> I would like to know the origins ov how the peppermint flavoring fits
> in with the whole concept ov Jesus??
The local anesthetic action of Peppermint oil is exceptionally strong.
It is also powerfully antiseptic. It is also used to drive rats away
because they dislike it's smell. This could be paralleled with Jesus
relieving us of our burdens and pain, cleansing us of our sin and
driving away the demon rats.
It was also used in old europe to scent bath water and as a restorative
and was/is used in a large number of herbal cures. It has long been
highly regarded as a healing agent. When snorted it is supposed to clear
one's head/mind. This could also be tied into the general idea of the
savior as a healing, mind clearing pick me up.
Pliny reports that the Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with
Peppermint at their feasts and adorned their tables with its sprays, so
it probably has some religious connotations from way back when. I have
not been able to find out what they may be as yet.
Peppermint has long been used as a flavoring agent in food so it may be
that it's inclusion was for no other reason than taste.
By the way, with regard to the barber pole thing, peppermint was used
extensively in the treatment of tooth ache and tooth decay because of
it's previously mentioned anesthetic and antiseptic qualities.
-- Bones**************************** Those who fail to plan create a plan for failure. ****************************