First cultivated in London in 1750, peppermint has long been known for its effectiveness for indigestion, by calming the muscles of the digestive tract to alleviate intestinal gas and cramping (Dr. Tieraona Low Dog.)
In addition, it tastes great and, brewed in tea, it helps thin mucus, loosen phlegm, and soothe sore throats. Applied topically it takes the itch out of bug bites, eases muscle cramps, arthritis and headaches.
Peppermint is a perennial invasive plant easily grown in gardens, it actually needs to be contained within its bed to prevent it from spreading out of control. It also grow well in large pots, provided that well composted soil is used kept watered and fertilized. Regular pruning will prevent the stems from getting straggly and woody.
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- In The Kitchen
- In vegetable stews it adds flavor and freshness.
- Fresh leaves, either chopped or whole are a great addition to raw salads.
- Add zest to fruit salads, jams and jellies.
- Refreshing added to iced drinks.
- Fresh or dried it makes a refreshing tea which is excellent either hot or chilled.
- Medicinal Properties
Peppermint has the highest medicinal value among all known mint varieties, with superlative cooling properties thanks to the high content of menthol, which is a key ingredient in gastric and digestive disorders remedies, as well as for irritable bowel syndrome, tension and insomnia, thus peppermint has been used in medicine since time immemorial.
Today the essential peppermint oil is widely found in toothpaste and in indigestion tablets, as well as in chocolates and mentholated cigarettes.
Infusion of peppermint leaves, either fresh or dried, helps:
- Relax the muscles of the digestive tract and stimulates bile flow, with the effect of relieving flatulence, heartburn, indigestion, and colic.
- Reduce nausea and relieves from travel sickness.
- Promote sweating in fevers and flu.
- Decongest and sedates colds, cough and sinus problems.
- Sooths headaches and migraines.
- Concentrating and clear thinking, and helps one stay alert, retain information and calm nerves.
- Clear the mouth and prevent gum infections (used as a gargle and mouthwash.)
- Remove dust and grit from the eyes using the infusion cold.
- Relieve hot flushes and rapid beating heart in women with menopause.
- Relax tired and/or swollen feet by helping circulation when splashed and massaged on the skin.
- Eases the sting or itch from bug bites.
- Refresh the breath.
- Clear nasal congestion, open sinuses and ease headaches, flatulence and heartburn by inhaling the steam.
- Reduce pain and swelling in inflamed joints, rheumatism and neuralgia by applying hot compresses.
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