Mint the magical herb- The uses

So earlier we talked about growing, harvesting, and storing your mint.  Now lets talk about some of the reasons to grow mint and how to use it.

Uses for Mint in the Garden:


We already talked about the variety called Pennyroyal and it's mosquito repeling ability.  It is the strongest of all the the mints in smells but that doesn't mean the others don't have their own special garden powers.  Just plan ol' ordinary mint is used as a repellant for these pests:
Ants
Aphids
Cabbage Looper (Mostly just the Spearmint variety)
Fleas (Pennyroyal)
Flea Beetle
Fly (Pennyroyal)
Mosquitoes (Pennyroyal)
Squash Bug
White Cabbage Moth

Plant Mint with these plants to get a better yeild:
Beans
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Chinese Cabbage
Collards
Tomato
Roses (pennyroyal)

So you see Mint is very useful.  It's handy that it is a wonderful smelling plant as well.

Mint in the Kitchen and Medicine cabinet:


Most people hear mint and think candy-canes, peppermint patties, stuff from the kitchen.  Although yes it is good for that it also has some other uses when eaten.

Medicinal uses:
Digestive Aid
Cold
Flu (morning sickness too)
Stimulant (kinda like coffee)

So other than physically cooking with it how else can this wonder herb help these ailments?  Sachet, Jelly's, Candies, and my personal favorite....

MINT TEA!

And man does it taste good.   So good I have pictures and instructions to make a nice glass of hot or cold mint tea.  Perfect for that cold you are trying to fight off as winter has arrived.

Ingredients:
Boiling water - 6 cups
Dried Mint leaves - 1-2 Tbps
A tea diffuser

To start get that water going in the tea pot.  It's easiest also to have a separate container to actually brew the tea in.  Gather your dried mint.  I put them on a plate so that I could crush them to release the oils.

A good close up of the mint...partially crushed

This is your diffuser.  Once you have the mint crushed put them in this.  This is then placed into your container and boiling water is poured over it.

Aiden guy wanted to help me by wiggling the container to help mix it up.  It is best to leave the diffuser in the water for about 10 min.  I put the lid on to help keep the heat in.

Beleive it or not the mint turned the water to a more tea looking color.  The trick to this part is two fold.  If you are just going to drink the tea at this point flavor to your liking.  Add more water if too minty.  Add honey.  What every you like.  If you want to use it to help clear up the sinuses I would use more mint and less water.  This way the smell is stronger.  In this case you may just want to inhale the vapors.  Although drinking the tea while still hot will do this as well.  If you prefer your tea cold.  As some ice.  It's perfect for the summer.

So as your days are getting colder and the colds are getting stronger, go get some of that dried mint and make some hot tea.....or make some hot chocolate just use minty hot water.....

Until next time.  Have a wonderful Holiday.