Herbs & Superfoods

PEPPERMINT

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Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita)

is the main medicinal herb of the mint family and is used for a wide variety of ailments. It’s invaluable for helping to relieve problems in the gut and bowel, including pain, cramps and flatulence (it helps expel gas and stop gas build-up). It’s also used to treat skin irritation, headaches, nausea, diarrheoa and anxiety associated with depression. It has a natural affinity with the liver, stimulatin­g bile, which helps with fat digestion. It is also an ingredient in chest rubs usually used to treat symptoms of the common cold. Peppermint has antibacter­ial, antifungal and antiviral properties too. Take peppermint tea for upset stomachs, to aid digestion and ease anxiety.

Peppermint is a hardy perennial that grows 30cm-60cm high. Like other mints, it spreads by sending out runners, so keep it contained by growing in large pots. It grows best in moist but free-draining soils. Excess moisture around the root zone can lead to infection from fungal diseases. You don‘t need to feed plants as peppermint doesn’t require high fertility.

If harvesting leaves to dry for later use, do so in summer before flowering when the volatile oils are at peak levels.

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