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The Wonderful Benefits Of Mint And How To Grow It

Long known throughout the Old World, particularly in regions of temperate weather, mints are aromatic plants commonly used as herbs in various international cuisines and beverages. Aside from its refreshing flavor, such as found in peppermint candy, toothpaste, chewing gum and inhalers, Mentha, as mint is otherwise known, comes in over two dozen species and in various shades. However, few in western culture realize the full extent of mint’s incredible benefits with respects to its medicinal properties.

Prominent Health Benefits To Using Mint

• Frequently, persons reporting indigestion, nausea, headaches, respiratory disorders, asthma, depression, fatigue, breast feeding lesions, skin care, pimples, memory loss, weight loss, female infertility, impotency, oral care and cancer, all claim instant relief when using mint in any one of its many forms.
• Let’s begin with digestion. As an appetizer or palate cleaner, mint is used in many parts of the world to promote digestion and stomach wellness. Its aroma alone immediately goes to work in the mouth as salivary glands stimulate digestive enzymes enabling a quick, effective digestion process.
• As a fast-action remedy for motion sickness, nausea and headaches, some people have experienced instant relief just by inhaling its rich aroma. Some even make it a habit to store menthol oil or mint-flavored products in their medicine cabinets at home or in their travel bags. Others commonly use a balm such as originally formulated Tiger Balm®, Ben Gay® and other product brands to alleviate common headaches.
• Respiratory disorders, asthma and coughs many times are quickly relieved on breathing the strong smell of mint. As a good decongestant, the throat, nose, bronchial tubes and lungs clear up quickly as mint cools and gently soothes the respiratory system in general.
• Skin care, pimples and breast-feeding induced cracks in the nipples, are all aided in healing by the use of mint-based balms or lotions acting to reduce any possible swelling on the skin.
• Oral Care using mint’s germ-fighting qualities has long been known to freshen the mouth, breath and inhibit harmful bacterial growth in the oral cavity. When rubbed as a sprig of mint on the teeth and gums, or chewed as a mint leaf, there’s an immediate healing seen on gum tissue.
• Seasonal allergies seem to disappear when mint is applied to inhibit the release of histamines.
• Cancer research indicates certain mint enzymes may help treat certain forms of cancer.

How To Grow And Maintain Mint

Being that mint exists in many varieties, let’s examine one of the easiest ways to grow this wonderful plant. It’s fairly invasive and can be competitive with other plants in its surroundings, however, it’s basically simple to keep, maintain and should last for a number of years.

In order to grow mint, snip a sprig cutting from an already existing mint plant. Now, placing the sprig in a glass of water, be certain to leave any existing green leaf material out of the water line.

After a week or so, small white roots appear at the end of the sprig that’s submerged in water. Allow the roots to develop to a more hardy and longer state, and plant them in some potting soil. Voila! Grow it first under partial shade,and then move it to bright sunlight if it’s been planted in a container.

Planting usually gets the best results if mint is planted during the spring or the beginning of the fall, and then it’s grown in deep, moist soil. Because it is an invasive plant, keeping it in a container is your best bet.

Popular Uses Of Mint

An very fragrant, tasty and versatile herb, mint is commonly used to spice up fruit salads, lamb or fish dishes or that especially popular ice tea, mint julep or mojito cocktail beverage. Used with vegetables such as root vegetables and just about any other vegetable combo, it proves itself a perfect compliment to any meal.