Peppermint is one of the
most popular tastes and smells amongst the herbs. Its strong flavor and
refreshing odour help to contribute to it having multiple purposes. Peppermint
is commonly used in toothpastes, mint sweets, mouth washes, primarily because
it is refreshing to the mouth and most people find the smell at least pleasant,
if not addictive.
Even before the advent
of these modern products, though, peppermint was widely used for centuries. Its
strong fragrance combined well with the flavour to make a tea that was found to
be soothing for some stomach problems and even some other minot ailments.
Some of Peppermints Traditional Uses
The leaves of the
peppermint plant have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Peppermint teas, for example, made from fresh peppermint leaves, have been a
popular beverage for many years, and peppermint continues to be used, in the
same way, by many people today.
Peppermint leaves have
been shown to aid indigestion, soothe the digestive tract, and even help to
reduce irritable bowel syndrome, an increasing modern problem.
Peppermint's Other Uses
Peppermint has a very
strong aroma, and the fumes given off when mixed with hot water, if inhaled,
may help to make breathing easier for those who have a cold accompanied by
blocked nasal passages. It is also used in some modern inhalation products and
rubs, for the same reason.
What is less well known
is that peppermint has been found to inhibit the growth of some fungi and
bacteria, as well as providing some relief to some allergies and asthma.
Shopping For Peppermint
If you decide to by
peppermint products, it is best to stick to manufacturers of high repute, as
any medicinal values will may be lost in a poor manufacturing process
Grow Your Own Peppermint
If you are in a climate
where peppermint grows, then it is by far the best option to grow your own. The
peppermint plant is very easy to grow; in fact, you may find it ahrder to stop
than to grow. It is a quick growing plant that can become rampant, so choose a
spot in the garden where you do not mind it taking over, or grow it as a
container plant. A compromise is to sink a pot in the garden to inhibit its
growth.
Fresh mint has a number
of culinary reduces, and goes nicely with roast lamb, a traditional English
favourite. For medicinal uses, it is best brewed as a tea, or used as a rub or
inhalant for chest coughs and nasal congestion of a mild nature. Those who are
troubled by nausea and other stomach ailments have a choice of drinking such a
peppermint tea, or using one of the many enteric coated capsules made with
fresh peppermint leaves. Both approaches work well, but it is important to
known which approach is best for your particular condition. When drinking
peppermint tea for chronic stomach conditions, many doctors recommend drinking
three or four cups of peppermint tea a day.
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