This month’s offering from the Druid’s Garden is too big to have just our normal intro, it’s from one of the largest families of herbs with 25 known species and hundreds of interesting varieties – of course I’m talking about mint (Mentha) from the family Lamiacae (mint family).
It’s interesting that the mint plant propagates so easily and readily and when translated into Greek it becomes ‘Menthe’ which is easy to recognise……for you fans of mythology, that would also be the name of a cute little nymph, loved by Hades, who was turned into, you guessed it, a mint plant by Persephone!
The magickal history of this herb states that gnomes love it so much they swap it for prosperity!! It’s also good to sprinkle around the house after an argument and even better in a warm bath!
Medicinally, mint is commonly used for digestive ailments, stomach and menstrual cramps, nausea, flatulence and even a temporary hunger suppressant… but be warned, it’s also used as a stimulant! While it will suppress hunger for a while, once it wears off, your appetite will be worse than before! Best to drink it as a tea, or mix with warm milk to make it more appealing for kids!
Recent research suggests that the oil used in a cold compress can assist in relieving arthritis and joint pain. While in Japan at Osaka University, they are doing research with active components found in white peppermint that may show some inhibitory activity against HIV. But its uses aren’t limited to that! Try placing sprigs of mint and rosemary in vinegar. Leave it stand for a week (out of direct sunlight) and use to help control dandruff! For relief from tension headaches, rub a little peppermint oil on your temples, and for colds and sore throats try chewing a few leaves.
Mint is also a great antiseptic and antioxidant – particularly in a variety of mint called Japanese Menthol.
On a culinary note, mint can add such vibrancy to the most mundane dishes! By simply adding chopped leaves just before serving, you can add a super flavour to peas, omelets, veggies, chocolate fudges and sauces too!
We all know mint and lamb are a perfect match in winter but here is one of my favourite uses for mint: Simply add a few crushed mint leaves into your ice cube tray for a refreshing twist to drinks – tastes great in water with a slice of lemon but even better in lemonade!
When picking fresh leaves go for the vibrant coloured ones and avoid limp leaves. Also remember if you’re using dried mint, reduce the amount by a third.
Mint is pretty hardy and is perfect for pots or a spot in the garden with a little more space – it has a sneaky creeping rootstock and like strawberries, grows from runners but also from roots and cuttings!! So place it carefully young grasshopper! As far as soil conditions go, it just adores lime, and thrives in rich loose soil. Sun, shade or a mix, mint is pretty easy going, although your oil content will be higher if grown in the sun. It does run the risk of looking a bit shabby, so be sure to use it regularly to keep it looking fresh and good!
Great in the garden and fresh on the breath it’s mint! Plant some today!
www.DruidsGardenOnline.com
It’s interesting that the mint plant propagates so easily and readily and when translated into Greek it becomes ‘Menthe’ which is easy to recognise……for you fans of mythology, that would also be the name of a cute little nymph, loved by Hades, who was turned into, you guessed it, a mint plant by Persephone!
The magickal history of this herb states that gnomes love it so much they swap it for prosperity!! It’s also good to sprinkle around the house after an argument and even better in a warm bath!
Medicinally, mint is commonly used for digestive ailments, stomach and menstrual cramps, nausea, flatulence and even a temporary hunger suppressant… but be warned, it’s also used as a stimulant! While it will suppress hunger for a while, once it wears off, your appetite will be worse than before! Best to drink it as a tea, or mix with warm milk to make it more appealing for kids!
Recent research suggests that the oil used in a cold compress can assist in relieving arthritis and joint pain. While in Japan at Osaka University, they are doing research with active components found in white peppermint that may show some inhibitory activity against HIV. But its uses aren’t limited to that! Try placing sprigs of mint and rosemary in vinegar. Leave it stand for a week (out of direct sunlight) and use to help control dandruff! For relief from tension headaches, rub a little peppermint oil on your temples, and for colds and sore throats try chewing a few leaves.
Mint is also a great antiseptic and antioxidant – particularly in a variety of mint called Japanese Menthol.
On a culinary note, mint can add such vibrancy to the most mundane dishes! By simply adding chopped leaves just before serving, you can add a super flavour to peas, omelets, veggies, chocolate fudges and sauces too!
We all know mint and lamb are a perfect match in winter but here is one of my favourite uses for mint: Simply add a few crushed mint leaves into your ice cube tray for a refreshing twist to drinks – tastes great in water with a slice of lemon but even better in lemonade!
When picking fresh leaves go for the vibrant coloured ones and avoid limp leaves. Also remember if you’re using dried mint, reduce the amount by a third.
Mint is pretty hardy and is perfect for pots or a spot in the garden with a little more space – it has a sneaky creeping rootstock and like strawberries, grows from runners but also from roots and cuttings!! So place it carefully young grasshopper! As far as soil conditions go, it just adores lime, and thrives in rich loose soil. Sun, shade or a mix, mint is pretty easy going, although your oil content will be higher if grown in the sun. It does run the risk of looking a bit shabby, so be sure to use it regularly to keep it looking fresh and good!
Great in the garden and fresh on the breath it’s mint! Plant some today!
www.DruidsGardenOnline.com
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