Mint, spearmint or pennyroyal: are they the same? what is the difference?

While the Mentha spicata either peppermint it usually is most used in the kitchen, the Peppermintis the most appreciated crop variety currently and the preferred one for its various health benefits.

It is believed that the first sign of hybridization between two species of mints It took place in England around the middle of the 17th century. Of that lineage, between a water mint and a green mintand after countless new hybridizations, the peppermint.

pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)from the same family and properties similar to peppermintis less powerful in its effects, but it is also very cheaperand hence its popularity.

Characteristics and care of peppermint

Mint is a plant very aromaticup to 80 cm high, hairy and pointed leaves, oval shape and pale violet flowersgrouped in dense spikes. They are harvested the flower bouquets since late spring.

It is easily grown through cuttings and shoots.and you don’t need many care. Grows well in potsand we easily find it in nurseries, fields, orchards and gardens.

Properties and benefits of peppermint

Mint accompanies many combined plant formulations, to which it contributes its characteristic aroma and flavor, but on its own it holds countless health benefits:

• For digestion: it is digestive, aperitif and carminativeas it stimulates the production of bile, facilitates the absorption of nutrients and calms gastrointestinal spasms, nausea and abdominal bloating, in addition to prevent gas formationand flatulence.
• For breath: Fights bad taste in the mouth.
• For the mood: As a general tonic, it has traditionally been indicated to confront states of asthenia, weakness and lack of appetite. The saying goes: «mint increases love and spirits.»
• For headache: It has been proven useful in softening the nervous headaches or headaches related to hepatobiliary disorders.
• for the tenmuscle tension: It is considered analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, it helps soothe muscle pain, painful menstruations and joint inflammation.

Uses of peppermint

• In infusion for heavy digestion: As a liver purifier, after a feeling of fatigue or due to slow and heavy digestion, specialists propose the infusion that associate mint leaves with boldo, dandelion and barberry leavesin equal parts.
  How to prepare it: When the water starts to boil, add a level tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water and let it infuse for about 7-8 minutes. Take it after meals, as a digestive and restorative remedy.
• In essential oil for mucus: Can inhale mint essence dissolved in hot water to facilitate expectorationbut keep in mind that in some people more than 2 or 3 drops could cause dizziness, nausea and nervousness.
• Peppermint tea for headache: You can take mint infusion alone, or combined with marjoram or fumaria.
• Peppermint extract as a general tonic: He oil Mint essential can also be taken as a general tonic dissolved in a glass of warm water or on a piece of sugar. Add 2 drops to the glass and take it 1 to 3 times a day.
• In the bath or in a massage: Mint infusion and tincture or a few drops of essential oil are added to bath water or massaged. It is very suitable for relieve pain caused by neuralgia such as sciatica and rheumatic pain, as well as skin disorders like eczema.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from Manantial de Salud