Welcome to Kirsten's Herbal Garden...MINT
Mint grows like weeds once it takes hold...this patch is growing in Seattle. (Photo: K. Anderberg 2007)
You can use mint in tea, it is especially nice fresh. It makes a nice garnish for food, fruits, and fruit punch, etc. You can also use mints in homemade cosmetics, for mouthwashes, hair rinses, facials, and more! Peppermint is more acidic and has a darker leaf. It has a heavier flavor than spearmint. Spearmint has a very light flavor to it. Wintermint is light but with a bite. Mints are aromatic, and are used traditionally in many ethnic foods, such as Middle Eastern foods use mint in tabooli salad, made with bulgar, olive oil, mint, parsley...
Peppermint grows in spears and has purple and white flowers that are kind of dusty when you rub them between your fingers...(Photo: K. Anderberg 2007)
Rosemary Mint Mouthwash
2 1/2 c. distilled water ** 1 t. fresh mint leaves ** 1 t. rosemary leaves ** 1 t. anise seeds
Boil water, then remove from heat and add all ingredients. Let steep (sit) for 20 minutes. Cool, strain, use as mouthwash.
Spearmint growing at the University of WA Medicinal Herb Garden, July 2008 (Photo: K. Anderberg)
Mint Degreasing Hair Rinse
5 T. chopped peppermint leaves ** 1 pint water ** 1 pint cider vinegar
Put leaves and water in pan and bring to boil. Turn down heat, simmer 15 min., remove from heat, let sit 1 hour. Strain, then add vinegar. Use 1/2 pint after shampooing.
Rosemary Milk Toner for Feet
1 cup hot milk * 1/2 cup mint leaves * 6 sprigs of rosemary * 2 t peppermint extract
In a pan, simmer milk, mint, and rosemary for 15 minutes. Take off the heat, and cool. Strain, then stir in extract. Soak a clean cloth with the mixture, and apply to feet, wrapping it around feet. You can cover them with plastic after this if you want. Makes enough for one application.
Peppermint Foot Moisturizer
Melt 3 T cocoa butter and 2 T shea butter in a low oven at 200 degress. Once melted, add 1 T. ghee, 1/4 t. peppermint essential oil, 1/8 t. ginger essential oil and 1 T cooking oil, mix well, then use to massage feet.
Mint Syrup (for lemonade, mint juleps, etc.)
Simmer 2 cups sugar with 2 cups water and about four handfuls of fresh mint leaves. Turn off heat and steep for 30 minutes, then strain and chill.
Cucumber Raita
8 oz. plain low fat yogurt * 1/2 c chopped, seeded, peeled cucumber * 1/4 c minced green onions * 2 T chopped fresh mint * 1/4 t ground cumin
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and season with salt if desired. Serve right away or chill. This sauce is excellent with spicy dishes, over grains or grilled veggies, etc. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Abbreviations: (t. = teaspoon, T. = Tablespoon, c. = cup)
DISCLAIMER: Do not eat or drink tea from any plant you have not fully studied and identified properly. Please consult with your local alternative herbal care specialist before using herbs you are not familiar with.
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Anise * Blackberries * Calendula * Cloves * Comfrey * Eucalyptus * Fennel * Horsetails * Lavender * Mint * Nettles * Red Clover * Roses * Rosemary * Sage * Selfheal * Thyme * BABIES & MOMS * BATHS * BUG REPELLENTS * FEET * HAIR * LIPS * MAKEUP * MISC * SKIN * TEETH * WOMEN * |
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