Most people are familiar with mint in the form of a tasty tidbit whether it be a breath freshner, toothpaste, candy or maybe even their favorite herbal tea. However, once you know about some of the healing properties of mint you begin to understand that mint matters are so much important than a person realizes. For a person who has seen or felt it’s healing power…they know the value of keeping pure mint oil on hand!
For instance, did you know that mint (be it spearmint or peppermint) has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and is an analgesic? That covers many ailments that a human being can experience. Wow, can you think of any other product that has any kind of equal healing power in it? It is amazing. It also is a very tasty product and one that is fairly reasonable to purchase or to grow in your own backyard.
As some of my regular readers know, I supported a very special group of people who produce mint oil right here in Michigan. It is the Crosby Mint Farm in St. Johns, Michigan. It is a family owned business and it has just celebrated their 99 harvest of mint oil this past weekend. My family and I got to go on a tour of the farm with some very dear friends of ours this past weekend. What a joy to see this farm that is a source of healing power for so many people around the world.
There is Peppermint Jim and his sister Linette who are the owners/operators. Both of whom are knowledgable and very genuine personalities. They have a wonderous staff of mint aficionados. Their small, on farm, store is stocked with products sure to please. From candles, to body spritz, to honey subtly flavored with mint, to bath salts and various sizes of bottles of pure essential mint oils to choose from; a person could surely find a way to utilize the products that they produce.
If you have followed their story you know that they struggled in the last few years with a foreclosure and “lost” their farm to an auction. The farm’s motto is “expect miracles” and through a very interesting turn of events they were able to buy back most of the farm and their family’s home which is a huge part of their legacy of producing mint for 99 harvests. Their faith and the support of customers, media and community have come full circle which is going to allow for a great celebration next year of their 100th harvest.
I have seen the healing power of the pure mint oil that they produce; as my very own mother was relieved of painful shingle sores in her mouth that prevented her from speaking and eating normally, for a period of time last winter. When medicines perscribed for her, by her physician, failed to give her relief…I recommended the mint oil. She applied the mint oil and in a matter of a few days she was finally free from the pain and inflammation in her mouth around her tongue and gums. It was miraculous. It was well worth the small cost of the bottle of oil to see her out of the pain and discomfort she had been in.
There is also the story on Peppermint Jim’s website about a medical mission team that went to Nigeria and helped over 800 people there with mint oil that was donated from the Crosby Mint Farm. You should find that story here: http://www.peppermintjim.com/mint-oil-across-the-world/ That is powerful to me. Now understand, this is pure mint oil not imitation oil. This is oil produced by plants designed and put on the Earth by the master physician himself, God. Why aren’t we using this valuable product more in medicinal ways to promote health and well-being; as opposed to manufactured medications that have so many harmful side-effects?
One of the big things that we heard alot during our day spent at the mint festival is how the Crosbys want to help people. By producing the best quality oil, they can help people to live healthier and enjoy their lives more when they are using the oil to live with less pain, less infection, less inflammation and so much more.
I have to tell you that the people who work on the farm from Carol, to Lori and her sister Kelly, to all of the others we met this weekend at the mint festival; both on the farm and at the booth at the festival, they know their stuff. We went on a wonderful tour and gained so much information that I could have spent a week there, just asking questions and absorbing knowledge from these wonderful people. They were gracious and allowed us to take pictures with them.
Did you know that it takes 1 acre of plant material (mint), or 4 tons, to fill the distillery equipment to make a batch of oil; which can yield as much as 35-40 lbs. This is produced without chemicals or pesticides…and in fact, the Crosby Mint Farm is proud of the farming practices that they use, which are earth friendly.
An interesting day it was for myself and my family. Our friends were just as thrilled with all that we learned. We were priveledged to be present for the filming of a television interview with chanel 6 in Lansing, Michigan, which has been a strong supporter of this farms efforts to not only stay in business; but, to continue the legacy that was started so long ago by Peppermint Jim and his wonderful sister Linette’s great grandfather, J.E. Crosby, Sr; way back in 1912.
If you would like to learn more about the Crosby Mint Farm or the products that they produce you can go to their website here: http://crosbymintfarm.com/ . If you go there, do yourself a favor and purchase some of their products…trust me you wont be sorry. I don’t have an affiliate link to them or any of their products…I just believe in what they do and why they do it. I really believe you will too once you’ve tried some of it!
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Oh, Rainy! I am at once insanely jealous that you got to visit Peppermint Jim and Linette AND thrilled for you!
What Jim and Linette and their crack team are doing is noble. They can expect miracles because they participate in the creation of miracles every day.
I’m thrilled they were able to save their farm; I’m thrilled they can celebrate in grand style and I’m thrilled you and yours got to be a part of the festival fun!
I’m still jealous though. grin
Hugs
Mother Connie
PS/I, too, was able to make a small purchase during that critical time in their journey. A very wise purchase, so it was!
Rainy! Thank you so much for the wonderful post about your visit to the farm and festival…it was one of my highlight’s to meet you and your family and spritz you this weekend! Your support of our cause and your wonderful blog have had an impact on our success. It’s because of people like you…and Mother Connie too, that we are still going. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the staff at Crosby Mint Farm. Thank you for blessings us… We can’t wait until Mother Connie can visit us too! “Love your peppermint! & expect miracles”.
Love your way,
Linette Crosby
Lorraine and Jeff:
How awesome this post is!!! Sorry I missed you guys at the mint festival, I must have been at our third location that weekend at the East Lansing Folk Festival that day. Glad you came out and enjoyed yourselves! The farm is a magical place!! Thank you for all your support and love!
<3 Lilian