Different Types of Mint Plants and Benefits
Mint Plant (Mentha) is a perennial and commonly grown plant. They are one of the easiest growing herbs and one of the most grown herbs worldwide. Mint is very popular for its taste, aromatic smell, and distinctive use. Plants from the mint family some of the easiest and most popular herbs to grow. Mint belongs to the Lamiaceae family with 25 species; they are famous for their vigorous growth habits. Although mint is a widely known herb and does not need any introduction here in this article, we will tell you more about what are the mint plant?
Mint is used for different culinary purposes and medicinal purposes like most of the other famous herb. They are easy to grow and do not need much care and can be grown both inside and outside without using much space.
Mint is very fragrant, consist of toothed leaves and tiny pink or purple, sometimes white flowers. They have a fresh fruity taste and a very refreshing effect on the body, so mint drinks are considered summer drinks.
Common Name Mint, peppermint, and spearmint
Botanical Name Mentha genus
Plant Type Perennial
Size (full grown) 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide
Sun Exposure Partial shade
Soil Type Rich and moist
Soil pH Slightly acidic to neutral
Flower Color Purple, pink, or white
Native Area Eurasia, North America, southern Africa, and Australia
Different Mint Plant Varieties
Mint is a globally known plant, especially for its properties and uses. It is highly used in countries with hot summer for its cold and refreshing effects. Mint is used in food recipes, in drinks, and as well as tea. It also has medicinal curing properties, which makes it a part of the medical industry. Growing mint is an effortless job; there is a wide variety available in the mint family. If you are ready to grow mint, try these varieties:
1. Apple/Pineapple Mint: Mentha suaveolens
2. Corsican Mint: Mentha Requienii
3. Pennyroyal: Mentha Pulegium
4. Peppermint: Mentha x Piperita
5. Citrus Mint: Mentha x Piperita var. Citrata
6. Spearmint: Mentha Spicata
7. Wild Mint: Mentha Arvensis
8. Slender Mint: Mentha Diemenica
9. Water Mint: Mentha Aquatica
10. Forest Mint: Mentha Laxiflora
There are several varieties of mint available on Wikipedia visit to know more.
Origins And The History Of Mint Plant
Mint (genus Mentha) is a perennial herb with a unique scent and vibrant history. The word “mint” is a Greek word, derived from Greek mythology. The specific history of mint is not known. Still, its popularity as a culinary and medicinal herb has remained throughout history. Its native regions are Eurasia, North America, southern Africa, and Australia.
Whereas mint originated from these areas, it can be grown almost anywhere in the world with favorable conditions and temperature. It is naturally found in countries with high temperatures. There are many types of mint available as it is widely grown. The leaves and stems are harvested for various cooking and therapeutic uses. Mint can be used fresh or dried. In the garden, mint spreads rapidly in the shade to part sun in average garden soil.
How To Recognize A Mint Plant?
Plants from the mint family have a distinctive stem structure. The stems are square and not round like most plants. All the different mint types have similar properties such as toothy leaves, shinny or fuzzy with sometimes smooth and sometimes crinkled texture with the bright green color or variegated. Crushing the leaves would produce a strong scent.
Mint plant are usually covering the ground with long branches growing upward. It also has tiny noticeable flowers found in various colors that attract bees, butterflies, and even birds. They are as beautiful as they are functional, and they are foolproof to grow. Mint can be vigorous spreaders, so be careful where you plant it.
How to Grow Mint Plant
Mint herbs are simple to grow without giving much care. They can be grown in a paved way or a container inside the house near the window. All the plant needs are moisturized garden soil and keeping a little check for overgrowth as it is hard to kill a mint plant. It will take over your garden if you let it. Reap or trim the mint plants to keep them fertile with leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
Mints are very adaptable plants, although it is best to grow them in warm seasons. They cannot withstand colder temperatures. You can grow them inside in winters to save them from freezing, but also must keep in mind to provide them humidity.
Light
Since mint plants can be grown both inside and outside, they prefer partial shade. You can also grow them in full sun if you water the plant frequently. Mint herb is one of the few culinary herbs that grow well in shady areas.
Water
Mint likes water but do not overdo it as they do not want soggy soil; all you need is moist the soil with sufficient drainage. You can water the mint plant in the morning for better results as they may have enough moisture before the sun hits, and it gets by hotter in the afternoon.
Soil
Mint does not require a specially fertilized soil, but a rich garden soil is all it needs. If you want specific measures, you can plant them in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. If required, you can also dress the soil yearly with organic matters and fertilizers.
Propagating Mint
The propagating of meat is very easy through cutting. Through cutting of mint plant, it will root effortlessly in the soil and sprout. You can also propagate a new mint plant through seeds. However, mostly mint plants are hybrid and may not grow from the seed, so cutting is the best option.
You can sow them outdoors in late spring, and for indoors, you can plant it about eight to 10 weeks before the last frost. Mint seeds germinated in 10 to 15 days, so you must keep the soil moist until the seed germinates. They will reach a mature size within two months.
Mint seeds grown in a container might need fertilizer. You should feed it liquid fertilizer in the early spring when it sprouts. Fertilize every six to four weeks for better results. Frequently watering the plant would not be a better option for the potted plant as that would leach the soil nutrients.
Uses of Mint Plant
Mint is a cold, refreshing, and fragrant herb famous for its use. Mint pay many different purposes with its peppery spiced, juicy taste, and cooling effect. There are many types of mint with many services, such as:
· Fresh mint is often served as a compliment for different dishes
· Mint is also a part of summer drinks such as mint margarita.
· It adds a fresh taste to desserts such as ice cream and chocolates.
· Dried mint is used as a spice in different recipes across the world.
· Mint is also famous for making tea, such as mint tea.
· It is used to make medicines, incredibly therapeutic, and homeopathic medicines.
· Mint is also used for flavoring soups, stews, and sauces for meats.
· It is very beneficial for skin, which is why most skin companies use mint in their products.
· The herb also works an insect repellent in your garden and house to shoo away the moths, aphids, fleas, flea beetles, ants, and even mice.
· Mint oil is used to manufacture different products such as toothpaste, gum, breath freshener, and candies.
Benefits of the Mint plant
Throughout history, mint is used for different purposes for the reason of its beneficial qualities. Other types of mint plants offer a variety of antioxidant qualities and potential health benefits. In this article, we provide a nutritional advantage of mint and explain its possible health benefits.
· Mint carries inflammatory properties used to soothe an upset stomach and indigestion.
· Mint extract in oils and ointments are beneficial to help with allergies and reduce the symptoms of asthma.
· Mint carries menthol properties that help with the common cold and sore throat.
· Mint tea is also useful for cramps and nausea.
· Mint oil works as a pain reliever and may help treat arthritis and chronic joint pain.
· Balms with a mint base or mint oils can also help ease headaches.
· Adding mint to your daily water could help with detox as well as make the water flavored.
· Mint stimulates digestive enzymes, which help with metabolism.
· Mint can also help you to treat your pimple and acne.
· Mint can work as aromatherapy, which helps you relax and beat the stress.
Toxicity of Mint Plant
Mint is an edible herb with health properties, which is why it is not toxic for consumption. However, according to the ASPCA, the essential oils in mint are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. If more than a preferred quantity is consumed, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Conclusion
Mint is a refreshing herb with tons of benefits and useful properties. It is easy to grow with minimal care. It is famous for its unique and soothing smell and very safe and healthy to consume, especially in summers. As you must know a lot about what are the Mint plant, add a comment below and let us know your thoughts!