2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The mint, also called gyozum in our country, is a widespread spice. On the Bulgarian table it is invariably present in the preparation of bean dishes, as well as in the seasoning of certain types of meat. But apart from being an excellent culinary gadget, mint is a plant that is rich in many useful substances. Thanks to them, mint is now a widely used remedy with antispasmodic, local analgesic and antiseptic action.
Mint increases secretions in the stomach and intestines cause dilation of coronary blood vessels and these are only a small part of the beneficial effects that this popular spice has on our body.
The mint is known by the Latin name Mentha spicata, and M. Viridis is also used as a synonym. Also known as Mint, mint is a type of mint that grows in Central and Southern Europe. In essence, it is a herbaceous perennial, reaching a height of 30-100 cm, with leaves 5-9 cm long and 1.5-3 cm wide, with serrated edges. The flowers are gathered in spike-like inflorescences, each of which is pink or white, 2.5-3 mm long and wide. Mint grows best on moist soils.
The most common is peppermint or hot peppermint, which is a perennial herb. It does not occur in the wild, as it is obtained by crossbreeding. This hybrid species has been reported since the Middle Ages, and today mint is widespread throughout the world.
Composition of mint
Contains a large amount of aromatic oils, including menthol (up to 50-60%). The amount of aromatic oils in this fellow mint is up to 3%, but its composition is different, depending on the variety and climatic conditions in which it grows or is grown. The quality of the oil also depends on the presence of other ingredients, such as jasmine ketone.
The amount of ketone menthon in the aromatic oil of mint is about 10-15% and has a pronounced fresh and pleasant smell. Other ingredients are menthofuran, isomenthol, neomenthol, pulegon, piperiton, pinene, lemon, cineole. Peppermint and mint leaves are a source of about 6-12% tannins, bitter substances, flavonoids, nicotinic acid, as well as its amide, carotenoids and other important nutrients.
Storage of mint
Whether you buy fresh or dried mint is a matter of personal choice, but keep in mind that dried mint is much more fragrant. If you still buy fresh, you can keep it fresh for up to a few days, wrap it in a damp cloth and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
When buying dried mint, pay attention to its color - it should be light green, which will ensure that the herb is fresh. Too dark a color is a sign that it has been stored for too long in a dry state and has lost some of its wonderful aromatic properties. Store dried mint in a tightly closed jar for several months.
Culinary application of mint
Mint is a perennial herbaceous plant, of which the leaves are mainly used in cooking. They, fresh or dried, are an excellent seasoning for salads and soups. Bean dishes cannot have the specific, beloved by the Bulgarian taste without the addition of mint. With the addition of mint are also prepared various dishes of vegetables, canned meat and meat and many other dishes.
The mint is distinguished by its pleasant smell and slightly pungent taste. Mint is used in the preparation of spinach puree, in stews of lamb, mutton and lamb, for lamb stuffing, in stewed meat and cooked - stewed pork or stewed beef. In the bean soup and roast lamb mint is a must. However, its use should be careful - due to its specific and quite strong aroma, it should be carefully combined with other spices, because it can dull their aromas and flavors.
Benefits of mint
The mint has many beneficial and healing properties on the human body. Mint is an excellent remedy for relieving intestinal cramps, toning the intestines and helping normal digestion. Decoction of mint leaves can help with colitis, enterocolitis, diarrhea, gas and bloating, as well as stomach pain caused by female malaise. There are many varieties of mint, which has been known as a spice and remedy since ancient times.
In Bulgarian folk medicine leaves or are used essential oil extracted from mint. In particular, they are used as a remedy for pain in the stomach and heart area, as well as for colds, bile and liver diseases. Mint is a stimulant for physical and mental fatigue, for refreshment, as well as for upset stomach. Mint decoction soothes the stomach when vomiting, reducing nausea.
The mint is a means of increasing appetite, while it improves digestion, reduces the acidity of gastric juice, stops stomach cramps. The main actions of mint are antispasmodic, sedative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic action.
Mint is used as an adjunct in the treatment of patients with inflammatory processes in the bronchi and lungs, cardiovascular disease, diseases of the digestive tract, gynecological diseases and others.
Mint has a stimulating and invigorating effect. Its wide application in medicine is complemented by the excellent qualities of its essential oil. Thanks to it, pains such as headaches and migraines are easily relieved, and mint completely reduces the stress of the human body. It is said that mint tea can have a good effect on hemorrhoids.
If you suffer from toothache and gingivitis, it is recommended to dab with mint and dabble, and if you have a sore throat, gargle. For gurgling and drinking, soak mint leaves for 8 days in red wine (1:10). If you have bad breath, use 2 tbsp. mint after eating. Proven positive effect has the external application of mint, applied in the form of compresses for skin rashes, bruises, boils.
For internal use, pour 2 tbsp. mint with 500 ml of boiling water, then leave the infusion to soak for 1 hour. Drink 100 ml before meals, 4 times a day, sweetened with honey.
Photo: Iliana Parvanova
Folk medicine with mint
In Bulgarian folk medicine, mint leaves or essential oil are most often used. They are used to relieve heart pain, colds, bile problems and liver disease.
Decoction of mint is used to relieve stomach upset, refreshes the body with mental and physical fatigue. Soothes the stomach very well with nausea and vomiting.
Mint can be used for inhalation in case of inflammation and respiratory problems. Mint tea has the ability to reduce testosterone levels in women and helps reduce excess hair, known as hirsutism.
Decoction of mint is a reliable salvation from painful cramps during menstruation. To do this, a spoonful of it is boiled for 5 minutes in 200 ml of water, filtered and drunk 2 times. If the pain is very severe, the decoction can be taken in double dose.
Because of its ability to regulate hormones, mint helps regulate hormones and relieve juvenile acne. It is recommended to drink a decoction of mint every day and soon there is an improvement.
Mint is even useful to relieve painful colic in babies. It has a delicate calming effect, which makes it suitable for the still unstrengthened digestive system of the little baby. To do this, a teaspoon of the herb is added to 200 ml of boiling water and after 3 minutes remove from the heat. The baby is given a teaspoon of the decoction, 3 times a day.
Harm from mint
The only harm associated with the use of mint, an allergy to this aromatic herb may have been identified. Inhalations of plant oil vapors are sometimes not recommended. If you feel discomfort, stop taking the herb to avoid individual side effects. In most cases, however, mint is a completely harmless remedy from folk medicine.
