I drink mint infused water, and mint tea, warm or cold. I make a cucumber salad with mint, and I adorn many a dish with fragrant mint leaves.
How about chunks of watermelon and mint on skewers for a late summer picnic?
Or ice cubes frozen with small mint leaves?
My favorite is rubbing a few leaves and breathing them in as I meander through our garden. I have been known to give guests a few leaves to sniff as we sit and visit. Aromatherapy.
Did you know that these seemingly simple, green leaves provide many health benefits?
Want to freshen your breath? Munch on a few mint leaves. It cleanses the palate.
Have a tummy ache? Sip on mint tea. It helps with digestion and is an effective remedy for nausea and headaches.
Have a pimple? Mint oil is a soothing skin cleanser. It is an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic herb. Mint is also an ingredient found in many bug repellants.
Fall sniffles? The strong aroma of mint can help alleviate congestion. Many throat balms contain mint to soothe the throat.
Feeling droopy, anxious, or just plain down in the dumps? Mint is a natural stimulant. The scent of mint can help recharge your batteries. It also improves alertness and cognition.
Who knew mint could be such a helpful friend?
This chart is a useful reference.
Mint is easy to grow in your garden and you can even plant it in a large pot.
My mint is taking over my garden. While I do love my mint, it creates many a weeding chore! That’s ok….I just chew as I go along!
Mint smoothie anyone? Here is my new recipe:
Judy’s Refreshing Chocolate-Mint Smoothie
3 medium or 2 large bananas, sliced and frozen
1 cup of diced cucumber
2 cups packed greens (kale, spinach, swiss chard)
½ ripe avocado
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
2 Tbsp cacao powder
2 cups of coconut water
1 cup of water (can add a few ice cubes if desired)
Directions: Blend all together until smooth. Quantities can be adjusted as desired.
Hope you enjoy it!
I will give this a try! I have often wondered about the correct way to measure herbs. How exactly do you come up with 1/4 cup of mint leaves? How packed are they? Do you chop them up first or leave them whole?
Ha! Good question, Lynne! Measuring herbs is hard and this is definitely a broad measurement.
I put in the whole leaves as the blender will chop them up well. I use a somewhat packed 1/4 cup. Again, everyone’s taste buds are different and you can play around with this quantity. Let me know what you think! Happy smoothie making!
My mother gave garden tours during my childhood and would snap off herbs for people to sniff and carry. A wonderful memory.
How fun! I love smelling my herbs and it is a real “pick me up”!