Notes
This peppermint bottle comes from a larger set in the Henry family medicine chest (01.31.1).
Peppermint oil comes from peppermint, a hybrid mint from the crossing of the watermint and spearmint species. The oil is made by harvesting the plants and using a water-based distillation process to extract the oil.
It was historically used to treat stomach issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and flatulence, and promote digestion. Today in addition to treating stomach issues, it is used in fragrances, food, and pain management.
The bottle has a lid (01.31.2b).
This chest and its contents belonged originally to John (1796–1868) and Elvira McClelland Henry (1808–1875) during their years at Red Hill. The chest was passed down in the family to John and Elvira's daughter, Margaret Ann Henry Miller (1827–1881), and then to her daughter, Elvira Henry Miller (1850–1955). It was then given to Rose Miller Gammon Garrett (1946–) through her father, William Miller Gammon Sr. (1900–1970). William Gammon Sr. was a nephew to Elvira Miller. His daughter, Rose Garrett, is a third great-great-granddaughter of Patrick Henry.
On September 4, 2001, Rose Gammon Garrett donated the medicine chest (01.31.1) and its contents (01.31.2-25) to the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation.