MINT BOOM

Description

The plant is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It was introduced into America, Australia, and Madiera.

Generally, mint is a strongly aromatic square-stemmed annual that can grow to 32 inches and produce serrated leaves which areharvested just before flowering. Various species grow naturally worldwide. The species readily inbreeds so they are sometimes difficult to tell apart, but all have a distinctive minty odor and a fresh taste.

In Mexico, the field mint grows wild along the banks of streams and brooks, also breeds in gardens. The leaves look like mint; but the small, round purple flowers.

Peppermint is a perennial hybrid of Mentha aquatica and M. spicata, forming M. Piperita. The essential oil is obtained from the stem of the plant through distillation.

History moments

Dried mint leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids,dating from 1000 BCE.

It also has an ancient history as a strewing herb for temple floors, rooms, places of recreation, and where feasts and banquets were held. Not only was it strewn about to freshen the air, but also to deter mice. Even today, dried mint leaves are a viable alternative to camphor mothballs.

The Romans flavoured their wines and sauces with mint. However, when women, who drank the wine, were threatened with death, secret drinkers would mask their breath by chewing a paste made with mint and honey.

Peppermint was first commercially cultivated in England in the 18th century and taken to America soon after, where they are now the world leaders in production.

It is widely used by Native Americans as a home deodorizer, perfume, food and beverage flavouring, and as an ingredient in hair oil.

Diluted oil of peppermint was sold as a trade item by trappers and traders to Indian tribes. Since these tribes were already familiar with the herb, they valued the potent oil more. This oil was extracted by distillation in England and sold in distinctive clear, green or blue, glass vials with raised lettering. These glass vials have been found in numerous archaeological sites.

Remedies

Decoctions

Leaves

Mint teas

Infused oil

Infusions and tinctures

Inhalation of steam

Essential oil

Massage oil