Mint is a fast-growing, aromatic herb plant, used as flavoring for foods, and liqueur, from cocktails and cold drinks to meat dishes and sweets. The essential oils of mints are used as scents in perfumery, and hydrosols in beauty cosmetic products. Mint also offers several potential health benefits due to its active compounds. They are commonly used in herbal medicine as a remedy for:
digestive problems (irritable bowel syndrome relief: belly spasms, flatulence, belly pain, stomach ulcers, nausea),
reducing stress,
diseases of the upper respiratory tract (as an inhalation for cold, flu, running nose),
topical as antibacterial, anti-scratching, analgesic (cold effect reduces pain),
freshening breath (toothpaste, mouthwash, ),
PCOS (spearmint),…
PARTS OF THE PLANT USED: leaves: fresh or dried
PREPARATIONS: tea, tincture, elixir, essential oil, hydrosol
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:
menthol
The genus of mint (Mentha) comprises around 30 species. The most common are:
peppermint
spearmint
black mint
applemint
pineapple mint
chocolate mint
lavender mint
Each mint variety has its own flavor or scent. Similar but different, due to different essential oil percentages in each variety, therefore they have also similar but different medicinal properties. They can cross-pollinate if planted in the proximity of each other - careful from cross-pollinated seeds can grow to plant with characteristics of other mint variety.
Cultivation: growing and harvesting Mint
SOIL and CLIMATE:
full sun to partial shade,
moist but well-draining soil, slightly acidic, rich in organic substance (Potassium, Nitrogen - Nitrogen increases the amount of Menthol and Menthone in the essential oil))
invasive, undemanding, perennial, very fast-growing and runner-forming
resistant to winter cold (hardy)
recommended to irrigate if summer is very hot, especially after the first crop in order to facilitate new growth
sensitive to fungal and insect attacks
they can cross-pollinate if planted in the proximity of each other - careful from cross-pollinated seeds can grow to plant with characteristics of other mint varieties
PROPAGATION
transplanting of stolons, taken from one-year-old peppermint plants
around 15 cm long, put in the soil
in autumn; can also be done in spring, but you have to water it, as they are more likely to suffer from drought
10-15 plants/mq
if lower density it is more likely to obtain less essential oil and poorer quality
from seeds
HARVEST
2 times/year
1st in July right before the flowering
2nd in late Summer / early Autumn
25-50 tons/ha of fresh plant material in 2 harvest
move the plants very low, in the early hours of the day
the first harvest has more essential oil
immediately moved to the drying room or used for distillation
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata) are two well-known and widely used members of the mint family (Lamiaceae). While they share some similarities due to their minty flavors and aromas, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is a hybrid between spearmint (Mentha spicata) and water mint (Mentha aquatica). It has the highest content of menthol in essential oil from all varieties.
Plant Description: Peppermint
heavy scent: highest menthol content of all varieties
peppery-spicy aroma
flowers: almost always sterile, white or rosy-violet, grouped together in whorls placed on short ears, have a cylindrical campanulate calyx composed of five teeth covered with hair
leaves are dark green with a purplish square stem
they are smoother and have a more intense color compared to spearmint leaves
Medical Properties of Peppermint
Health Benefits of Peppermint
improve the functions of the gastrointestinal system:
relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, belly spasms, flatulence, and belly pain
stomach ulcers, duodenum ulcers,
nausea
analgesic, antispasmodic, choleretic, eupeptic, carminative effect → lowers pain
relieve symptoms in coughs and colds (upper respiratory tract ) by inhalation, applied to the chest, around nostrils, sprayed in mouth
relieve localized muscle pain: used topical (menthol causes a local cold effect, which works as an analgesic)
relieve itching, when the skin is not damaged
against headache: massage a small amount of peppermint essential oil on the temples and forehead
the essential oil has immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects
for teeth and mouth hygiene, fresh breath (but spearmint is more commonly used for this, because milder taste)
repel mosquitos
menstrual complaints
flavor in culinary
perfumery
liquor
cosmetic products: acne
How does Peppermint work:
relieve cramps by interfering with calcium ions, which are involved in the contraction of smooth muscles in the gut, thereby relaxing the muscles.
when applied to the skin, peppermint oil triggers a prolonged cold sensation, by stimulating the cold-sensitive nerves in the skin. This provides pain relief when used for headaches.
CAREFUL
essential oil of peppermint should not be used for children under 2 years old
mint is safe for most people, and consuming it doesn't typically cause side effects.
allergies uncommon, but careful:
possible allergic reactions:
topical: contact sensitivity, red skin rash, skin irritation, eye irritation
constriction of airways in allergic patients
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Plant Description of Spearmint
milder, sweeter flavor compared to peppermint, with a hint of sweetness and a subtle minty taste.
aroma is more gentle and less pungent than that of peppermint
contains lower menthol levels
grow up to 130 cm tall
leaves are lighter green and have serrated edges, giving them a slightly fuzzy appearance
blooms in white and purple from July to September
Use and Benefits of Spearmint
flavor to foods and drinks: cocktails, lemonade, ice-cream, tarts, candy, sweets, salads, meat dishes (lamb), because of milder taste
freshening breath: toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gums, breath mints, spray for their minty taste
hormonal imbalances: PCOS (as tea or capsules of spearmint essential oil)
acne