Earthbound Elements: Mint

entha, also known as mint, may very well be one of the most well-known families of herbs. Depending on what part of the world you’re from, you may find varieties such as peppermint and spearmint to be the most familiar, while in other parts, one may easily identify varieties such as apple mint, Pennyroyal mint, or Moroccan mint. Regardless of what assortment you personally may be familiar with, there is no doubt that we have all come across some type of mint in our lifetimes. And while this herb is highly accessible in various forms, over the course of thousands of years, it has still retained high value in many societies all over the world.

A History of Mint: Earning Its Keep

This potent and pungent herb has earned its keep in apothecaries and pantries all over the world because of its many medicinal and healthful benefits. Mint has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Ancient Greeks and Romans used the herbs for funerary purposes as well. In addition, the ancient Greeks used mint for hospitality, being known for taking the oil from the mint leaves and rubbing it all over their tablecloths as a way to welcome their guests. The ancient Hebrews would scatter mint on the floors of their synagogues for the fresh scent, and even found it worthy enough to use as a form of tithe or offering.

In the 1500s BC, ancient Egyptian Ebers Papyrus recognized mint as an aid to digestive processes and to ease falutulence.

Much later, in the 1600s AD, physicians recommended the use of mint powder for a healthy mouth and gums.

Today, we continue the regular, even daily, use of this familiar herb. Mint varieties can be found in tea cups, used in your daily mouth care regimen, and even flavors the ever-addictive Thin Mint® cookies. We chew peppermint- and spearmint-flavored gum, and add peppermint to a variety of other foods and drinks, such as peppermint hot chocolate, mint chocolate ice cream, mojitos, and more. While in modern days, it may be known best for freshening breath and flavoring our favorite treats, mint is useful for a plethora of health-related concerns.

"The savor of the water mint rejoiceth the heart of men." [John Gerard]

The Simple Complexity of a Legendary Herb

Over the course of time, mint varieties have been utilized and processed in a large number of ways. In its purest form, a mint leaf can be torn right off the plant used to spice up a delectable dinner dish. In a more complex process, mint can be used to make extracts, balms, and essential oils used by culinary specialists and Olympic athletes. But one thing that makes mint stand out amongst other herbs is its accessibility to the masses. This herb is not only easy to find all over the world, but the plant itself is easy to care for, grows quickly, and aggressively spreads itself out in open spaces. Even if you don't own your own mint plant, it is one of the easiest herbs to identify and to forage in the wild (and sometimes even in the hidden depths of your own backyard).

But if harvesting your own mint just isn't your style, the essence of mint can be acquired in other ways, such as purchasing a box of peppermint tea bags, a tin of breath mints, a bottle of mouthwash, or even a scoop of ice cream.

What keeps mint riveting is not only the various ways you can incorporate it into your daily health regimen, but how many types of mint there are to choose from. In fact, there are over thirty varieties of mint just waiting to be explored. Below are some of the most renowned varieties and their benefits:

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Benefits include:

• Rich in nutrients
• May help relieve and improve indigestion and digestive upset
• Could improve brain function, focus, and motivation 
• Aids cold symptoms
• Can improve bad breath
• Easy to incorporate into your diet

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Benefits include:

• The essential oil makes a great room freshener
• Can help improve digestion 
• High in antioxidants
• Aids with memory

Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate')

Benefits include:

• Tastes like an Andes® Mint
• Rich in Vitamins A & C
• Fights off nausea, cramping, and indigestion 

A Necessity to Return to Natural Ingredients

In a world filled with processed foods and synthetic ingredients, the call to return to organic alternatives has become a tad hard to swallow. It turns out that pesticides, that we thought or were told are harmless, have been silently wreaking havoc on our health. Brace yourself; studies show that pesticide exposure has been linked to a 50% increase in the likelihood of developing certain chronic diseases. [1] So, if you want to avoid being a statistic in the world of unexpected health surprises, it might be time to switch to something a bit more o'natural.

A legendary and easily-identifiable herb, naturally-sourced mint is truly versatile in its usage. It is familiar, and therefore most men can easily incorporate it into their daily lives without going too far out on a limb. Reinvigorate your senses, and try applying mint to your routine with a fresh perspective on its benefits and numerous possibilities for application.

"As for the garden of mint, the very smell of it alone recovers and refreshes our spirits, as the taste stirs up our appetite for meat."  [Pliny the Elder]

DISCLAIMER: Before incorporating any variety of mint into your routine, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are currently taking medications. While mint varieties offer potential benefits, individual reactions may vary, and it is essential to use it in moderation and as directed. Furthermore, always perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions before applying or ingesting mint products.

Challenge:

Commit to kicking out chemical-filled foods and daily hygiene products. See the Objective(s) for ideas.

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Objective(s):

1. Incorporate a balm containing mint to help the muscle in your post workout routine. ‍
2. Help your morning dragon's breath with more natural breath mouthwash that contains real peppermint or spearmint ingredients.‍
3. Plant some peppermint or spearmint in a pot on your patio and enjoy the culinary richness of fresh-picked mint.‍
4. Drink organic mint tea after meals to aid your digestive system.
5. Research the impacts of pesticides and the link to diseases. Check this out.‍
6. Come Alive in the shower with an invigorating and refreshing minty soap.