Mint comes in many different varieties, and while all of them have their differences, they all have a menthol scent when you bruise them. This scent is responsible for many of the health benefits associated with this plant.
You can use mint in dozens of ways to enjoy greater health and to make your home more festive for the holidays.
Types of mint and their health benefits
There are many types of mint that you can choose between. The following types are the most common:
- Peppermint is a popular mint that is beneficial for helping an upset stomach, soothing cold symptoms, freshening your breath and lifting your mood.
- Spearmint helps to alleviate nausea and reduce muscle spasms.
- Catnip can aid in the treatment of hemorrhoids, upper respiratory issues, diarrhea, anxiety, dandruff, fever, headaches and insect bites.
- Bergamot is helpful for treating anxiety associated with stress and depression.
- Lemon balm works to ease cold symptoms, reduce high blood pressure and fight insomnia.
- Water mint can help with digestive problems, headaches, sore throats and fever.
- Corn mint is a type of mint commonly used by Native American tribes to relieve the flu, headaches, colds and diarrhea.
- Pennyroyal mint is popular for relieving digestive upset.
Note: Before using any type of mint for a health condition, or if you are pregnant, make sure you check with your doctor or a health professional you trust. Do not use a type of mint your are unfamiliar with to remedy a health condition.
- Excellent Ways to Use Mint this Holiday Season
Mint is a wonderful addition to the holiday season, because you can use it for everything from adding flavor to dishes and drinks to creating a festive centerpiece, and more. Consider the following nine ways to use mint at your next holiday celebration:
- Add some fresh mint leaves to your favorite tea to make it light and fresh.
- Create a holiday dessert with Greek yogurt, fresh cranberries and mint leaves.
- Make a salad topper by combining mint, strawberries, basil and homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
- Make a virgin drink for your guests with fresh mint leaves, raw, crushed stevia leaves, fresh lime and club soda.
- Consider a holiday brunch salad with basil, feta cheese, fresh watermelon and mint leaves.
- Chew on a couple fresh peppermint leaves after holiday meals to quickly freshen your breath. You can also keep a bouquet of fresh mint in a vase by the mistletoe at your next holiday party.
- Combat those holiday colds by adding fresh mint to steaming water to help clear your sinuses so that you feel your best for the festivities.
- Bake flavorful holiday chocolate chip cookies by adding chopped fresh mint leaves to the batter before baking.
Mint is a very versatile plant, and a wonder around many areas of your kitchen, and the rest of your home. Getting to know the differences between each type allows you to make the best choice when it comes to using mint throughout the holiday season.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.elizabethrider.com/10-ways-use-fresh-mint
http://www.motherearthliving.com/healthy-home/natural-cleaning/15-uses-for-mint-zmhz13mazmel.aspx#axzz3KvwFMbmv
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275944.php
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-mint.html