"Minty Fresh: The Many Uses of Mint Leaves"

 

A Beginner's Guide to Growing and Harvesting mint leaves.

 Peppermint gets its name from greek mythology archaeologists have discovered three thousand-year-old dry peppermint leaves in the inner chambers of egyptian pyramids it can be found growing wild and moist areas throughout europe and north america it is grown for its highly aromatic and flavorful leaves its oval leaves are veined and serrated if allowed to bloom it will produce petite purple flowers it is a herbaceous and rhizomatous and often considered aggressive depending on where you live growing plant peppermint typically occurs in moist habitats including stream sides and drainage ditches being a hybrid is usually sterile producing no seeds and reproducing only vegetatively spreading by its runners peppermint companion plant is a good choice for cabbage karabi broccoli and kale as the each will be enhanced if peppermint is planted nearby

however you should not grow parsley or chamomile near mint peppermint is known to attract bees and other beneficial insects to your garden peppermint companion plant is helpful for gardeners because it repels ants

aphids cabbage fly cabbage looper and flea beetles peppermint has anti-parasitic antiseptic antiviral and sweat inducing properties as an inhaler peppermint essential oils treats nausea and shock and is said to

improve concentration peppermint leaves are rich in vitamin a boylites riboflavin and vitamin k      ..The Health benefits and Uses of Mint leaves, also known as Mentha or Pudina

1.

Mint leaves are one of the highest herbal sources of anti-oxidants and carotenes, and

are therefore used to create herbal teas. 2.

Drinking mint tea, aids the digestion process of the body and naturally stabilises both irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation. It has also been attributed to soothe diaphragm irritation, effectively treating hiccups.

3.

Drinking mint tea also has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties, due to its high

volume of natural nutrients, vitamins and minerals

4.

All mint varieties are rich in carotenes containing approximately one thousand six hundred micrograms

within a standard portion.

When regularly consumed, mint aids with achieving optimal eye health, whilst reducing dry eyes

and sensitivity.

5.

Mint leaves can be crushed and used in conjunction with regular toothpaste, to whiten teeth with

stronger effect. The pleasant aroma and oxidisation process also reduces bad breath.

6.

Menthol is an essential oil which is contained within many varieties of mint.

This essential oil is regularly extracted and used in a range of different health, food and cosmetic products.

7.

Peppermint, one of the most common varieties is used in many medicines such as inhalers,

in order to aid breathing, prevent coughing, hay-fever and reduce mucus during a cold or infection.

8.

When mint aroma is inhaled, it also helps asthma.

The respiratory passages, and airwaves are opened and calmed to allow for a more stable airflow.

This can be reproduced at home, by simply crushing peppermint leaves, and inhaling the

aroma and menthol contained within them.

9.

Inhaling mint aroma also reduces nausea, and headaches. Peppermint tea works particularly well in this case.

10.

Mint leaves can also be used in other aromatherapy products, such as candles, oils, soaps and  balms. 11.

Oils derived from mint, can be used in conjunction with other essential oils to provide a pleasing,

and relaxing aroma in order to reduce insomnia.

12.

Mint acts as an antipruritic therefore may also be used as a rub, to provide a cooling

sensation to the skin. This effectively desensitises skin irritations from itching, burns, bites and stings.

13.

Rosmarinic acid is a dominant anti-oxidant contained within mint and has high anti-inflammatory

properties. Mint oil and menthol can be used whilst soaking in the bath to reduce aches, sprains and cramps.

14.

The gentle aroma of mint leaves, used in aromatherapy acts as a relaxant, reducing anxiety and stress.

15.

A variety of mint named Barbed Skullcap, kills cancer cells by destroying the blood vessels

which supply the cancerous tumours. 16.

Mint, used in conjunction with salt and water can be used to create a better tasting saline

gargle, in order to clear up throat infections.

17.

The pennyroyal variety of mint can be used as bug deterrent and is commonly used in spray

form to repel ants and flies.

18.

Mint leaves and stalks can be tucked inside a pillow, which your pet sleeps on or in their

favourite resting place to act as a flea repellent. 19. Mint is a commonly used herb to cook with.

It can add wonderful flavour to many dishes, whilst also adding healthy nutrition.

20.

When grown in larger quantities, mint acts as a mice and rats deterrent in your garden.

21.

There are over eighteen known varieties of mint, and many hybrids. Each has its own unique flavour. 22.

The Mint herb / plant grows rapidly, and is usually perennial, returning each year with

little maintenance.

In order to harvest your own mint for use in cooking, and any of the techniques described

above, I would recommend continually removing the leaves from the mint stalks throughout

the growing season, as this promotes a bushier mint with more growth.

Depending upon the variety, always keep the mint well-trimmed, to prevent it from flowering,

which will yield more foliage.

The mint flower itself can also be eaten, and can be a beautiful aromatic garnish as a final touch to any dish.

23.

Mint is very refreshing when added to iced drinks.

Place mint stalks into a bottle of water in the refrigerator and leave it for at least one hour.

The water will then be infused with mint, and can be combined with fresh fruit and vegetables

to create a very healthy, yet tasty beverage. 24.

Mint sauce can be made, and is a tasty compliment to any roast meal.

Please see the link below the video for a short guide on how to make fresh mint sauce.

Finally I would like to dedicate this video to my late grandmother, Bella who inspired

my love of mint from a young age.

For a written version of this article, please follow the link in the description to the

unexplored lexicon blog, or visit my main website breakingrealms.com where you can also

see other articles, podcasts and other life enhancing research projects and developments.