Mentha Suaveolens/Apple mint goes by many names, also sometimes called Pineapple Mint, Woolly Mint or Round-leafed mint. It is an upright Hardy Perennial plant most commonly grown as a culinary herb or for a substantial ground cover. But did you know it can also be brewed as a healing tea? And applied to skin to cure acne?
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Some Apple Mint History
Apple mint is native to Western Europe including the mediterranean region where it began life as a popular garden herb. It was used as an aromatic strewing herb (Apple mint would be strewn or scattered on food crops to deter pests) It was widely used in monastery gardens, castle gardens, domestic gardens and on market stalls.
Apple Mint Medicine!
Apple mint has an ancient medicinal history! Its leaves and oil extracts were commonly used to treat gastrointestinal problems and respiratory illness. The leaves were also often applied as an antiseptic treatment for wounds and infections.
Apple Mint Today
Today it is still celebrated for its healing abilities, but thanks to modern medicine and improved research analysis we can determine more accurately Apple Mints Benefits. We now know it is beneficial for several ailments due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, analgesic and antioxidant properties
Lets Break it down! Some Apple Mint Benefits
1. Anti-inflammatory
Great for skin related problems such as acne scars. The antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of Apple mint leaves are helpful in treating acne and in turn lessons the inflammation and redness associated with those unfortunate acne breakouts. A wonderful natural healer for Acne!
*Apple Mint leaves contain high amounts of salicylic acid and vitamin A which controls the secretion of sebum oil in the skin, this is how Apple mint helps to cure acne.
How to Treat Acne with Apple Mint leaves
Apple Mint Paste- Grind Apple mint leaves then add a few drops of water and stir to form a paste. Add a pinch of turmeric to the paste and mix well. Apply it on the affected areas and leave on for around 10 minutes. Finally, wash it off with cold water.
2. Analgesic Benefits of Apple Mint Tea
The Analgesic (pain relieving) benefits of Apple Mint are helpful to help treat headaches and stomach aches. A refreshing tea from the Leaves can be used to sooth the symptoms.
How to Make Apple Mint Tea
First remove all the leaves from their stems and place them in a bowl. Crush the leaves with the back of a spoon to release all those lovely healing oils. Steep the leaves in hot water, using a tea ball or loose, leave for around 8-10 minutes for a potent tea.
- To store mint leaves long term, dry flat in a dry sheltered environment out of direct sunlight for around 1 week, alternatively use a dehydrator on the lowest setting for around 12 hours. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year
3. Digestive Issues
A Tea Made From Apple Mint leaves and Peppermint leaves can ease digestive symptoms, such as bloating, wind and indigestion. Studies have shown that mint leaves help to relax the digestive system helping to ease pain. It can also prevent smooth muscles from contracting, which could relieve uncomfortable spasms in your gut.
4. Ladies Complaints
Due to Apple Mint muscle relaxant properties, it can help to relieve menstrual cramps. Brew a tea from its leaves as needed.
5. Sleep
Again, Apple Mints capacity as a muscle relaxant may help to relax your body before bedtime. Lulling you into a restful sleep.
*Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation. As always consult with a doctor before adding any medications, supplements to your diet
How to Grow Apple mint
*Top Tip – Since Apple mint can be invasive, it is probably wise to consider growing the plant in a pot. You can do this two ways, above ground or sink it into the ground, to sink, simply dig a hole large enough to accommodate the pot and fill in. This will restrict the plants spread and confine its root run, but will still appear to be part of the bed display.
How to Sow Apple Mint Seeds
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Sow indoors
Surface sow Feb-May on to damp compost (trays or modules), press the seeds into the soil but don’t cover they require light to germinate, place on a sunny windowsill. Germination can be quite slow, but certainly worth the wait.
Potting On Apple Mint
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out and pot on to larger pots. Plant out once all risk of frost has passed, be sure to harden your plants off first.
What Does Hardening Off Mean?
Plants raised indoors or in a greenhouse environment, need to be acclimatised to cooler temperatures and increased air movement for about two to three weeks before they are planted outdoors permanently . This is a ‘toughening up’ practice to prepare the plants for their new environment.How to Harden Off
Place your plants out for a couple of hours in a shady part of the garden. The next day, leave them out again for two hours, but this time allow the plants an hour of direct sunshine in the morning. Gradually continue to increase the length of time the plants are in direct sunshine over the course of roughly two weeks.
Apple Mint Sun and Soil Requirements
Planting in a good quality compost that drains well is preferable. Apple mint likes a partly shady location, so don’t worry if your garden doesn’t get full sun all day long.
Great for the Vegetable Garden!
A wonderful companion plant! Plant Apple mint alongside Peas, Tomatoes, Cabbage and broccoli to improve their flavour!
Apple Mint Summary
Apple Mint Tea Benefits
Helps with treating headaches, fevers, stomach aches, digestive problems, ladies complaints, sleep and acne.
How to Make Apple Mint Tea
First remove all the leaves from their stems and place them in a bowl. Crush the leaves with the back of a spoon to release all those lovely healing oils. Steep the leaves in hot water, using a tea ball or loose, leave for around 8-10 minutes for a potent tea.
How to Treat Acne with Apple Mint leaves
Apple Mint Paste- Grind Apple mint leaves then add a few drops of water and stir to form a paste. Add a pinch of turmeric to the paste and mix well. Apply it on the affected areas and leave on for around 10 minutes. Finally, wash it off with cold water.
Culinary Uses for Apple Mint
The delicate flavor of Apple mint works well with uncooked preparations such as Cocktails! Add leaves to alcoholic drinks or mocktails for a fruity slightly minty flavour. Add to sauces or make a rub from the leaves, particularly good with Lamb, poultry and seafood.
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*Any specific health claim or nutritional claims or information provided on the Website are for informational purposes only. Nothing on the Website is offered or intended to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This Website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You assume full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns.
