2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Although mint leaves are available in the markets all year round, they are especially suitable for warm days, when they will serve us a cool breath of salads or drinks to which we have added them.
Mentha is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants in the Ustotsvetni family. In Bulgaria, mint is cultivated along the rivers Maritsa, Tundzha and Vit.
Types of mint
Although there are about 25 different types of mint, peppermint is a natural hybrid between Mentha aquatica (water mint) and Mentha spicata (garden mint). The leaves of peppermint are greenish-purple and oblong, while the leaves of garden mint are oval and rather gray-green in color. The taste of both types of mint can be described as a mixture of pepper and chlorophyll, as in the case of ordinary mint it is stronger, and in the case of garden pepper it is more elusive. In addition to peppermint and peppermint, other species in the Mentha family include apple mint, orange mint, water mint and Corsican mint.
History of mint
Mint was used from antiquity because of its culinary, medicinal and aromatic properties. Its roots go back to Greek mythology, according to which the plant was originally a nymph (Minthe), transformed into a plant by Persephone, who was jealous of the attention given by her husband Pluto to her rival. Minthe in a plant, he at least gave it a pleasant aroma to enrich the gardens.
The aromatic characteristics of mint have made it one of the most commonly used ingredients in perfumes in history. From Europe and India to the Central East, it has been used to purify the air in temples and homes.
Mint composition
Mint is a rich source of traditional nutrients. Mint is a great source of manganese, vitamin C and A, the latter of which is concentrated in carotenoids, including beta carotene. Both vitamin C and beta-carotene play a role in reducing the risk of cancer. In addition, mint is a good source of dietary fiber, folate, iron, magnesium and calcium.
Selection and storage of mint
- Whenever possible, choose fresh mint instead of dried, as it is more fragrant.
- The leaves of fresh mint should be fresh and bright green, and their stems hard.
- Prefer organically grown mint.
- Fresh mint should be stored in the refrigerator in a paper towel.
- Dried mint, as well as other dry spices, is stored in a glass container with a lid in a dry, cool and dark place.
Peppermint in cooking
Mint is a spice that is widely used in cooking. It gives an incredible aroma to fruit salads / especially those with strawberries /, as well as jams, ice creams, creams, cocktails and soft drinks. Its combination with chocolate in an alcoholic cocktail is very interesting and undoubtedly delicious.
As a spice, mint is very successfully combined with lamb and chicken, fish, potatoes, seafood, eggs, lettuce and green beans.
Mint leaf is made from mint, which is intended for use as tea. Hot tea is very useful in the autumn-winter season, and during the hot summer months it turns into a great cooling drink.
Applications of mint
Mint is a major ingredient in many toothpastes, delicious candies and chewing gum to freshen the breath. In addition, it is part of a number of shower gels and shampoos because it tones and refreshes the skin, and also has a cooling effect. Many people use mint as a means of repelling mosquitoes, for this purpose it is grown in pots and bags of dried mint are placed in cabinets and wardrobes.
Benefits of mint
- Soothe your belly with mint. Peppermint oil has proven its ability to relieve the symptoms of people with sensitive stomachs, including in cases of disorder, heartburn or muscle spasms of the colon. These health properties of mint are associated with its ability to calm muscles.
- It is a potential anti-cancer agent. Peryl alcohol, which is a phytonutrient called monoterpene, is abundant in peppermint oil. Animal studies have shown that it can stop the growth of tumors of the pancreas and liver.
- Peppermint oil works anti-microbial. Peppermint oil stops the growth of many different bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella enteritidis and methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocu aereus.
- Relieve your breathing with mint. Mint contains the substance rosmarinic acid, which has several actions useful in asthma. In addition to having antioxidant properties to neutralize free radicals, rosmarinic acid blocks the production of certain inflammatory chemicals.
Folk medicine with mint
In folk medicine, mint is used as an herb to treat insomnia, dizziness, depression, epilepsy and headaches. Decoction of mint leaves It is used for nervous excitement, toothache and various inflammations of the gums. Mint gargles are also very effective. Mint, on the other hand, removes stubborn bad breath. To do this, soak mint leaves in red wine (1:10 ratio) for 8 days. The resulting mixture can be drunk or used only for splashing.
Inhalations with peppermint oil are very suitable for fatigue, sinusitis, nervous tension. Massage with peppermint oil is recommended for women suffering from menstrual disorders.
Mint tea
Mint tea, as well as decoctions of the same plant, have many benefits, applied internally and externally. Let's look at some of the known benefits of mint infusion.
Helps with sinus problems
Mint has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, mint tea can fight clogged sinuses due to infections, common colds and allergies. In addition, studies show that menthol, one of the active compounds in mint, improves the perception of airflow in the nasal cavity. Therefore, the steam in mint tea facilitates breathing.
Probably relieves menstrual cramps
Because mint acts as a muscle relaxant, it can reduce menstrual cramps. Although mint tea has not been studied in this regard, some mint compounds have been shown to relieve symptoms, so tea may also be helpful.
Mint can improve sleep
Mint tea can be useful in improving sleep in humans. This tea can be a good choice before bed because it does not contain caffeine and has a calming effect.
Mint can relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies
Mint contains rosemary acid, a plant compound found in the rosemary and mint plants. In a small 21-day study, 29 people with seasonal allergies who received a supplement containing rosemary acid had fewer symptoms of itchy eyes than those who received placebo.
Improves concentration
Consumption of peppermint tea or peppermint oil can help improve the ability to concentrate. In a small study, 24 young and healthy people performed significantly better on cognitive tests when given peppermint oil capsules.
Mint can soothe redness of the face
Last but not least, mint is also used in the cosmetics industry to balance combination and oily skin. You can use mint decoction to rinse your face and you will enjoy its cooling effect. Mint tea soothes acne and redness, reduces the amount of sebum and mattifies the skin.
Mint oil
Peppermint oil has similar properties to peppermint tea. It works well on the skin and hair. Apart from beautification, it finds applications in other ways as well. Here is more information about the oil from me and how to use it.
Improve dental health - You can freshen your breath by using peppermint oil instead of commercial mouthwash. Dissolve a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water and use this mixture as a mouthwash.
Relieve respiratory problems - Colds, allergic reactions or the flu can affect your respiratory system, but peppermint oil can unclog the nasal passages and make you feel better. Massage the chest area with warm peppermint oil and you will immediately notice the results.
Get rid of stress - Anxiety, tension and excitement can be minimized with peppermint oil. Use peppermint oil for aromatherapy and you will notice the results.
Scientists have found that mint has many beneficial effects on the body, so it would be a pity not to take advantage of them. Mint can be consumed fresh and in the form of tea, oil, tincture, extract.
Harm from mint
Some people may be allergic to mint. If this happens, avoid taking this spice and especially do not inhale the vapors of peppermint oil.
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Mint tea was first made in the deserts of North Africa, passed through the Mediterranean and from there to Europe. We all know how useful mint is as an herb - we use it for countless things, some of which are to relieve sore throats, calm the nervous system, and quench thirst for a long time.
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