At one point or another (if you haven’t already), you are probably going to plant mint, or be gifted some when someone you know gets an overwhelming amount. Not only is it easy to grow, but it’s delicious in mojitos!
If you’re not careful, it will take over your garden in no time, though, and then what? You basically become an unwanted mint factory, and you can’t give that stuff away fast enough.
But did you know that this overbearing herb has many uses and talents? So much so that after reading this article, you may never give another dirty look to a crowd of mint again. You might even rejoice in its slightly unwieldy presence.
There are three different main types of mint: spearmint, peppermint and pennyroyal. You are probably quite familiar with the first two, whether it be as a flavouring source for chewing gum or toothpaste, or some sort of culinary purpose. But it is oh-so-much more than that! Planting mint will attract good bugs for your garden and repel the nuisance bugs that you don’t necessarily want lingering around, like ants.
Mint can be stored like you would flowers, in a cup of water in your fridge or counter, and will keep for weeks if you change the water regularly. And like most herbs, mint can also be brought back to life by submerging it in water.
Putting a bouquet of mint in your kitchen will fill your space with the sweet aroma, and keep the handy herb close by for any culinary or medicinal purposes, as it is widely known to be a great palate cleanser and appetizer.
Here are just a few more reasons to start loving yourself some mint.
Digestion
Mint promotes digestion and soothes your stomach during indigestion or even inflammation. Mint activates glands which secrete digestive enzymes, and in turn facilitates digestion.
Headache
The smell of mint oil or freshly crushed mint will help relieve a headache surprisingly quickly. I personally always carry some peppermint oil in my purse just in case, as it can also be very invigorating if you are feeling a little fatigued.
Nausea
Similar to relieving headaches, mint also has the same effect on nausea – the refreshing strong scent is almost immediately effective. Motion sickness? Take some mint.
Skin
Mint juice, as it turns out, is a very effective skin cleanser and is soothing when applied directly to the skin. It is also great for relief of bug bites such as mosquitos. Not only that, but its anti-inflammatory properties help bring down swelling.
Oral Care
This comes as no surprise to most of us, since mint flavour is often marketed to us as a breath cleanser, but it also inhibits harmful bacterial growth inside your mouth and cleanses the tongue and teeth.
Culinary uses
Yes, mojitos are delicious but you can get more versatile in the kitchen with this fine herb. Add a bit of freshness to a salad, dress up your water and even bring pizzazz to your desserts by simply adding this humble herb that’s taking over your garden.
Mixed Berry and Mint Salad
• 5 cups of your choice of mixed berries ( in season are strawberries, blueberries, blackberries etc.)
• Juice of one lime
• A pinch of Himalayan salt
• ¼ cup of diced mint leaves
• 2 tsp of coconut sugar or • 1 tbsp of honey
Toss ingredients in a bowl together and enjoy the freshness!
*You can also add this mix to water and ice, and have yourself a great refreshing summer drink!
