September 25, 2022 Herb of the Week: Mint by Gia Yaccarino
Flowering buckwheat in Field 1.
Mint (Mentha)
FYI
3 or 4 types of mint are found in Anchor Run's herb garden including mountain, common/spear, and apple.
Greek Mythology of Mint: Pluto fell in love with a nymph name Minthe. Persephone, Pluto’s wife, found out and became enraged. She turned Minthe into a ground clinging plant. Pluto could not turn her back, but gave her the ability to “sweeten the air” when people walked on her. (I wonder if she said Thank you to Pluto! I expect more from my Greek Gods!)
Benefits
Great source of antioxidants and nutrients
Mask bad breath and kill bacteria
Relieve indigestion
Soothe cold symptoms
Can aid in relaxation
Uses
Tea (obviously!)
Add to a salad
Mint-Limeade: mix lime juice with sugar or stevia and muddled mint leaves
Make a simple syrup by boiling mint leaves in 1 part sugar to 2 parts water
Freeze fresh mint leave in ice cubes to add some pizzazz to your beverages
Add to steamed vegetables and rice to give them an extra pop
Caution
Please avoid if you have a known mint allergy
Safe for Cats: No – There are tons of different types of mint and each have varying degrees of toxicity for cats due to the level of essential oils
Safe for Dogs: No – though not toxic, too much can cause GI upset; the suggested MAXIMUM is 1-2 leaves a day