MINT: My kitchen Herb of the WEEK

Mint 

Mint is a cooling and refreshing herb, which can be grown almost anywhere. 

(The problem is to STOP it growing.) All varieties of mint are excellent for 

healing, though peppermint is sovereign for stomach troubles, nausea, and 

poor digestion. Mints are also cleansing and prosperity-attracting-- the 

sweet smell of cash is MINT. Use mint soap to wake you up in the morning; 

drink a cup of mint tea to calm and destress. Mix in potpourris and blended 

teas; use in baths; use in body rubs. Burn on an open fire, but don't use as 

loose incense. 

Tummy Tea 

  Steep a spoonful of peppermint and a pinch or chip of ginger in hot water 

  until light green. Drink as needed for 'tummy bumbles' or nerves. Flavor 

  with honey if needed.

Mint

It is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant growing to 30–90 cm

It is considered invasive

Peppermint has a high menthol content, and is often used as tea and for flavouring ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste

 it has been known to help with insomnia

One animal study has suggested that Peppermint may have radioprotective effects in patients undergoing cancer treatment

The aroma of peppermint has been found to enhance memory

Peppermint oil has a high concentration of natural pesticides, mainly menthone

There are so many kinds of mint, flavored mints, basils are in the mint family, pennyroyal is too

Mint has multiple uses. Its fresh green leaves add a tangy punch to fruit salads, ice cream, sherbet, and brewed hot tea. It is a low-calorie, flavorful addition to a simple glass of still or sparkling water. And who ever heard of a mint julep without the mint?


Once you plant it, mint (Mentha species), a perennial, becomes a constant garden companion, although some kinds are tougher than others. If you're feeling kind, you can call mint plants aggressive. If you don't like thugs taking over your garden, you will consider mint invasive.

Careful mints do cross pollinate, so keep them far apart, also NEVER plant mint near pennyroyal

Mint is a cooling and refreshing herb, which can be grown almost anywhere.

(The problem is to STOP it growing.) All varieties of mint are excellent for

healing, though peppermint is sovereign for stomach troubles, nausea, and

poor digestion. Mints are also cleansing and prosperity-attracting-- the

sweet smell of cash is MINT. Use mint soap to wake you up in the morning;

drink a cup of mint tea to calm and destress. Mix in potpourris and blended

teas; use in baths; use in body rubs. Burn on an open fire, but don't use as

loose incense.

Tummy Tea

Steep a spoonful of peppermint and a pinch or chip of ginger in hot water

until light green. Drink as needed for 'tummy bumbles' or nerves. Flavor

with honey if needed.

***Actually according to some herb authorities, mints can and do cross-pollinate. It is suggested that you grown them apart. If you have a problem with different mint types cross-pollinating, or if the plants are reseeding prolifically, cut off the flowers. And keep the pennyroyal away. It has been used traditionally to induce abortions and can be dangerous if ingested.According to the Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown, page 386, she states the following:
. . . certain herbs may cross-pollinate, giving rise to seedlings that differ from the mother plant. When various kinds of thyme (Thymus supp.), marjoram (Origanum spp.), mint (Mentha spp.), and lavender (Lavandula spp.) are grown near each other, the chances of hybridization are high. Closely related genera may also interbreed if they are grown together and flower at the same time; dill and fennel are known to cross, resulting in plants that are indeterminate in flavor.
See Mints which states the following:
Different varieties of mint should be planted as far apart as possible, as true mints hybridize easily, cross-pollinating when in close proximity. The resulting hybrid combines the characteristics of both parent mints in a way that may not be favorable. If you grow both peppermint and spearmint, start them at opposite ends of the garden in order to maintain the integrity of both.Mint

• It is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant growing to 30–90 cm
• It is considered invasive
• Peppermint has a high menthol content, and is often used as tea and for flavouring ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste
•  it has been known to help with insomnia
• One animal study has suggested that Peppermint may have radioprotective effects in patients undergoing cancer treatment
• The aroma of peppermint has been found to enhance memory
• Peppermint oil has a high concentration of natural pesticides, mainly menthone

Mints grow easily in moist, rich soils almost anywhere in the world. They prefer some shade, but will grow amply in full sun. To grow mint plants from seed, sow 1/8" deep, barely covering with fine soil, and keep moist. Seeds will germinate in ten to twenty days. Mints are slow to develop during the first year, but be ready to fight them back the second year.

