MINT LEAVES

      "Mint" - my favourite herb, I start my day with its refreshing aroma with the toothpaste. The cooling sensation it imparts gives us a calming and soothing effect. Mint, scientifically known as "MENTHA" and as "PUDINA" in Indian Languages and Malay, is a highly aromatic and freshening herb. Mint is widely used in Middle Eastern, Indian, British and American cuisines. Mint is a general term given to a variety of plant species, like Peppermint, Spearmint, Applemint etc., This wonderful herb can be used as fresh leaves, in dried form or as extracts and oils.
      Mint is a popular herb used as an ingredient in Teas, Beverages, as Garnishing, in Salads & Desserts, or converted into Dips, Sauces or Condiments/Chutneys. This wonderful herb is widely used for culinary purposes and in chewing gums, candies and as a combo with chocolate in cookies and cakes. It is widely used in cosmetic products, creams, toothpaste, breath fresheners, in aromatherapy, in balms, ointments, inhalers and in naturally made insecticides.

 

QUALITIES :

     Mint is packed with 'Menthol' which acts as a remedy for indigestion and chest pains. It disperses the excess energy released due to the digestive process by opening up and activating the pores in the skin and thus pacifies the aggravated pitta.  Mint Leaves are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. It is a good source of Iron, Magnesium and Calcium. Mint Leaves help to cure stomach aches or menstrual cramps. Also, the minerals present in mint leaves helps to keep the bones strong. Dried/Fresh Mint Leaves added to tea aids in digestion.

 

THERAPEUTIC USES OF MINT LEAVES :

• It acts as a detoxifying, cleansing and purifying agent.
• Mint Leaves helps in the process of Digestion.
• It activates salivary glands, getting the digestive juices flowing and soothes stomach inflammation.
• Mint Leaves helps to ease the sensation of Nausea.
• It helps to sooth the digestive tract, reducing the severity of stomach aches.
• Eases the discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
• Mint helps in slowing down the growth of most harmful bacteria and fungi.
• It is very useful in banishing headaches.
• Mint is good for the skin.
• Mint is a coolant and have a soothing effect.
• It is also used to pacify inflammation, burns and wounds.
• The Antifungal properties in Mint prevent Allergies & Respiratory disorders.
• It also helps to treat Asthma.
• It is helpful when dealing with congestion as compounds in mint aid in opening up the nasal passage as well as those of the lungs and bronchi.
• Mint contains a phytonutrient called perillyl alcohol, which has been proven beneficial in preventing the formation of colon, skin and lung cancer.
• Mint leaves help to strengthen the Liver.
• It ensures overall Oral hygiene.
• Chewing Mint Leaves are beneficial for dental health too.
• Mint helps to freshen the breath and inhibits the growth of bacteria inside the mouth.
• It also helps in preventing Depression.
• It also wards off harmful effects of free radicals.
• It also helps in preventing Cancer
• Regular consumption of Mint can also aid in balancing various bodily processes.
• It also aids in Weight Loss.
• Mint leaves act as a nervine tonic and helps to sharpen memory.
• Mint Leaves have the ability to prevent Memory Loss
• It is also beneficial for feeding mothers.

 

CULINARY USES OF MINT LEAVES :

• Fresh mint leaves are used as an ingredient in many Indian & South Asian dishes.
  
• Chopped mint leaves are added as a garnish in dishes like Biriyanis, Pulaos, Dhals and Curries.
  
• Mint leaves are used to make cool refreshing summer drinks and a traditional drink called 'Jaljeera'.
  
• It is widely used in Mediterranean Cuisine.
  
• Fresh/Dried Mint Leaves can be used as a Salad Ingredient.
  
• Crush few fresh Mint Leaves and add it into Water/Lemonade for a refreshing drink.
  
• Mint adds an amazing freshness to any juice.
  
• Just add 2-3 Leaves for a Glass of Juice
  
• Try with some Apple, Pineapple, Cucumber, Water Melon, Must Melon, Lemon etc.,
  
• Make fancy Cocktails/Mocktails with a note of Mint in it.
  
• Can make soothing Tea with fresh/dried Mint Leaves.
  
• Just add few leaves to hot water for a refreshing Mint Tea.
  
• Can add few Mint Leaves to your Green Tea/Black Tea too.
  
• Mint Chocolate is an absolute combo.
  
• Make Cookies/Cakes/Chocolate Dips with Mint flavoured Chocolate.
  

For more Recipes & Dishes with MINT LEAVES, Click here...

NOTES :

While buying Mint Leaves, look out for smaller and tender leaves with no signs of browning. The freshness of mint leaf is limited to two or three days.

HOW TO STORE :

Storing Mint in Water :

• Wash the Mint through running water.
• Cut off the lower portion of the stem.
• Discard any old, wilted, blackened/yellowed leaves.
• Fill a small Vase/Glass bottle with water(about1/3).
• Insert the Mint Stalks to the Vase/Bottle filled with water.
• Change the water periodically or when the colour of the water changes.
• Cover the bottle/Vase with an empty plastic cover/cling wrap.
• If stored properly Mint can last in room temperature for a few days.
• Can refrigerate the Mint Leaves in the same way.
• Refrigerated Mint Leaves stay longer this way.
  

Wrapping the Mint in Paper Towel :

• Thick Paper Towels suits well for the purpose.
• Make 2-3 Layers with the Paper Towel.
• Slightly wet the Paper Towel, it should not be too wet.
• Line up cleaned & washed Mint stalks on the Paper Towel.
• Roll the Paper Towels so that the Mint Stalks are totally covered.
  If you need to preserve a large amount of mint, wrap it into small individual bundles.
• Seal the wrapped Mint Leaf Bundles in a Ziploc Bag/ in an airtight plastic container.
• Stays good for 2-3 weeks.
  

Freezing :

• Can Freeze the Mint Leaves and store it in a Ziploc Bag.
• Can Freeze the Mint Leaves along with water in an Ice Cube Tray.
• Can use these Mint Leaves directly while making Juice/Smoothies/Lemonades/Ice Teas.
• Alternatively can thaw the Mint Leaves, squeeze out excess water and use accordingly.
  

Drying :

• Dry the Mint Leaves under direct sunlight/under shade until the leaves are totally dry.
• It may take a few days for this purpose.
• This method suits the people living in suitable weather condition.
• Alternatively can dry the leaves in an Oven.
• Place the leaves and tender stalks in 1 - 2 layers in a shallow oven-safe pan. 
• Adjust the heat setting of the oven to low 170°F /80 °C.
• Bake it for 2-3 hours.
• Adjust the timing as per your oven settings.
• Do not allow the leaves to brown.
• Crumble the leaves and store it in an airtight container.
  

Important: Food Safety

In individuals with a gallstone disorder history, mint should be consumed only after careful consultation with a trained medical practitioner. Same goes for pregnant ladies as it has rarely been seen to trigger a miscarriage. Excess dosage of mint is advised against, as large quantity of menthol consumption is neither healthy nor advisable.

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DISCLAIMER: Please remember these treatments options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replaces the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician, homeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for information purposes only.