Growing a potted peppermint plant in your entryway serves multiple purposes. The rich green leaves and pleasant odor set a welcoming tone for visitors and guests. Peppermint is relatively easy to grow and maintain. Here are some excellent reasons to have a peppermint plant growing in your front entrance.
Natural Pest Repellent
The smell of mint repels many insects. Peppermint plants deter ants, flies, mosquitoes, and spiders. It even helps to keep mice away. The menthol essential oil in peppermint interferes with insect scent receptors and confuses them. Crush a few peppermint leaves and rub them on the door sill and frame for extra protection from pests. This treatment can be renewed every few days if needed.
Welcoming Aroma and Natural Air Freshener
The fresh clean smell of peppermint in your entryway provides an instant uplift to visitors. The mint fragrance also permeates your entire house–acting as a natural air freshener. Peppermint is chemical-free and non-toxic.
Allergic reactions to mint are rare and caused by ingestion or touching the plant–not from the aroma. Make sure no one in your house reacts to peppermint plants.
Natural Air Purifier
Peppermint plants absorb indoor toxins–like formaldehyde and benzene. Like most other plants they absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen–improving indoor air quality.
Mental Boosting Aroma
Many people inhale peppermint essential oil to improve mental clarity, concentration, and alertness–along with other beneficial effects. The fragrance from your peppermint plant provides the same benefits constantly.
Fresh Peppermint Leaves For Cooking and Tea
Your peppermint plant is always available to provide fresh ingredients for any dish calling for peppermint, as a garnish, or dessert topping.
Or use the leaves to brew healthy calming peppermint tea. The tea helps with digestion and relieves upset stomach. You can also just crush the leaves for a stronger smell that relieves minor headaches and nasal congestion.
Reduces Stress and Promotes Calm
Studies show that the aroma of peppermint relieves stress and reduces fatigue and anxiety. A peppermint plant in your entryway starts the calming process as soon as you walk in the door. It also has a calming effect on guests–helping to promote a relaxed visit.