If your growing season is long, a light harvest may be possible during the first year, but generally it is best to wait. Usually harvesting is done just before the plant blooms. Cut the entire plant to an inch above the ground. Mints can be cut back two or three times a year, thus providing plenty for fresh use, freezing, or drying

Grow Mint Plants in Containers


Because it grows by underground root runners, mint spreads easily and quickly. To contain it, grow mint in a 12- to 16-inch-wide pot so it can't ramble through your landscape. If you like, tuck the container into the ground so the pot doesn't show but still keeps the herb in check.


You also can plant mint in a large half-barrel or plastic pot and leave it outdoors year-round. Don't keep ceramic pots outdoors during winter; they often crack during the freeze-thaw cycles that follow freezing temperatures. How to Grow Mint Plants


Plant mint in full sun or part shade. It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Mint adapts to many soil types, but develops the best foliage in soil that has been enriched with a 2-inch-thick layer of compost.


Frequent cutting keeps mint looking attractive. As with basil and other flowering herbs grown for their leaves, remove flowers as they appear, and pinch back the stems to encourage shorter, bushier growth. Keep the area around mint free of weeds and grass. Otherwise it looks untidy, and the weeds may reduce yields and affect flavor.


Divide mint every few years. In fall, cut the plants to the ground. Pests and Diseases of Mint


Mint plants can fall prey to a number of pest problems, including diseases such as verticillium wilt, mint rust, mint anthracnose, and insects such as spider mites, flea beetles, root borers, cutworms, and root weevils. Aphids are occasionally troublesome. Provide good air circulation and well-drained soil to prevent foliar diseases; knock off insects using a spray from a garden hose, being sure to spray the undersides of leaves where pests can hide. How to Harvest Mint


Cut the leaves and flower tops when the mint plants start to bloom. Use fresh leaves immediately, or freeze them to retain their bright color.


To air-dry mint, hang the stems upside down in small bundles or spread them loosely in a small tray. When the stems and leaves are brittle, remove the leaves and flowers and store them in airtight containers. What About Catmint?


Catmint (Nepeta) is a different plant, though related. It grows in much the same way as the herbal mints described here, but its flavor is much more attractive to your cat than it will be for you. Catmint can be dried or used fresh. Many types of catmint species are grown in the garden for their attractive blue-purple, white, or pink flowers. Guide to Favorite Mint Varieties


Not all mints taste the same. If you're planting all of these, space them as far apart as possible to avoid cross-pollination.


Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) combines a fresh apple flavor with mint, as you would expect from its name. Zones 5-10


Chocolate mint (Mentha x piperita 'Chocolate') has a subtle chocolaty taste and scent. Zones 5-9


Lemon mint (Mentha x piperita f. citrata) offers citrusy undertones. Zones 5-9


Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) comes in many cultivars. Zones 3-8


Spearmint (Mentha spicata) comes in many cultivars, including 'Kentucky Colonel', which has large, flavorful leaves. Zones 5-10

Disclaimer:

We are not responsible for any adverse reactions to the herbal recipes  or products here.  We Always make sure the herbs you use are not sprayed with any pesticides or chemicals of any kind.  We make sure to wash all your herbs thoroughly, even if bought at the supermarkets, and healthfood stores.   Using less herbs is always better than too much!!  Some people may be allergic to certain herbs........and remember......some herbs are poisonous!!!  So before using take precautions always, and stop using if it makes you irritated in any manor.  Before using any remedy always be cautious, and seek a professional but make sure you get more than one diagnosis.

This is pretty much common sense. :-)

But anyway...

DISCLAIMER: The herbal remedies (and similar info) posted thru this 

list are provided for information and research purposes only. This 

information is not offered for the purposes of substituting medical 

expertise or medical care. If you have medical concerns, consult a 

licensed medical physician.