The Herb Mint and its Medicinal Properties
The Herb Mint has many medicinal properties. Most of us know mint helps to aid bad breathe. But the fact is this herb is loaded with many medicinal properties other than aiding to help our bad breath. Eating mint can help promote healthy digestion. In cooking many people serve a few mint leafs with appetizers or dessert. When you eat those tiny leaves it helps to cleanse the palate and also helps with the digestion process. The aroma of mint activates the salivary glands in our mouth which helps secrete digestive enzymes. The enzymes help breakdown the food in our digestive track and help facilitate digestion. Eating a few mint leaves or sipping mint tea between courses will help your food digest more comfortably and easily.
Pineapple Mint – the mint leaf is broader and fuzzy. The small tender leafs are best, the larger leafs can be tough and chewy.
Mint has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. It can help alleviate headaches. The aroma of mint is used in many balms and also known as menthol. Mint also acts as a mild decongestant and it helpful with the common cold. Mint can also be helpful in promoting weight loss. It helps break down food in the digestive track and helps turn fat into energy. Mint is helpful for those people that suffer from allergies. Mint inhibits the release of histamines which cause allergies and hay fever.
Chocolate Mint – the stem is more purple in color and there is slight taste of chocolate.
Mint is a natural stimulant and can help alleviate depression and fatigue. Research shows mint helps wake up the brain and is believed to help with memory function. The herb promotes alertness, retention and cognitive function. Mint is also an excellent antiseptic and mint juice can be used to on the face to help clear acne. It has antiseptic and antibacterial qualities that can be used to treat insect bites and mild burns. And lastly mint tea is also good for treating hiccups, menstrual and muscle cramps. This small but powerful herb should not be overlooked and remember to eat the mint leaves next time you see them on your plate.
Everyday Garden Mint – this is what I refer to as everyday garden mint, it is like a weed and will take over your garden, plant any mint in a pot to keep it contained.
Bon Appetite, Cecelia
Sources:
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-mint.html
http://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/2012/02/health-benefits-and-reasons-to-grow-mint/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentha
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