Where is mint from

Consequently, most farmers and horticulturists prefer to propagate mint by vegetative means: taking stem cuttings or by planting pieces of rhizomes or stolons also called "runners". By using these simple methods of cloning, one can be assured of the quality of the mint plants. The best quality mint is usually grown in areas with long day lengths during the summer; indeed, exposure to long day lengths increases the essential oil content of mint leaves.

Mint grown near the equator may have high yields but low quality. Mint is generally harvested by cutting the tops leaves and young stems of the plants just before the flowering stage in mid to late summer; at this time, the mint flavour and odour are the strongest.

Most types of mint grow best in moist soils. Therefore, in dry climates, irrigation may be necessary. Several diseases can affect mint. The most common are "mint rust," which is caused by a fungus that leaves irregular rusty-brown spots on the leaves, and "verticillium wilt," another fungal disease that attacks the roots of the mint, causing them to rot. Mint can be used as a culinary herb, a medicinal plant , an ornamental plant, a source of flavouring for the food and beverage industry, as an insect repellent, in perfumery, in detergents and in cosmetics.

Mint leaf tea, peppermint candies and mint jelly are some of the best known culinary uses of mint. Mint leaves and stems contain many chemicals called essential oils. These chemicals evaporate easily at room temperature and give a characteristic odour and flavour to mint. The most common essential oil in mint is menthol.

Other common essential oils are menthone and carvone. Commercial mint oil is a blend of these and other essential oils. Mint oil can be extracted from mint herbage fresh leaves, stems and flowers by steam distillation. This involves chopping the herbage into small pieces then steaming it; the essential oils evaporate from the herbage then are collected and condensed. Mint herbage can also be dried but some of the essential oils are lost during this process.

Mint has many uses as a traditional folk remedy as well as in modern medicine. Peppermint, because it contains menthol, has been suggested as an aid to digestion. However, in large amounts, menthol can cause allergic reactions and even be toxic. Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium has been used as an abortifacient in folk medicine but it is dangerous to consume as it can cause liver damage. Spearmint Mentha spicata , or viridis consists of a purple stalk and pink or lilac flowers, reaching a height of 30 to 60 cm, though able to grow up to 1.

Originally from the Middle East and Southern Europe, spearmint now grows around the world in moist and sunny environments. Its leaves are used to treat a whole host of ailments including digestive problems, the common cold and skin and mouth conditions. It is also used in the agri-food business for manufacturing toothpaste, mint chocolates , lotions and liqueurs and as an aromatic herb.

Watermint Mentha aquatica orhirsuta , with a green or reddish stalk and pink or white flowers, grows in Europe, Western Asia, Northern and Southern Africa and in America.

It is often used for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties in the form of an essential oil. Finally, American wild mint Mentha canadensis , originally from North America and East Asia, represents the main commercial source of the production of natural menthol. In addition to its aroma, fresh mint also provides vitamins , such as vitamin E and beta-carotene.

It is essential to stick to the recommended doses of peppermint oil. Pure menthol is poisonous and not for internal consumption. People should only ever apply it to the skin or a nearby surface, such as a pillow, to disperse fumes. Do not apply mint oil to the face of an infant or small child, as it may cause spasms that inhibit breathing. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine whether any of your medications could interact with mint or mint oil.

Mint in the diet is most beneficial as a replacement for salty, sugary, or calorific flavorings. Mint ointments or supplements provide most of their benefits.

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