Mint

Origin and history of spearmint

The number of different types of mint can hardly be overlooked. The most important main species include green mint, Mentha spicata, the pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium, the field mint, Mentha arvensis, and of course the highly mentholated peppermint, Mentha piperita. Whether apple, orange or pineapple mint, sage or Thuringian mint: each has its own aroma and individual appearance. the spearmint, Mentha spicata, belongs to the mint genus (Mentha) in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and has been known as a beneficial herb in Mediterranean countries since ancient times. In addition to the designation Spearmint is Mentha spicata in region-specific forms also known as spearmint, horse mint, spearmint or nana mint (mint in Persian-Arabic: Nana / Turkish: Nane).

Mint is native to the temperate zones of the world, primarily in North America, Europe and Asia, but is now cultivated worldwide. It is said that the Romans brought the herb to England and that English sailors at sea used mint leaves to keep their drinking water fresh for longer. North America's colonists planted the perennial, herbaceous plant in their settlements. It grows best in semi-shade in nutrient-rich, moist soil and reaches a height of between 30 and 130 cm. The plant forms offshoots and can thus multiply quickly. In order to better control its growth, it can also be cultivated in containers such as tubs - to do this, bury the container and let it protrude a few centimeters from the ground (root barrier).

In Arabia's desert areas, the tea of the nana mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa) with its relaxing and gently cooling effect with the most important drinks. The tea is preferably prepared from fresh leaves and drunk very hot and sweetened. Mixed with black or green tea, it is a real source of energy.

Feel-good aroma and taste of mint

As a versatile culinary herb, the numerous mint species are now valued all over the world. With its particularly aromatic taste, mint gives many dishes and drinks a refreshing touch, especially in summer. The aroma of spearmint, Mentha spicata, is rather mild, finely minty.

The essential oil contained in the leaves is menthol-free and consists largely of carvone. A versatile bioactive compound found in a modified form primarily in cumin. Peppermint, Mentha piperita, on the other hand, has a typically cooling, slightly hot to burning mint taste, which is due to the main ingredient menthol (4).

Use the positive effects of spearmint

As a spice, the fresh or dried herb is ideal for meat and fish dishes. Especially in England, the famous mint sauce is served with roast lamb. Distillate from the spearmint herb is mainly used in the liqueur, chewing gum and candy industries. Thanks to its complex spectrum of bioactive compounds, the essential oil can Mentha spicata can also be used in a variety of ways for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.

In studies, scientists were able to use the essential oil of Mentha spicata demonstrate high effectiveness against pathogens (antimicrobial activity), which may be due to the high carvone content (2). Carvone has calcium channel blocker properties and has a pronounced antispasmodic (spasmolytic) effect. It can therefore be used in the treatment of muscle spasms (1).

Spearmint oil has a strong anti-inflammatory and sputum-promoting (mucolytic) effect. It is used for inhalation in bronchitis as well as for wound healing. Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, bile stasis, indigestion or fungal diseases are also among the areas of application (3).

applications

Preparation of the relaxing spearmint tea:

Pour about 3/4 liter of boiling water over 6 teaspoons of fresh mint leaves. Cover and let the tea steep for 5 minutes (so that no essential oils evaporate), then drain and sweeten to taste. Mint tea taken in small sips can Relieve stomach pain, bloating and headaches. Prepared tea will keep in the fridge in a closed container for up to two days. In order to use the positive effects of mint, about three cups should be drunk per day.

The herbal infusion can also be used as a gargle solution to relieve an irritated throat and to freshen your breath.

Rubbing tense muscles:

For external use of essential oils on the skin means a higher dose rarely one greater impact! Therapists recommend mixing a small dose of essential oils, for example in a 1-3 percent dilution, with a good quality massage oil such as almond, jojoba or coconut oil. 5-8 drops of spearmint oil diluted in at least 30 ml of massage oil can relieve sore muscles and cramps thanks to its circulation-enhancing properties.

Fragrant break for more joy in everyday life:

As a room fragrance are a few drops Organic green mint oil in the aroma lamp, nebuliser or in the inhaler pen is sufficient. Spearmint essential oil is said to increase alertness and sharpen thought processes (1).

Caution: essential oils are concentrates that may only be used diluted! Some of the ingredients in spearmint essential oil are classified as hazardous to health. Mint essential oil is not suitable for internal use in pregnant women, infants and young children. For external use in small children and infants, the concentration should be less than 0.5%.

The information provided here has been carefully prepared. They have a purely informative character and contain no Health or healing promises. Consult a doctor or other competent person before beginning any application or therapy.

Which AgilNature® products contain mint?