Peppermint: properties, benefits and care

Mint, peppermint or pennyroyal: are they the same? what is the difference?

while the Mentha spicata either peppermint usually most used in the kitchen, the Mentha piperitais currently the most appreciated crop variety and the one preferred for its various health benefits.

It is believed that the first indication of hybridization between two species of mints It took place in England around the middle of the 17th century. Of that lineage, between a water mint and a spearmintand after countless new hybridizations, the peppermint.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)from the same family and properties similar to peppermintis less powerful in its effects, but it is also very cheaperand hence its popularity.

Characteristics and care of peppermint

mint is a plant very aromaticup to 80 cm tall, hairy and pointed leaves, oval in shape and pale purple flowersgrouped in dense spikes. are harvested the flowery bouquets since late spring.

It is easily grown, by cuttings and shootsand you don’t need many care. grows well in potsand we easily find it in nurseries, fields, orchards and gardens.

Properties and benefits of peppermint

Mint accompanies many combined formulations of plants, to which it provides its characteristic aroma and flavor, but by itself it treasures countless health benefits:

For digestion: it is digestive, aperitif and carminativeas it stimulates the production of bile, facilitates the absorption of nutrients and calms gastrointestinal spasms, nausea and abdominal swelling, in addition to avoid gas formationand flatulence.For the breath: Fights the bad taste in the mouth.For the mood: As a general tonic, it has traditionally been indicated to deal with states of asthenia, weakness and lack of appetite. The saying goes: “mint increases love and encouragement”. For the headache: It has been shown to be useful for smoothing headaches nervous or related to hepatobiliary disorders.for the tenmuscle tension: It is considered analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, it helps to calm muscle pain, painful periods and joint inflammation.

Uses of peppermint

In infusion for heavy digestions: As a liver cleanser, after an intoxication or for slow and heavy digestions, specialists propose the infusion that combine mint leaves with boldo, dandelion and barberry leavesin equal parts.
How to prepare it: When the water starts to boil, add a level tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water and keep infusing for about 7-8 minutes. Take it after meals, as a digestive and restorative remedy.In essential oil for mucus: Can inhale mint essence dissolved in hot water to facilitate expectorationbut keep in mind that in some people more than 2 or 3 drops could cause dizziness, nausea and nervousness.Mint tea for headache: You can take mint infusion alone, or associated with marjoram or fumiaria.Mint extract as a general tonic: He oil Mint essential can also be taken as a general tonic dissolved in a glass of lukewarm water or on a piece of sugar. Add 2 drops to the glass and take it 1 to 3 times a day.In the bath or in a massage: The mint infusion and tincture or a few drops of the essential oil are added to the bath water or massaged. It is very suitable for relieve pain caused by neuralgia such as sciatica and rheumatic pain, as well as skin disorders like eczema.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at Manantial de Salud