Mint - Health Benefits

Mint - Health Benefits

Mentha Piperita (usually known as Peppermint) is the King of all mints. The potent taste of the leaves very strong menthol - takes your breath away. Very cool and clean indeed. Peppermint is the mint that is most often used commercially in liqueurs, toothpastes, soaps, and mouthwashes because of its strong, pure qualities. In medicines, it is used not only as a pleasant flavoring, but also because it contains healing properties as well. Mint has been known as both a seasoning and a medicine for centuries. It is also being used for rubbing since the very early stages of human evolution. 
Plant family: Lamiaceae (mint family). The species name piperita refers to the peppery and pungent taste.
Used plant part: Leaves.

Mythology: Mint is even a part of Greek mythology. According to the legend, Minthe originally was a nymph, and Pluto's lover. When his wife Persephone found out, in a fit of rage she turned Minthe into a lowly plant, to be trod upon. Pluto could not undo the spell, but softened the spell by giving her a sweet scent which would perfume the air when her leaves were stepped upon.

1. The menthol in peppermint soothes the lining of the digestive tract an stimulates the production of bile, which is an essential digestive fluid. A hot cup of herbal tea is an excellent way to settle your stomach after a big meal.
2. There is a very good reason that peppermint is the flavoring of choice for toothpaste. Peppermint is an excellent breath freshener. When using peppermint tea as a breath freshener, increase the effectiveness by adding a pinch of anise, caraway or cinnamon. Mint is also a good remedy for gingivitis.
3. Peppermint is reputed to have the calming, sedative effect.
4. Peppermint and its relatives are mostly known as a medicine and popular herbs for infusions. Menthol vapors are famous for relieving nasal, sinus and chest congestion. Remember those minty-smelling ointments your mother rubbed on your chest when you were a child with a cold? You can also get relief with a steaming cup of peppermint tea. For a more effective cold remedy, combine peppermint with elder flower and yarrow. For a hacking cough, drink 3 to four cups of cool peppermint tea throughout the day, taking a sip every 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Digestion problems/ Nausea/ Excess Gas: One drop of essential oil in a glass of water, or on a sugar cube, taken orally.
6. Colic: Traditional therapy is to make a peppermint tea, but be cautious with infants because the strong menthol could possibly cause a choking reaction.
7. Tension Headaches: 1-2 drops in carrier oil applied to temples when headache starts and once an hour after, if needed. Some people might find it more effective to apply a drop behind each ear, depending on the type and cause of headache. If the headache is related to digestives problems, also drink a glass of (preferably warm) water with a drop (or 2) of mint oil in it.
8. Mental Fatigue: Mint is a stimulant similar to caffeine, but won't cause jitters. Try a drop at the back of the tongue. Too much at once can be overwhelming; try a SMALL drop first. Mint is also known for lifting the mood, bringing cheer. Also throughout history has been used in cases of hysteria and shock.
9. Mint contains Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
10. Essential peppermint oil is anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-reducer), and a counterirritant. Essential oils promote formation of white cells and acts against microbial germs, while being completely harmless to skin tissue. All these factors are at work in healing skin conditions.

Other Benefits
11. Spice Up Your Vegetables: Put mint in water used to steam vegetables. 
12. Mint tea: To make peppermint tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.
13. Minty potatoes: Mix chopped mint with butter for boiled new potatoes (or with parsley or dill).
14. Minty rice: Toss whole mint leaves in cooked rice before serving.
15. Mint Ice Cubes: Freeze whole mint leaves in ice cubes for tea or lemonade.
16. Minty Salad Dressing: Make salad dressing with mint, lemon juice, vinegar and a light oil.
17. Spice up your tuna: Chop spearmint and mix with olive oil and use as a marinade for fresh tuna. Marinate 30 minutes, grill.