The Health benefits and Uses of Mint leaves, also known as Mentha or Pudina.
1. Mint leaves are one of the highest herbal sources of anti-oxidants and carotenes, andare therefore used to create herbal teas.
2. Drinking mint tea, aids the digestion processof the body and naturally stabilises both irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation. It has also been attributed to soothe diaphragm irritation, effectively treating hiccups.
3. Drinking mint tea also has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties, due to its highvolume of natural nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
4. All mint varieties are rich in carotenes containing approximately one thousand sixhundred micrograms within a standard portion. When regularly consumed, mint aids with achievingoptimal eye health, whilst reducing dry eyes and sensitivity.
5. Mint leaves can be crushed and used in conjunction with regular toothpaste, to whitenteeth with stronger effect. The pleasant aroma and oxidisation process also reduces bad breath.
6. Menthol is an essential oil which is contained within many varieties of mint. This essentialoil is regularly extracted and used in a range of different health, food and cosmetic products.
7. Peppermint, one of the most common varieties is used in many medicines such as inhalers,in order to aid breathing, prevent coughing, hay-fever and reduce mucus during a cold orinfection.
8. When mint aroma is inhaled, it also helpsasthma. The respiratory passages, and airwaves are opened and calmed to allow for a morestable airflow. This can be reproduced at home, by simply crushing peppermint leaves,and inhaling the aroma and menthol contained within them.
9. Inhaling mint aroma also reduces nausea, and headaches. Peppermint tea works particularlywell in this case.
10. Mint leaves can also be used in otheraromatherapy products, such as candles, oils, soaps and balms.
11. Oils derived from mint, can be used in conjunction with other essential oils to providea pleasing, and relaxing aroma in order to reduce insomnia.
12. Mint acts as an antipruritic therefore may also be used as a rub, to provide a coolingsensation to the skin. This effectively desensitises skin irritations from itching, burns, bitesand stings.
13. Rosmarinic acid is a dominant anti-oxidantcontained within mint and has high anti-inflammatory properties. Mint oil and menthol can be usedwhilst soaking in the bath to reduce aches, sprains and cramps.
14. The gentle aroma of mint leaves, used in aromatherapy acts as a relaxant, reducinganxiety and stress.
15. A variety of mint named Barbed Skullcap,kills cancer cells by destroying the blood vessels which supply the cancerous tumours.
16. Mint, used in conjunction with salt and water can be used to create a better tastingsaline gargle, in order to clear up throat infections.
17. The pennyroyal variety of mint can be used as bug deterrent and is commonly usedin spray form to repel ants and flies.
18. Mint leaves and stalks can be tucked insidea pillow, which your pet sleeps on or in their favourite resting place to act as a flea repellent.
19. Mint is a commonly used herb to cook with. It can add wonderful flavour to many dishes,whilst also adding healthy nutrition.
20. When grown in larger quantities, mintacts as a mice and rats deterrent in your garden.
21. There are over eighteen known varieties of mint, and many hybrids. Each has its ownunique flavour.
22. The Mint herb / plant grows rapidly, andis usually perennial, returning each year with little maintenance. In order to harvestyour own mint for use in cooking, and any of the techniques described above, I wouldrecommend continually removing the leaves from the mint stalks throughout the growingseason, as this promotes a bushier mint with more growth. Depending upon the variety, alwayskeep the mint well-trimmed, to prevent it from flowering, which will yield more foliage. The mint flower itself can also be eaten, and can be a beautiful aromatic garnish asa final touch to any dish.
23. Mint is very refreshing when added toiced drinks. Place mint stalks into a bottle of water in the refrigerator and leave itfor at least one hour. The water will then be infused with mint, and can be combinedwith fresh fruit and vegetables to create a very healthy, yet tasty beverage.
24. Mint sauce can be made, and is a tasty compliment to any roast meal. Please see thelink below the video for a short guide on how to make fresh mint sauce.
Finally I would like to dedicate this video to my late grandmother, Bella who inspiredmy love of mint from a young age. For a written version of this article, please follow the link in the description to theunexplored lexicon blog, or visit my main website breakingrealms. com where you can alsosee other articles, podcasts and other life enhancing research projects and developments.
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