Peppermint

I have another plant in my garden. It is a peppermint plant. It grows very well. I was not placing the leaves in a pot of hot tea. So again I did some research and found I have been given a gift. The slugs do not like this plant so it grows very well. 

I have bundled some up and will be selling it in pots at the church for a fund raiser. But before I did that I wanted to know  what good it was. It is plenty good. 

It is good for the:

·          Immune System   Peppermint has both anti-microbial and antioxidant qualities offers support for this claim. can help protect you from colds or the flu

·          Skin: Peppermint oil diluted with water can be used as a wash capable of alleviating skin problems such as rashes and dry skin. Also, it can be used as a hair rinse to soothe both dry and oily scalp.

·          Digestive Issues: Peppermint can aid in the reduction of a number of painful digestive problems including gas, bloating and nausea.

·           is rich in anti-oxidants and dietary fiber, which helps to control blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. 

     an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure 

 

         Peppermint- is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese and magnesium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are important co-factors for antioxidant enzyme superoxide-dismutase.

        

         It is also rich in many antioxidant vitamins including vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin-C and vitamin E. The leaves of mint also contain many important B-complex vitamins like folates, riboflavin and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6);  and the herb is also an excellent source of vitamin-K.

·          Energy:  inhaling its scent can result in heightened levels of energy.

·          Headaches: Topical application of Peppermint oil can reduce certain types of minor headaches. Peppermint oil, diluted with another oil, can be applied directly to the forehead or upper sinus areas. In fact, a German study showed Peppermint to have the same power as 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen.

·          Pain Relief: The main ingredient in Peppermint, Menthol, As a result it can temporarily reduce minor levels of pain associated with athletic injuries, overuse or muscle pain.

·          Congestion and Clearer Breathing: Menthol is also responsible for Peppermint’s respiratory-aiding properties

How to Use Peppermint

a) oil infusion

1.       Once you are done crushing the leaves, fill them up in a glass jar. Stuff as much leaves as you can in the jar. Fill the jar full with the crushed leaves.

2.       Now, take oil to make the infusion.  There are many carrier oils you can choose some choices are jojoba oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc.

3.       Start filling the glass jar with the oil, keep pouring the oil till the bottle is filled with the oil, till the neck level. Now take a cling film and place it on the opening of the jar. Then place the lid on the jar and tighten it.

4.       It is time to let the oil steep in now. If it is summer then let the oil steep in for 2 days. If it is a cold season let it steep in for a month. Make sure you keep shaking the jar every 12 hours.

5.       After the steeping period is finished, strain the oil using a double folded cheesecloth or using a fine plastic strainer. Strain the leaves properly, and press the leaves in the strainer with a spoon to get the left over oil out.

6.       Store the peppermint oil in amber colored glass bottle. Keep it in a dry, cool and warm place. It will stay for 3-6 months.

b) fresh or dried leaves in tea-drink it.  Let it cool and  use for hair rinse, plant mist, bug repellent , mouse repellant, head ache reliever ( inhaled)

c) in salads