Mint and use it and its benefits for the family

What is a herb mint

Mint, the well-known mouth and breath freshener that is scientifically known as Mentha, has more than two dozen species and hundreds of varieties. It is an herb that has been used for hundreds of years for its remarkable medicinal properties.The market is full of products like tooth paste, chewing gum, breath fresheners, candy and inhalers which have mint as their base element. Most of us are familiar with the refreshing application of mint, but it has far more to offer than that.

Health Benefits of Mint?

Digestion:
 Mint is a great appetizer or palate cleanser, and it promotes digestion. It also soothes stomachs in cases of indigestion or inflammation. When you feel sick to your stomach, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you relief. Also, if you are someone who travels long distances via plane or boat, the menthol oil derived from mint can be very soothing for nausea and related motion sickness.

The aroma of mint activates the salivary glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. These attributes are why mint is extensively used in the culinary arts. Much of the western world includes mint as a part of appetizers or as an element of palate cleansers, to be eaten before the main course so the food will digest comfortably.

Common cold:
 Mint contains menthol, a natural aromatic decongestant that helps to break up phlegm and mucus, making it easier to expel.8 Menthol also has a cooling effect and can help relieve a sore throat, especially when combined with tea.

Gastric ulcers:
 In a study in animals, menthol was found to help protect the lining of the stomach from the negative effects of indomethacin and ethanol, giving it a potential role in preventing gastric ulcers associated with alcohol consumption and regular use of painkillers.

Breast Feeding:
 For many women, breastfeeding is a beautiful part of raising a child, but it can seriously damage your breasts and nipples. Studies have shown that mint oil can reduce the nipple cracks and nipple pain that so often accompany breastfeeding.

Skin:
 When applied topically in oil, ointment or lotion, mint has the effect of calming and cooling skin affected by insect bites, rash or other reactions.

Depression and Fatigue:
 Mint is a natural stimulant, and the smell alone can be enough to charge your batteries and get your brain functioning on a high level again. If you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed, or simply exhausted, mint and its derivative essential oils can help. It can be ingested, applied topically in a salve from, or inhaled as a vapor, and all of those techniques can give you a much-needed boost! A popular way to get good results in an easy manner is to put a few drops of mint essential oil or menthol oil on your pillow at night and let it work on your body and mind while you sleep.

Cancer:
 Current research shows that certain enzymes that can be found in mint may help prevent and treat cancer.

How to mix the mint to your diet

Adding mint is a great way to add flavor to a dish or beverage without adding excessive calories, sugar or sodium. Mint leaves are a tender herb (along with cilantro and basil) that have gentle stems and are best used raw or added at the end of cooking in order to maintain their delicate flavor and texture.

When buying mint, look for bright, unblemished leaves. Stored in a plastic bag or loose plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Mint is relatively easy to grow and can even be grown in small pots on a sunny windowsill. Growing mint in your garden can help ward off ants and flies.

When preparing mint, use a sharp knife and cut gently. Using a dull knife or over-chopping will bruise the herb and much of the flavor will be lost on the cutting board

Mint is commonly used to flavor Middle Eastern dishes, such as lamb, soups and vegetable salads.

Try a mint limeade by mixing lime juice with sugar or stevia and muddled mint leaves. Top off with filtered water and ice cubes.

Incorporate mint into a fresh fruit salsa with chopped apples, pear, lemon or lime juice, jalapeno and honey. Serve with cinnamon pita chips or on top of baked chicken.

Add a few chopped mint leaves to your next chocolate chip cookie dough.

Pour hot water over mint leaves and steep for 5-6 minutes for homemade mint tea. Try using chocolate mint leaves for a twist.

The uses of mint

Bug Off:
While it attracts “good bugs,” mint also deters “bed bugs.” Repel ants and flies by growing pennyroyal mint right outside your door, or spray diluted peppermint essential oil (10 parts water to one part oil) around doorways and windows.

Room Refresher:
Keep your home smelling fresh by adding a few drops of mint essential oil to your favorite homemade or unscented store-bought cleaner. Try this simple floor cleaning solution, good for wood, concrete or tile floors: Dilute a cup of white vinegar in a gallon of water and add 3 to 5 drops of mint essential oil.

Beverage Booster:
Mint is refreshing in iced beverages. Add sprigs of fresh mint to a pitcher of water or plain iced tea, let it sit for 30 minutes or more, and serve it over ice. If you enjoy cocktails, mix fresh mint into homemade juleps.

Breath Saver:
You don’t have to rely on mint gum or candies to freshen your breath. A sprig of your favorite fresh mint variety will get rid of bad breath just as well. Simply pluck and chew.

Steam Clean:
A peppermint steam can help clear sinuses and congestion and fight infection. Bring a pot of water to boil, turn off the heat, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil and lean over the pot, draping a towel over your head. Breathe in the minty steam. Mint stems also act as a cleansing and stimulating facial.