Plant Description

History and Origin

Originally the product of a natural hybridization between Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata, peppermint is today a widely cultivated plant. Indigenous in Europe, it is now commonly found all around the globe as an adventitious plant. It likes humid and well-drained soils. In Egypt, some peppermint traces were found, dating back to as far as 1 000 years before J.-C. In Native medicinal tradition, it is used as analgesic (against colic, cramps and headaches), antiemetic, carminative, antipyretic and gastrointestinal tonic, as well as a remedy against flu and hemorrhoids and as a urinary disinfectant. Mitchum peppermint, very popular around the world, has its roots in Saint-Lawrence River Valley, in Québec.

Energetic and Emotional Effect

Peppermint is a general stimulant. Applied on the third eye chakra, it is inspiring and stimulates creativity while enhancing will and activity (solar plexus). Peppermint has a high level of compatibility with spruce. Peppermint’s energy soothes frictions and works on the barriers impeding the assimilation of new information. Symbolically, it allows the digestion of new thoughts and beliefs. Besides, peppermint contributes to chasing fears away from the mental body; it calms mental chattering and dissipates confusion.

Plant Description

Botanical information

History and Origin

Balsam Fir is one of the typical trees to our Boreal Forests. This evergreen can reach up to 40m high. The term Balsam refers to the soothing properties of certain plants on different problems. Fir forms an important part of our cultural heritage. Around this evergreen tree, our families gather to celebrate love, abundance and warmth in the middle of winter.

In the past, branches of Fir were used to build encampment during the winter but was also a big part of the Native's traditionnal medecine for its immunitary et anti-infectious fonctions. 

Native Americans also use the fresh shoots to make infusion and collect the resin on the bark of the trees. These extractions can be used to make pomades for superficial wounds and mosquito bites, as a laxative and analgesic, for cardiac, renal and pulmonary disorders, for irregular menstruations, as well as to treat gonorrhea, cancer and rheumatisms. 

"The Anneda: The Tree of Life", by Jacques Mathieu, restores the Balsam Fir as the real "Tree of Life" that was quoted in many historical stories from the early colonies. This healing tree saved Jacques Cartier's marines who were afflicted with scurvy.