herbs
Cooling Mints & Mint Lemonade
Peppermint and Spearmint are both well known herbs. They have been both cultivated for a very long time and have started out in Europe, then spreading to many regions. This is also the pattern for how the herb itself grows. If you want to plant either one, the best thing is to grow it in a container as they are very invasive and will overrun any garden. Just a word of caution.
Peppermint leaves when dried make a fine tea that is very good for a troubled stomach and digestion. European medical research studies have shown that Peppermint Oil has been useful in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Peppermint Oil has been used as a flavoring from everything from confections to gum to mouthwash for bad breath to helping teeth and gums deal with germs. Peppermint Essential Oil has been used to treat headaches ( applying several drops diluted essential oil onto the forehead- NEVER use any essential oil directly onto the skin), nausea, toothache and respiratory problems.
The essential oil has a high amount of menthol, which gives the essential its stimulating aroma when used in a spray to help one feel refreshed and more awake. This also helps when one is suffering from anxiety and stress.This same menthol has also been found to have a cooling effect on the skin by stimulating the cold-sensitive receptors in the skin. Another good reason to spray yourself with a peppermint spray or to use a peppermint soap in the bath or shower in the summertime.
Spearmint has also been used as a flavoring in a wide variety of items from gum to confections and its leaves are also great in a tea that helps with digestion. Spearmint Essential Oil is different from Peppermint in that rather being a stimulating oil, it is more relaxing and calming. Just a delightful fragrant oil. It does not have the high cooling sensation as Peppermint and it helps to calm the Peppermint down abit.
OK I went to youtube and was looking around for anything about mint- found 2 videos about making mint lemonade and loved this one because of the great music! Enjoy!
Have you ever tried mint soaps in the summer ? They do have a great cooling effect and are a great way to wake up in the morning- particularly on Mondays! Starting tomorrow the mint soaps ( Good Morning – Vanilla Mint- Rosemary Mint- Mojito) will be on sale for $4.75 each starting tomorrow till August 15th or stock runs out. Try one and keep cool!
What are you favorite mints and how do you like them – cakes- Mojitos ?
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2 Comments
karen c
I enjoyed your comments on mint and spearmint – thank you for posting it. I’m afraid I haven’t had the imagination to use it out of the garden for anything other than occasional tea or to jazz up a salad. That lemon drink in the video really looked good though and worth a try!
Marilyn
that’s what I thought too – need to get some mint leaves :o)