What Is a Peppermint?

For some peppermint is an aroma, an oil
a flavoring, an essence utilized sparingly.
For a compulsive overeater such thoughts embroil
the mind which sees red and white candy exclusively.

Is this essentially different, so outlandish
as to be a breach in the meaning of words?
Is there need to analyze, examine, establish
a common core of meaning of nouns and verbs?

The issue has nothing to do with vocabulary
but is relevant to everything about compulsion.
If a person is unable to deviate, to vary
the thoughts, the need for comfort food, the revulsion
that comes with avoiding crutch foods
inevitably brings self-destructive attitudes.