Mint Time -- Beyond Toothpaste and Chewing Gum

Today - and for this month when AC is looking for nominations for three categories - I wish to help familiarize readers and the youth about mint.

There are at least 25 types of mint or herbs with that name, though several have other names and appelations too. I would venture that most mints can be used as hot tea (boiling the leaves in a pot, or just soaking the leaves in a cup of hot water for 3-5 minutes). They are commonly used to relieve stomach and tension issues, along with colic and flatulence. ( I am sure none of us is shy about admitting to flatulence; it's so natural. And a great relief. LOL).

Mentah piperita is the Latinate name for Peppermint. It is also called brandy mint! Like many herbs, one can use it to make a relaxing tea, whether you have congestion, colds or not! Most everyone likes the smell and uses of this herb from our store bought products, including gum. Peppermint is a breath-freshener worth its weight in gold: it works in mouthwash also because it cleanses the upper respiratory systems. This includes eliminating mucus. It is also relaxing and cool to both mouth and body. If you wish to get younger people interested - and those who do not like anything from gardens - introduce herbs to them via Mentha peperita. It helps if you throw in the latin name ... this is, as Linda Louise Johnson would say, yet another vocaulary vitamin opportunity.

The second mint may be more hard-working: Mentha spicata. Oddly enough, this Spearmint is considered milder than Peppermint. It's ingredients include natural Potassium. Like other herbs, especially other mints,Spearmint makes a wonderful tea. Please note, we can avoid the English habit of adding cream in teas. I prefer using a touch of honey or agave sweetener, and no cream!

Perhaps pregnant women can use this herb to control nausea, so long as they check with their doctors and medical persons helping them already. However, generally-speaking, Spearmint -- like ginger -- is a great help in controling nausea.

The best thing about both these types of mint is that one can use them daily just for fun and health benefits. They are relaxing to nerves, and especially the stomach and intestines. Many countries have begun to produce the oil which may or may not be called menthol. However, ancient Greeks used mint (especially to flavor wines and meat dishes). The ancient Egyptians too used mint extensively. Mentha made their way to England about 1750 ... since then it has spread to Australia and the USA where it helps in many industries, and generally to sweeten other pills and medications.

Other names you may come across that will tell you about the uses (others have made) of mints are: Lamb mint, garden mint, fish mint, mackerel mint, fever mint or just the Latinate Mentha.

Please feel free to continue to research this wonderful herb; add your comments here or email me with questions. Consider adding my name (Nomination, please) for the September contributions to Alternative Medicine. Shalom and Good Health to AC writers, readers and their friends around the Village (the global village wghere herbs grow wild and peacefully)