Peppermint: refreshment and healing from your own garden

Peppermint: refreshment and healing from your own garden

fresh from your own garden and versatile - the peppermint has a lot to offer. This fragrant plant, known for its invigorating taste and refreshing smell, is not only a real pleasure, but also a small power package for our health. Whether in the kitchen, as a remedy or simply as a soothing tea, your potential is enormous. But what makes the peppermint so special? In our article we get to the bottom of the matter. First we take a look at the botanical properties and growing conditions of this fascinating plant. Then we illuminate the health benefits that are underpinned by numerous scientific studies. And last but not least, we take a close look at the culinary possibilities - from refreshing drinks to delicious dishes, there are many ways to integrate the peppermint into our own kitchen. Let yourself be inspired and discover how the peppermint can enrich your life!

The botanical properties of the peppermint and their cultivation requirements

The peppermint (mentha × piperita) is a hybrid species that emerged from crossings between watermelisse (mentha aquatica) and green mint (mentha spicata). It belongs to the family of the lip flower (Lamiaceae). This multi -year plant reaches growth heights of 30 to 90 cm and is known for its characteristic, aromatic leaves that have a green to dark color. The leaves are often toothed and oval, while the flowers are arranged in typical ears and are mostly purple up to bluish.

For the cultivation of the peppermint, certain requirements must be observed. She prefers a mild, moist climate and is best grown in a well -ventilated, nutrient -rich soil. A pH is ideal between 6 and 7. Peppermint requires sufficient water supply, but waterlogging must be avoided, as this can damage the roots. It is also light -loving, and it thrives particularly well in sunny to partially shaded locations.

The propagation is usually done by division or cuttings, since the plant spreads strongly in nature and can spread through root runners. This makes it a suitable plant for gardens that require a high degree of control in planting. Even in pots, peppermint can thrive well, which is an advantage for city gardens or balconies.

Another important point is care during the growth period. Regular fertilization, especially with organic fertilizers and the removal of fruitful flowers, support healthy growth and promote the formation of aromatic leaves. When cultivation, you also pay attention to pests and diseases. Typical pests are aphids and spider mites.

Overall, the peppermint is not only a versatile and popular plant, but also relatively easy to cultivate if your specific requirements are observed. Farmers and hobby gardeners benefit equally from their robustness and the diverse applications.

Health advantages of peppermint: therapeutic applications and scientific knowledge

peppermint (mentha piperita) is not only an aromatic plant, but also has numerous health benefits that are supported by various scientific studies. The main components, menthol and menthon, not only give it the characteristic taste, but are also responsible for the therapeutic properties.

One of the best -known applications of the peppermint is the relief of digestive problems. Studies show that peppermint oil can be helpful in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. A meta-analysis published in the "Journal of Gastroenterology" found that peppermint oil significantly reduced the symptoms in patients, especially for bloating and abdominal pain ( journal of gastroenterology ).

In addition, peppermint has anti -inflammatory properties. An investigation that was published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" proves that extracts of peppermint can reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which they potentially useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases ( Journal of Ethnopharmacology ).

peppermint is also used in aromatherapy. The scent of peppermint has proven to be effective to reduce stress and fear. A study in the "International Journal of Neuroscience" has shown that inhaling peppermint oil can promote concentration and intellectual clarity ( International " Journal of Neuroscience ).

The use of peppermint as a pain reliever is also well documented. Menthol, the main component, is used topically and has cooling and pain -relieving effects. It is used for muscle tension and headache. The characteristics of menthol as an analgesic were described in detail in overview in the "Journal of Pain Research" ( Journal of Pain Research ).

summarized, peppermint offers a variety of health advantages based on scientific knowledge. Your applications range from the relief of digestive problems to the treatment of inflammation to support in stress and pain. The documentation of these effects has increased interest in the use of peppermint in traditional and modern medicine, which further consolidates its place in health promotion.

Culinary use of the peppermint: recipes and preparation tips for the garden producer

peppermint is extremely versatile in the kitchen and brings fresh aromas into numerous dishes. It can be used in both hearty and sweet dishes. The most used parts of the plant are fresh leaves that should be harvested before or during flowering to ensure the best taste. Here are some culinary applications and tips for preparation:

• drinks: peppermint gives cocktails, lemonades and teas a refreshing note. A simple mint tea can be prepared in hot water by brewing fresh leaves, possibly with a touch of honey.
• salads: The leaves can be freshly hacked and added to salads. Peppermint with cucumbers, tomatoes and feta cheese.
• main dishes: In oriental dishes, peppermint is often a key seasoning, for example in tabobouleh or as a fresh garnish for lamb dishes.
• desserts: Your aromas are ideal for Sorbets, ice cream or as a garnish for chocolate singer to offer a refreshing contrast.

The preparation with fresh peppermint should always be careful because the intensive taste can quickly dominate. It is advisable to chop the leaves finely or add them just before serving to get the best out of their aroma. The use of dried peppermint is also possible, but the taste is less intense and fresh.

Another interesting way to use is the production of peppermint oil, which can be obtained in a cooking oil by cold extraction of the fresh leaves. This oil is ideal as an aromatic ingredient for dressings or for seasoning when preparing fried food.

The cultivation requirements are important to produce high -quality peppermint. Regular harvests promote the branching of the plants and ensures a rich harvest. The leaves should also be poured, but waterlogging should be avoided because it can negatively influence the taste.

For garden producers, it makes sense to develop a strategy for continuous harvest in order to keep the peppermint fresh in the kitchen. A well thought -out extension of the diversity of the culinary possibilities makes it possible to optimally use.

sources and references

references

• Häberle, B., & Matz, M. (2019). peppermint: use and effect in aromatherapy. Springer Verlag.
• Schulz, V., & Hänsel, R. (2020). Color atlas Medicinal plants . Schattauer Verlag.

Studies

• Ali, B. H., et al. (2018). "Protective Effects of Peppermint (Mentha Piperita L.) Against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats." Journal of Medicinal Plants Research , 12 (6), 120-128.
• Kukreja, A., et al. (2019). "Mentha Piperita: A Review of Its Therapeutic Potential." Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge , 18 (2), 234-240.

further literature

• Gnielinski, B. (2021). herbs in your own garden: cultivation and use. BLV Buchverlag.
• Federal Center for Nutrition. peppermint: nutrients and use in the kitchen. www.bzfe.de