Characteristics of Mint

Mint is one of the most popular aromatic plants that grow wild in most parts of the world. It comes from the plant Mentha piperita and is closely related to spearmint and pennyroyal. We encounter mint in various varieties such as: forest mint, long-leaved, round-leaved, black mint, etc.

Mint has white or purple fragrant flowers that bloom in early summer and autumn. It is a low-maintenance herb and can grow in sunny or semi-shaded spots, an ideal plant for creating a rock garden. It is often grown in pots for kitchen needs, as its taste and aroma awaken the palate whether it is in a drink, in salad or in cooked dishes.

Mint spreads easily in the area where it grows and propagates via rhizomes. It needs plenty of water and is widely cultivated for the essential oil it contains. The yield in essential oil can reach up to 8 liters per year per acre of production. Climatic conditions, variety, soil composition, fertilization and other factors contribute significantly to this.

History of Mint

According to mythology, the Minthe she was a nymph who lived in the underworld and was transformed into a plant to escape the punishment of the gods. The plant first appeared on Mount Minthi in Trifylia. Since ancient times the herb was dedicated to the god of the underworld and the name mint comes from the place where it first appeared.

From antiquity to the present day it has been used fresh or dried as an aromatic in cooking, winemaking and pharmacy. The ancient Greeks scented their bath water with dried mint leaves for rejuvenation and relaxation. Its therapeutic property as a stomachic herb was appreciated by the ancient healers Hippocrates and Galen, who recommended it against dyspepsia, gastritis and sore throat.

Today, mint is an essential ingredient in herbal medicine. Together with mastic and spearmint, it is considered an effective herb for managing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, digestive disorders and oral hygiene.

Ingredients

Essential oil of mint from the leaves, flowers and fine twigs of the plant, which are harvested in the morning hours using the method of steam distillation

Chemical composition of peppermint essential oil

Menthol and menthone 50% (the main components responsible for the characteristic mint aroma), menthofuran, 1,8-cineole, limonene,

Instructions for use

For perimenopausal symptoms.

- Combine peppermint oil with evening primrose oil and mastic essential oil and give your joints a morning massage to ease the intensity and appearance of hot flashes. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

- Use it in the preparation of aromatic sticks, candles and soaps.

- Add 3 drops of peppermint essential oil and 3 drops of citronella to 100 ml of water and spray in the corners of the house and on curtains to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

- Pour a few drops into the ceramic burner to refresh the room with fresh energy.

- Mix 1–2 drops of peppermint essential oil in 100 ml of almond oil and apply to the hands for foot massage or reflexology acupressure.

- Combines well with peppermint, mastic, citronella, rosemary and chocolate essential oils.

Chinese medicine - Ayurveda

In TCM, mint is known as Bo He and is used for the lung and liver meridians. It has a cooling nature and helps expel wind-heat from the liver, moves Qi energy and clears the mind.

Mint is also recommended in Ayurvedic medicine to balance fire and earth. Its energy is cooling and at the same time gently warming. Its use is helpful during the summer months, and in moderate amounts it calms vata energy.

Useful tips

- The use of essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by young children.
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth.
- Always use essential oils dissolved in a base oil or other catalyst.