Peppermint
(see also flowers)
It is a labiate flower having a strongly aromatic oil. Valued in antiquity as a medicinal plant, it is a symbol in Christian art of Mary because of its healing properties. From The Herder Dictionary of Symbols
According to classical legend, mint originated from the nymph Menthe, the daughter of the river god Cocyte. Because Pluto loved her, his jealous wife Proserpine changed Menthe into a mint plant. From The Herb Book by John Lust
Peppermint oil's chief ingredients are l-menthol and l-menthone; the former is responsible for the "cool" taste. The oil is most plentiful in a plant that has just begun to bloom, so this is the best time for harvesting. Drying the leaves in direct sunlight will dissipate the oil content substantially. . .All mints can be used as a mild moth repellent, and in herb pillows to aid sleeping. From Alyssa's World
The plant is found throughout Europe, in moist situations, along stream banks and in waste lands, and is not infrequent In damp places in England, but is not a common native plant, and probably is often an escape from cultivation. In America it is probably even more common as an escape than Spearmint, having long been known and grown in gardens. From A Modern Herbal
Songs referenced:
Daisy Dead Petals