All About Mint | Know Your Spice Pudina or Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Mint (Mentha piperita) or Peppermint are aromatic perennial herbs are distributed mostly in the Northern hemisphere.

In India, it is largely confined to North India in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.

The most common mints for growing are peppermint (Mentha piperita), spearmint (Mentha spicata), Scotch spearmint (Mentha gracilis), and cornmint (Mentha arvensis).

More recently apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) has gained attraction as well.

Out of these Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is quite commonly used for culinary purposes and this article primarily relates to it.

The herb leaves should be used fresh in almost all cases for cooking. However, dried leaves maybe used for beverages and desserts.

The herb history is colored by stories from ancient mythology. Proserpine, Pluto’s wife, was said to have transformed a hated rival into the mint plant.

Both the Latin, Metha, and the Greek, Minthe, have come to be associated with metamorphosed beauty.

In Ancient Athens, where it was common to scent different parts of the body with different herbs, peppermint was the scent most commonly used on the arms.

Peppermint history has it being introduced to England by the Romans and is mentioned by John Gardiner before 1440 as ‘myntys’.

In the 14th Century there were early versions of toothpaste. It was used during that time for whitening teeth.

Turner (1508 – 1568), who was known as the Father of British Botany, believed it was good for ‘ye stomack’ and is pleasant in sauces.

Culpepper (1616 – 1654), a physician-astrologer suggested that it should never be given to a wounded man because it will prevent his wound from healing.

Culpepper used peppermint to treat almost 40 different ailments.

In the 17th Century, John Gerarde described menthe as having a “smelle rejoyceth the heart of man.”

Peppermint history identifies the Pilgrims as the people most likely responsible for bringing the herb to the New World.

• The peppermints are especially good culinary mints, ideal for chopping into salads, sprinkling over fruits or combining with basil or cilantro to make mint pesto.
• Peppermint leaves or frozen cubes are added to mojitos, iced tea, or fresh lemonade and even tea. Making a watermelon lemonade, add it to it as well.
• Mints are are traditional tea herbs. Simply steep your fresh mint leaves in boiling water for about five minutes and serve. It’s a great digestive aid after dinner.
• Peppermint teas and extracts have been used for centuries as a mouthwash for oral infections.
• Your home will smell fresher by adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil in your oil diffuser. This is a great mosquito repellant too.
• Keep your pets flea-free by stuffing a small pillow with fresh spearmint and thyme and placing near your pet’s bed.
• Combine fresh cucumbers and peppermint leaves with Epsom salt to create a lightly scented and refreshing bath soak.

Properly stored, fresh peppermint leaves will usually keep well for about 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator.

• Wrap the peppermint leaves gently in a damp paper towel.
• Place the peppermint leaves in a plastic bag, not sealing all the way so that air can circulate. Do not wrap tightly; trapped moisture will cause the herbs to mold.
• Trim the ends and place in a glass filled with about 1” of water.

• Substitute 1 tablespoon chopped with 1 teaspoon dried peppermint. The proportion of fresh to dry herbs is 1/4th.
• 1 teaspoon of peppermint from a herbal tea bag.
• 1 drop peppermint oil and taste before adding more. Use it only for beverages or baked goods or liquid preparations, don’t use for salad.
• For an alternate flavor, try substituting 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chopped fresh basil.

You should look for dried peppermint in the spice section of your supermarket. Store them tightly sealed in a dark location.

Fresh herb is commonly available in the fruit & vegetable sections of most supermarkets and online too.

If you have a farmer’s spirit, simply grow some Mentha piperita herb in your kitchen garden or a pot.

The following are health benefits of Mint Leaves, Peppermint or Peppermint

• Health Benefits of Peppermint for Digestion – Mint may also be effective at relieving other digestive problems such as upset stomach and indigestion.
• Health Benefits of Mint for Imporving Brain Function – In addition to ingesting mint, there are claims that inhaling the aroma of essential oils from the plant could provide health benefits, including improved brain function.
• Health Benefits of Peppermint against Breast Feeding Pain – Studies have shown that applying mint to the skin can help relieve pain associated with breastfeeding.
• Health Benefits of Peppermint against Fever & Flu – Many over-the-counter cold and flu treatments contain menthol, a primary compound in peppermint oil.
• Health Benefits of Mint against Bad Breath – Mint-flavored chewing gum and breath mints are some of the first things people reach for when trying to prevent or get rid of bad breath.
• Health Benefits of Peppermint for Nutrition – Mint is a particularly good source of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is critical for eye health and night visio.
• Health Benefits of Pudina for Respiration – Mint leaves are highly recommended for asthma patients, as it acts as a good relaxant and relieves chest congestion.
• Health Benefits of Peppermint for Boosting Your Immunity – Mint is full of vitamins and antioxidants to improve your immunity. These plant-based vitamins help to protect your cells from damage.
• Health Benefits of Pudina against Obesity – Mint leaves play an essential role in losing weight in a healthy way. Mint leaves promote digestion and boost metabolism to help in losing weight.
• Health Benefits of Pudina against Stress – Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy. It’s strong and refreshing smell could help beat stress and rejuvenate the mind.
• Health Benefits of Pudina for Skin care – Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of mint leaves are effective in treating acne and lowers the inflammation and redness associated with acne outbursts.

Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation.