Mentha also known as Mint is a genus of plants in the mint family. Hybridization between some of the species occurs naturally. Many other hybrids as well as numerous cultivars are known in cultivation. The genus has a sub cosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and North America.
Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial, rarely annual, herbs. They have wide-spreading underground and over ground solons and erect, square, branched stems.
The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, from oblong to lance late, often downy, and with a serrate margin. Leaf colors range from dark green and gray-green to purple, blue, and sometimes pale yellow. The flowers are white to purple and produced in false whorls called verticillasters. The corolla is two-lipped with four sub equal lobes, the upper lobe usually the largest. The fruit is a nut let, containing one to four seeds.
All mints prefer, and thrive near pools of water, lakes, rivers, cool, moist spots in partial shade. In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions, and can also be grown in full sun.
The leaf, fresh or dried, is the culinary source of mint. Fresh mint is usually preferred over dried mint when storage of the mint is not a problem. The leaves have a warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste. Mint leaves are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams.
Alcoholic drinks sometimes feature mint for flavor or garnish, such as the mint julep and the mojito. Crème de menthe is a mint-flavored liqueur used in drinks such as the grasshopper.
Benefit & Uses: The health benefits of mint oil include its ability to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms, as well as for pain relief. Peppermint and peppermint oil find wide applications in the manufacturing of soap, shampoo, cigarettes, toothpaste, chewing gum, tea and ice cream.
Mint is a cross between water mint and spearmint and is native to Europe. Historically, the herb has been known for its medicinal uses, and its impressively long history often gives it the prestigious title as the world’s oldest medicine.
Unlike many other herbs and essential oils, numerous health benefits of peppermint and mint oil have been studied and proved by the scientific community. As a result, mint oil is also sold in the form of capsules and tablets, and is even prescribed by doctors of alternative and modern medicine.
Mint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, foliate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Mint oil is very helpful as an aid for digestion. People often put a few drops of mint oil in a glass of water and drink it after their meal for its beneficial digestive properties. It is carminative and therefore helps in removing excess gas. Mint oil is also a good tonic for those who have a low appetite, and it helps treating motion sickness, nausea and upset stomachs. Preliminary research has proved that peppermint oil, when combined with caraway oil can be used for treating heartburn.
Mint oil, due to its antiseptic properties, is very useful in dental care. It also eliminates bad breath and helps teeth and gums fight off hazardous germs. Unsurprisingly, these attributes mean that peppermint oil is added to numerous toothpastes, and it is also been shown to be useful in the treatment of toothaches. At times, the inhalation of peppermint oil vapor can be anti-inflammatory and pain relieving, so it can even be added to postoperative oxygen, particularly after oral surgeries.
The anti-fungal properties of peppermint oil are well studied, and there is significant research that shows peppermint oil, when topically applied, can reduce the chances of fungal nail infection, which affects many people around the world.