USES OF MINT

A free article on Nutrition

By: shivesh

MINT
INTRODUCTION:
Mint is a perennial herb that is propagated by root division or rooting cuttings in water. The plant is invasive and should be grown in pots or in lengths of plastic pipe buried in the ground. It enjoys a damp location, shaded from strong afternoon sun, and rich soil. Pennyroyal is an attractive addition to hanging baskets. Mint planted outdoors should be mulched heavily to protect against frost.
TYPES OF MINT:
The common types of mint are
* Peppermint.
* Pennyroyal.
* Crinkle-leafed spearmint.
* Spearmint.
* Apple mint.
Never eat pennyroyal, as it is toxic.
USES OF MINT:
Here are some great recipes for using mint around the house:
* Mintcense (potpourri):
Combine 1/2 cup orris root (a fixative) and 1 tbsp. of lavender oil. Add 2 cups each of dried orange mint, dried spearmint, dried peppermint, plus 1 cup each of dried thyme and rosemary. Combine gently; try not to crush leaves. Store in a covered jar. To use, shake the jar gently, then open.
* Facial Astringent:
Combine 1 tbsp. Fresh peppermint or spearmint and 1 cup witch hazel in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Steep in a cool, dry place for one week, shaking occasionally. Strain and pour into a bottle or spritzer to use. Good for normal to oily skin. Makes about a six-week supply.
* Mouth Repellent:
Tie branches of mint together and wrap lightly in cheesecloth (to avoid flaking). Hang the bundle upside down with a ribbon in your closet.
* Foot Scrub
Combine 1 cup unflavored yogurt, 1 cup kosher or rock salt and 3/4 cup fresh mint leaves. Apply to feet. Use a damp washcloth to gently scrub rough spots. Rinse feet and apply lotion.
TOP 10 USES FOR MINT:
* Mint Tea:
Simply place a few sprigs (or a handful of leaves) into a teapot with a little sugar and allow to infuse for a few minutes before serving. This is great for settling a nervous stomach.
* Iced Mint Tea:
Allow the above to cool, chill, and serve. This is great on a hot summer days with a few ice cubes and mint leaves floating in the glass.
* Make Tabbouleh:
Mix bulgur wheat, mint, garlic, tomato...well, here’s a recipe from a previous WHB. While Chris doesn’t include mint in the ingredients for her version, she does mention how it can be used instead.
* Mint Face Packs:
Make a paste (i.e. purée) with a handful of mint leaves, half a tub of Natural Yoghurt and a quarter of a cucumber, and apply to the skin for 15 minutes - it will sooth and purify.
* Indian Style Mint Sauce:
The Indian styled mint sauce is called Raita - simply substitute the vinegar above for 250ml Natural Yoghurt and mix well.
* Mojito:
A Mojito is a refreshing Cuban summer cocktail recipe. Simply mix 2 tsp Sugar with around 10 mint leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 75ml rum. Pour over a glass half filled with ice cubes, and top up with soda water.
* Mint Potatoes:
Chop up and toss with fresh boiled or roast potatoes. Voilà - mint potatoes.
* Garnish:
Take a simple looking desert, sprinkle liberally with icing sugar and decorate with a couple of sprigs of mint.
MEDICINAL USES FOR MINT:
Peppermint is the mint of choice for medicinal purposes. Its many uses include the following:
* The menthol in peppermint soothes the lining of the digestive tract and stimulates the production of bile, which is an essential digestive fluid. A hot cup of herbal tea is an excellent way to settle the stomach after a big meal.
* There is a very good reason that peppermint is the flavoring of choice for toothpaste. Peppermint is an excellent breath freshener. When using peppermint tea as a breath freshener, increase the effectiveness by adding a pinch of anise, caraway or cinnamon.
* Peppermint is reputed to have the calming, sedative effect.
* Menthol vapors are famous for relieving nasal, sinus and chest congestion.
* To make peppermint tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.
OTHER USES OF MINT:
* Pennyroyal, which is toxic when taken internally, has many other uses around the house.
* Rub pennyroyal on the skin as an insect repellent. Since it has been known to irritate sensitive skin, test on a small patch of skin first.
HINTS FOR USING MINT IN THE KITCHEN:
* Spice up the Vegetables:
Put mint in water used to steam vegetables.
* Mint tea:
To make peppermint tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.
* Minty potatoes:
Mix chopped mint with butter for boiled new potatoes (or with parsley or dill).
* Minty rice:
Toss whole mint leaves in cooked rice before serving.
* Mint Ice Cubes:
Freeze whole mint leaves in ice cubes for tea or lemonade.
* Minty Salad Dressing:
Make salad dressing with mint, lemon juice, vinegar and light oil.
MAIN USES OF MINT:
* The oils in mint are in glands in the leaves. Crushing them releases the oils and the pleasant, strong, and soothing flavor.
* Mints and oils of mints are used for oils, used in cookies, teas, candies, jellies, chewing gum, flavoring for medicines, toothpaste, ice cream, liqueurs, and much more.

Plz also visit:http://www.herbsandcures.com