The Weed that Works Wonders

The previous owner of our home planted mint in the front flower garden.  That was not a wise thing to do.  Now every spring I have to dig mint out of the flower bed, and it will never go away, because mint sends runners under the ground, and the bit of root that is left after digging out what I can will produce more plants and runners.

Mint is a weed. 

But mint is also a valuable herb, so each spring, whether I want to or not, I am able to harvest a bounty of mint and dry it for use all the rest of the year.

Mint has been used for:

·         Coughs, Colds, Sinus and Respiratory Infections

·         Digestive Issues, Including Heartburn, Nausea, Morning Sickness, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

·         Anti-Inflammatory, Including Arthritis, Liver and Gallbladder Complaints

·         Menstrual Discomfort, Bloating and Pain

·         Skin Irritations, Topical Analgesic

·         Mosquito Repellent

Coughs, Colds, Sinus and Respiratory Infections

Mint has an anti-viral effect.  In addition, it contains an anti-spasmodic, so when you have one of those colds that leave you coughing your head off, sip some sweetened (with honey) mint tea.  It will ease your symptoms and help fight the virus that is plaguing you.

Mint Tea

1 teaspoon dried mint (2 teaspoons fresh mint)

1 cup boiling water

Pour water over mint leaves.

Let steep for about 10 minutes.

Add honey to taste.

Sip slowly.

Digestive Issues, Including Heartburn, Nausea, Morning Sickness, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Mint is a natural soother to the digestive system.  It is not by accident that restaurants offer mints after dinner.  Mint helps relieve digestive upsets that result from eating a rich, indulgent meal.

It also works to ease nausea and morning sickness, which most people already know.  But best of all, that hard-to-treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome problem can be quelled with sipping 2-3 cups of mint tea throughout the day.

This tea does not need honey, since there is no irritated throat to soothe as in the case of a cough or cold.

Anti-Inflammatory, Including Arthritis, Liver and Gallbladder Complaints

Mint works well to balance the digestive system and correct flatulence.  It also helps heal the liver and ease gallbladder complaints.  The reason it works so well is that it is an anti-inflammatory.  This means it will work well to reduce the inflammation in a gallbladder flare up, and ease the pain and swelling (inflammation) in arthritis.

Menstrual Discomfort, Bloating and Pain

Combine the analgesic effect with the anti-inflammatory effect and you have a perfect combination to take care of your monthly menstrual issues, specifically bloating (inflammation) and pain.

Skin Irritations, Topical Analgesic

In addition to sipping a Mint tea, Mint can also be applied topically.  Just apply a Mint oil to the affected area, sore tooth or gum, rash, itchiness, bug bite, mosquito bite, and so on.

Mint Oil

Put fresh Mint into a jar, crushing it as you press it into the jar.

Add olive oil (or other pure vegetable oil) and completely cover the crushed Mint leaves.  Cover and set on window sill or other sunny place.

Shake once a day for about 3 days.

Pour through coffee filter or cheesecloth into a dark jar.  Store in cupboard.

Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitos do not like the scent of Mint.  Apply Mint Oil to exposed skin, and you’ll repel mosquitoes and smell nice too.

Notes to Followers:

Each Monday on PatriciaScholes.com, I’m sharing a piece of the new series.

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