, twigs) 
Moisture : Moistening (fruit, leaves, twigs) 
Tissue State: Heat, excitation, atrophy

Indications
Dryness, heat, irritability and tension in individuals who are sensitive, emotionally brittle and have a tendency towards inflammation and allergies as well as other hyperimmune conditions. Sensitive skin, UTI, edema, dehydration, burn out, insomnia, earache, gastritis, dyspepsia, diarrhea, vomiting, morning sickness. Heals hurt caused by grief or loss, heals anger that stems from a deep wound.

Systems Upper GI, uterus, immune system, nervous system

Actions 
Sedative, soothing and cooling nervine, demulcent, diuretic, mildly astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, emmenagogue, laxative (seed), drawing

Nutrition
Vitamin A/beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin, folic acid, calcium, fiber, iron, choline, potassium, selenium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and copper.

Constituents 
Amygdalin (a cyanogenic glycoside) acetaldehyde, polyphenols, phytosterols, triterpenes, tannins, hydrocarbons

Benefits
Calms hyperimmune responses like allergic skin reactions such as insect bites and hives. Soothes nausea and calms anxiety and restless moodiness, uterine tonic, digestive tonic, soothes digestive irritation, increases appetite.

Peach bark expels worms, calms the nervous system, alleviates morning sickness, excellent for bladder and urine problems. The flowers make a tasty syrup for children’s ailments.

Cautions
Please make sure to do lots of research when working with the pits internally due to the presence of Prussic/hydrocyanic acid. It is advised to avoid using the pits during pregnancy because of their tendency to help move blood. Traditionally leaf, bark, and fruit are used during pregnancy. For someone with a colder constitution it is recommended to add something like ginger to warm up formulations involving peach. 

Culinary use
Peaches are most often eaten fresh, ripe and raw, but can be frozen, dried, canned, roasted, grilled, sauced, brandied and juiced. They can be baked into cobblers, pies, and other baked goods as well. The fruit and the flowers are delicious in salads.

Magick 
Element : Water
Zodiac Signs : Aries, Sagittarius 
Planet: Venus
Magic : Protection, longevity, luck, vitality, love, wishes, banishing. The wood is used for wands and divining rods. The pit is carved and worn for protection. Peaches are given as gifts to sweet friends. Peach cobbler is traditionally made and given to woo a lover.

Latin name: Mentha x piperita

Family: Lamiaceae

Habitat: Peppermint is a hybrid plant, a cross between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). Native to southern Europe, it is a perennial herb that has been naturalized worldwide. Peppermint grows wild in moist soils in the warm regions of Europe, Asia, and America. 

Growing peppermint requires full to partial sun with moderate to high amounts of water. It can be a little invasive and spreads quickly. Mint seeds are small and difficult to work with, so growing from cuttings is preferred. The peppermint plant grows to about 2-3 feet in height. It produces very small purple or white flowers that bloom from July through August. The leaves are dark green and fragrant. 

Parts Used: Fresh and dried aerial parts of the peppermint plant are used as well as the distilled volatile oil (essential oil).

History/Tradition:

Dried peppermint leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating back from about 1000 BC. The ancient Egyptians used peppermint as a ritual perfume. It was an ingredient of the sacred incense, kyphi. According to tradition, burning a handful of mint leaves removes diseases and promotes healing.

 Peppermint has been highly valued by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. It was often used to scent bath water and bedding. The Romans crowned themselves with peppermint wreaths during great feasts to take advantage of the detoxifying effects.

According to Greek mythology the genus, Mentha, Takes its name from the nymph, Minthe Who had an affair with the god of the underworld, Hades. His wife Persephone was jealous of Minthe and turned her into a nondescript plant. Hades turned the plant into a valuable, lovely- scented, useful herb that would be appreciated and valued until the end of time.

In the Islamic tradition, mint is considered a pledge of love while in Japan, it is used as an aphrodisiac. In India, researchers at the Malaria Research Centre in Delhi have found that the oil repels adult mosquitoes and can kill the larvae. Which can have positive effects on diseases such as Dengue Fever and Malaria.

In Germany, peppermint leaf tea has been licensed for use during indigestion or dyspepsia

Energetics: The flavor of peppermint is pungent and sweet. It is a dry, cooling herb with a warming secondary effect.

Uses: Digestive System: Peppermint is an ally for assisting the Digestive System when there are symptoms like gas, bloating, colic, irritable bowels, and nausea (especially when there is a headache involved). A cup of mint tea after a meal is a traditional digestive aid. It provides a relaxing, carminative effect on the digestive system while promoting bile and digestive juice flow.

