BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SEVEN EASY HERBS

WEEK 2 — Peppermint: Your Everyday Digestive Ally

Peppermint was one of the first herbs I felt truly confident using, and honestly, it’s still one of the ones I reach for the most. There’s something comforting about how familiar it is — the bright smell, the cooling taste, the way it instantly feels like a little reset button for your whole system. If you’ve ever sipped peppermint tea after a heavy meal and felt your belly unclench, you already know exactly what I mean.

As a beginning herbalist, I love herbs that make you feel successful right away, and peppermint is absolutely one of those. It contains natural compounds that help relax the muscles of the digestive tract, which is a fancy way of saying it helps your stomach chill out. Bloating, gas, that uncomfortable “why did I eat that?” feeling — peppermint steps in like a calm, capable friend who knows exactly what to do.

But what surprised me most when I started working with peppermint wasn’t just how helpful it is for digestion. It’s how uplifting it feels. There’s a brightness to it, almost like a cool breeze on a warm day. I’ve started keeping peppermint tea bags in my work bag, because on long afternoons when my brain feels foggy or my energy dips, a cup of peppermint tea wakes me up without making me jittery. It’s refreshing in a way that feels natural and gentle.

One of the easiest ways to bring peppermint into your daily rhythm is simply to brew a cup of tea after meals. It’s a small ritual that signals to your body, “Okay, we’re shifting into ease now.” If you’re someone who struggles with bloating or sluggish digestion, this alone can make a noticeable difference.

Fresh mint leaves are another simple joy. I love adding them to my water bottle — it turns plain water into something crisp and invigorating. If you’re a smoothie person, toss in a handful of mint for a cooling twist. And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, try chopping mint into fruit salads. It pairs beautifully with berries, melon, and citrus.

One of my favorite beginner tips is to keep a small mint plant on your windowsill. I suggest organic plants which are easy to find and come in so many different varieties! Peppermint grows easily, and having it nearby makes you more likely to use it. There’s something grounding about snipping a few leaves and adding them to whatever you’re making. It’s a tiny moment of connection with the plant itself.

Peppermint is the perfect starting point for an herbal journey because it’s gentle, accessible, and instantly helpful. It doesn’t require complicated preparations or special equipment. It simply asks you to notice how your body feels and to let this refreshing, familiar herb support you in small, meaningful ways.

Peppermint is more than just a refreshing herb; it’s a gentle companion on your path to digestive wellness. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you’re inviting calm, comfort, and a little spark of natural energy into your life. Embrace this everyday ally and let it remind you that wellness can be both gentle, easy and joyful, one small sip at a time.