Peppermint for the Pain
Peppermint for the pain, the stomach pain that is. Peppermint is probably the EASIEST plant to grow in all existence, which is great because it is one of the oldest, most reliable stomach ache remedies.
How to propagate peppermint
I have never grown it from a seed because I know so many people that have plants and they have generously given me some of theirs. So, if you know someone who has some you can kindly ask them for some or you can get a small one from pretty much any store that sells plants. They sell them at Lowe's, and Walmart.
Anyway, I got mine from my mom. It's very easy to share because all you need is to get a little piece of the roots and then plant it again. You don't even need leaves or the upper part of the plant for it to regrow into a new plant.
Peppermint is literally almost impossible to kill. Even if the upper plant completely dies, the roots dry out and it crumbles to dust, with consistent watering it will come back. It is like the stray dog that has taken up residence on your porch even though you've never fed him. It WILL NOT GO AWAY. Wait? Is that just me? Oh well, lol.
Anyway, mint is great for this reason because my plant has died so many times over only to come back when I do eventually remember it and start watering it again. This is the perfect plant for a beginner who has never grown anything because like I said, it's indestructible. I've killed cacti so, I understand that some people (ehm, me) have a black thumb. This is great for those of us like that. :)
You can harvest it at any time of the year. It will just keep growing. It may "die" in the severe cold or hot but it will come back so I wouldn't worry about it too much. You can also keep it inside if you want to harvest it all year without wondering about how it will fair in harsh weather.
It does need to be uprooted once or twice a year and given more soil. It will become root bound because it grows so quickly so, you will want to take a chunk of root and replant it in new soil and discard the rest or give it to a friend who wants some mint.
What Not To Do
This is a short section because mint can withstand almost all of our rooky mistakes. But, there is one thing you must never do with mint. And that is, plant it straight in the ground. DO NOT EVER PLANT IT IN THE GROUND. It will take over everything! It will take over the whole world if you plant it in your yard. You think I am joking but, I am totally serious.
It is one of the most aggressive plants I have ever seen. It grows so quickly and consumes dirt so fast that is will kill everything else you have growing. So, be kind to yourself and keep it in a pot, unless you want a whole yard of mint.
Funny story, my mom did not know this and she planted it in her yard when she lived in England, in a house that she was renting. After three years of being there, 3/4 of her yard was covered in mint. When I say covered, I mean that there was no grass (where previously there had been grass) there was only mint. Thick as grass. So when she moved, her landlord got quite a surprise.
LOL.
I'm sure her neighbors will not be happy in the next few years because it will take over their yards as well.
So, do not put in the ground. It's just easier that way. However, as far as mistakes go, having a yard full of mint isn't the worst thing in the world.
What To Do With Mint
Peppermint makes excellent tea for a calming affect or a stomach ache. You can use dried or fresh leaves. My husband swears by mint for stomach aches which he has frequently. It was the first "natural" remedy that he agreed to try and he has not looked back since.
You can make your own homemade mint mojitos which are divine! My sweet husband makes me non-alcoholic mojitos with mint syrup from our plant. You make a simple syrup out of 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. You boil the sugar until it is dissolved then add about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of mint leaves and leave it for 15 -60 minutes depending on how minty you want it to taste. Strain out the leaves. Make peppermint tea and pour it over a little bit of mint syrup and some mint leaves. Add ice. These are great summer drinks especially if you are a non-drinker.
You can melt chocolate and add either the mint syrup in the above recipe or crushed mint leaves to it then refreeze them for mint chocolate.
Mint is a wonderful tonic for nausea and cramps. Even just putting the bruised leaves on your stomach with a warm compress can go a long way.
Chew on some leaves for a fast breath freshener! We all know this as most of our toothpastes and gum are mint flavored. Chewing the leaves is a cheaper, safer, non-toxic way to freshen your breath and improve oral health as it inhibits bacteria in the mouth from growing.
Mint is known to be an anti-fungal plant so it can be helpful in dealing with allergies as well!
It can be juiced, blended in a smoothie, or added to a salad. It really is a wonderful addition to many meals. It will give them a fresh, new flavor. I hope I have convinced you to at least try growing mint at home because you never know when you'll need it and, it is so easy to grow that it would be a shame not to!
Blessings!
Kelsie
(The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.)