Peppermint is well known for promoting fresh breath and is used in many toothpastes. Not only does the strong scent mask the halitosis, but the antibacterial constituents work to kill the germs that cause bad breath. 

For the respiratory system, the menthol of peppermint and other mints is used as a chest rub and smelling herb to help clear the lungs by loosening phlegm. It also shrinks swollen membranes in the sinuses, acting as a decongestant. When a spasmodic cough is present, peppermint can be used for its antispasmodic actions. 

Peppermint is also useful for the skin and hair with its soothing anti-inflammatory properties. A refreshing mint hydrosol for the face and skin is not only cooling but also helps soothe insect bites. As a facial spray or made into a toner, peppermint cam calm hot, red skin conditions with its anti-inflammatory actions and tightens pores. It also has antiseptic actions to help keep the skin clear of acne.

As a treatment for dandruff, peppermint rinses help soothe an itching dry scalp. Peppermint is often an ingredient in salves for other forms of eczema for the same anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. 

It’s very good for relieving excessive sweating, relieving the feeling of heavy legs, and also refreshing your breath. 

Actions: Carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-microbial, analgesic.

Nutrition: Peppermint contains a wide range of valuable nutrients such as Beta-carotene, B-complex, copper, manganese and potassium

Constituents: Volatile oil (menthol and menthone), Flavonoids (luteolin, menthoside), Phenolic acids, Triterpenes, Ketone, Tannins, Resin, Rosmarinic Acid

Cautions: Peppermint often aggravates reflux (though spearmint may not), and the essential oil should always be diluted. Peppermint should be used cautiously during pregnancy and your doctor should be consulted if using pharmaceuticals such as medicines that treat heartburn.

Culinary use: Peppermint supplies the cool refreshing familiar flavor we love in peppermint candies. Not only does peppermint make a delicious infusion, it’s also well known as an ingredient in some mojitos, mint sauces and mint chutney. A few other delicious ways to use peppermint include in a lemon/lime aid, in pesto, mint chocolate chip ice cream, a peppermint simple syrup for hot cocoa and coffee drinks, and it makes a great mint gelatin.

Other uses: The smell of peppermint is a snake and mouse repellant. Peppermint hydrosol or flower water is most famous for its digestive, anti-inflammatory and mind-stimulating properties. Spritz it on your face when tired, or during hot weather and you will feel an immediate refreshing effect.

From Alexis J Cunningfolk at Worts and Cunning.com
Tarot Cards: The Fool, the Hermit, Justice, the Star, the World, the Knight of Swords, Four of Cups, Six of Wands.
Element : Fire + Water
Zodiac Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Libra
Planets: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter
Moon Phase: Full Moon   
Magic: prosperity, abundance, good fortune
Incense: blends for clearing energy
Stones that associate with mint are: malachite, prehnite, pyrite, jade, rose quartz, fluorite, pink and green tourmaline, kunzite, rhodochrosite, aventurine, morganite, lepidolite, onyx, chrysocolla, dioptase, and leopard skin jasper

This materia medica was written by Jessica Grandey

I applied for an EIN for The Ginger Tea Company in July 2019. Speaking on my intuition, I envisioned that the time to branch out was coming, but I didn’t know when. From the spring of 2020 to date, I’ve worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life. My goal has been to offer herbal remedies that are palatable to most audiences, use accessible herbs to lessen the intimidation of herbalism to those curious, and establish new relationships to encourage growth and community. Understanding that this path is to benefit those around me, I continuously listen and give back to the best of my ability. I’m beginning to host or co-host classes through The Ginger Tea Company, to bring simplicity to being healthier and utilizing herbs. To date, my greatest impact has been at the farmers’ markets, when I have the privilege of sharing my products and explaining how small steps, such as drinking tea, can have a great impact. 

My efforts with Herbalists Without Borders really began when approached by my friend, Rebecca, in the Fall of 2019 who was seeking allies to begin the chapter. For months we planned quietly, brainstorming how we can begin and where to start. We diligently try to make relationships with fellow herbalists and community organizations to see how we can align and provide education, herbal preparations and volunteer opportunities. Within the last three months, we have been able to teach 5 community classes at a local farmers market, complete one herbal drive, host two webinars with community partners and are currently wrapping up our Winter Wellness kits to distribute to a local nonprofit. We’ve had a solid beginning with a small, but strong following, with no intentions of slowing down in the near future. 

What I’ve realized is that even though the demand for both The Ginger Tea Company and Herbalists Without Borders of the Big Bend exists in this area, there are so many beautiful souls in this area already. What is needed is opportunities to continue to connect, organize and increase our impact to more people to share the diversity of the people, skill sets and lifestyles. There is no one way to do everything, and as I continue to meet others, my goal is that we can unite to grow together both spiritually and mentally.