Mint is the common name of Mentha species, from Labiatae family.
Mint leaves
Image credit: Sir_Iwan
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Features of Mint
Zone 4-11. Herbaceous perennial
dark-brown, round, small seed.
mint-scented, toothed leaf.
clustered, tiny, white or pink flower.
Growing Mint
- by cutting during spring and autumn.
- by root division during spring and autumn.
- by seed during spring. Plants grown from seeds may be of inferior quality.
Using Mint
Cosmetic
Bath
Add to a refreshing bath. (Use leaf)
Lotion
Use a few drops of essential oil with lotions or face creams for an invigorating sensation. (Use leaf)
Massage
Dilute essential oil for a refreshing massage. (Use leaf)
Culinary
Dessert
Add a refreshing mint note to chocolate, cakes, ice-creams, and other rich desserts. (Use leaf)
Drink
Brew as a refreshing tea. (Use leaf)
Drink
Add to mojito, fruit punch, and other refreshing drinks. (Use leaf)
Meat
Combine well with lamb, pork, and chicken. (Use leaf)
Salad
Add to salads. (Use leaf)
Sauce
Make mint jelly and mint sauces. (Use leaf)
Vegetable
Flavours vegetable dishes like zucchini, tomatoes, and carrots. (Use leaf)
Household
Fragrance
Add to potpourri. (Use leaf)
Gardening
Protect roses from aphids when planted nearby. Also deter ants in the garden.
Repellent
Scatter or add to sachets to deter insects. (Use leaf)
Medicinal
Essential oil
Blend as a massage oil for headaches, migraines, and muscle and joint pains.
Essential oil
Inhale essential oil to relieve colds, catarrh, nasal congestion, and asthma.
Tea
A tea to aid digestion, ease flatulence, and relieve cold symptoms. (Use leaf)
Traditional Remedies
- Respiratory » cold and flu, catarrh, asthma
- Digestive » indigestion, flatulence, colic
- Disorder » headache
- Muscle And Joint » muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis, tendinitis
- Other » hiccups
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Conditions » Do not take large doses during pregnancy.
- Please consult with your doctor before using mint for health related purposes.
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