mint facts

Mint is a member of the Lamiaceae family of plants. Lamiaceae is a family of flowering plants that comprises over 240 genera and 6,500 species worldwide. It is one of the 240 Genera and belongs specifically to the Mentha genus.

Mints are perennial, herb plants that are cultivated for their essential oils for use in medicinal, commercial and culinary purposes.

Most mint plants are hybridized. The most popular hybrid mint plants are peppermint (Mentha Piperita) and spearmint (Mentha Spicata).

Peppermint results from a cross between water mint (Mentha Aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha Spicata).

Spearmint results from a cross between apple mint (Mentha Suaveolens) and wild water mint (Mentha Longifolia).

THE AFFECTS OF MINT

The essential oil of mint contains varying amounts of menthol, which has been shown to have antimicrobal activity. Mint is known for the following benefits:

• Helps ease nausea and vomiting
• Improves digestion and reduces heartburn
• Improves bad breath
• Clears congestion related to colds and allergies
• Eases stress and tension

Traditionally, peppermint essential oil has been used to treat indigestion, headaches, colic, gingivitis, irritable bowel syndrome, spasms and rheumatism. This volatile and potent essential oil has very diverse uses because of its many properties. It relaxes muscles; has antiviral and bactericidal qualities; increases stomach acidity (to aid digestion); is an analgesic and counterirritant; and is a carminative (eases intestinal cramping).