Mint: More Than Just a Refreshing Herb – Explore its Surprising Uses and Health Benefits
Mint is by far one of my favorite herbs in the summertime. We have an entire patch of mint growing at the back of our property where it will not bother other plants much. it makes a great ground covert that takes very little work for me while proving fresh mint for our family.
Today I want to talk to you about how you can make use of mint in your home from the kitchen to your family’s health.
What is mint?
Mint is a popular herb that is known for its refreshing taste and aroma. It is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow in most climates and soil conditions. There are many different varieties of mint, including peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint.
Mint has a range of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to any diet. It is a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the body.
Common culinary uses for mint
Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of culinary dishes, from savory to sweet. Here are some common culinary uses for mint:
Cool refreshing drinks: While you can use mint fo so many great things muy personal favorite is for cooling drinks in the summertime. We add fresh mint to infused water, iced tea, and even lemonade right out of the garden for a cool refreshing drink when things get really hot outside.
Tabbouleh: Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad made with parsley, tomatoes, onion, and bulgur wheat. Mint is often added to the salad for a refreshing flavor and aroma.
Mint tea: Mint tea is a popular herbal tea that is enjoyed around the world. It is made by steeping fresh or dried mint leaves in hot water.
Greek yogurt dip: Greek yogurt dip is a healthy and delicious snack that can be made by combining plain Greek yogurt with fresh mint, lemon juice, and garlic.
Mint pesto: Pesto is traditionally made with basil, but mint can be used as a delicious alternative. Simply blend together fresh mint leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts for a flavorful pesto sauce.
Mint chocolate chip ice cream: Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a classic flavor that is loved by many. Fresh mint leaves are steeped in cream to infuse the flavor, and then mixed with chocolate chips for a sweet and refreshing treat. You can even make some super easy no-churn ice cream.
Grilled lamb chops with mint sauce: Grilled lamb chops are a popular Mediterranean dish that is often served with a mint sauce. The sauce is made by blending fresh mint leaves with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Minted pea soup: Minted pea soup is a delicious and healthy soup that is made by blending fresh or frozen peas with chicken or vegetable broth and fresh mint leaves.
Mojitos: Mojitos are a classic Cuban cocktail that is made with fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and rum. They are a refreshing drink that is perfect for summer.
Health and wellness uses for mint
Mint is not just a flavorful herb that can be used in culinary dishes – it also has a range of health and wellness benefits. Here are some common uses of mint for promoting health and wellness:
Digestive health: Mint has been shown to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. It also helps to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes.
Respiratory health: Mint contains compounds that have been shown to help ease respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. It can also help to clear sinuses and reduce congestion.
Oral health: Mint is known to freshen breath and can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It also has antibacterial properties that can help to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Skin health: Mint contains anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin irritations and reduce redness. It is often used in natural skincare products to promote healthy and radiant skin.
Stress relief: Mint has a calming effect and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and improve mood.
Headache relief: Mint has a cooling effect that can help to relieve headaches and migraines. It can be applied topically or inhaled through aromatherapy.
Menstrual cramp relief: Mint has been shown to help relieve menstrual cramps and other symptoms of PMS. It can be consumed as a tea or used topically in a compress.
Muscle pain relief: Mint has analgesic properties that can help to relieve muscle pain and soreness. It can be used topically in a cream or oil, or inhaled through aromatherapy.
Where to find quality mint
You can buy mint in bulk for apothecary use. I prefer organic mint when purchasing dried mint from a seller. The grocery store often has fresh mint in the produce section. My local fruit market has a great selection of fresh herbs.
By far the best mint is the mint that we grow in our own garden. Growing mint is extremely easy. You can grow mint in a pot to control how it spreads or if you would like to change your ground cover you can plant it in an area you would not mind it spreading rapidly for a wonderful smelling low maintenance yard.
Mint makes a great addition to your kitchen, your herbal apothecary, and even your garden. You are sure to fall in love with this sweet-scented plant that can add a fresh cool feeling on hot summer days.
