Health Power

Many varieties of mint, all with similar health benefits. Peppermint adds little in vitamins and minerals, but phytonutrients give excellent remedies. Peppermint oil has phytonutrients that help relax smooth muscles (the muscles lining internal organs and blood vessels), which help control symptoms of dyspepsia or indigestion. Also inhibits growth of many common harmful bacteria and fungi. Research suggests the phytonutrient perillyl alcohol can stop the growth of many types of cancers. Peppermint contains phytonutrient rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant. It also blocks some chemicals of inflammatory response. Eaten in high quantities, mint is a rich source of all nutrients below and has other health benefits through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer actions. Promotes bone health and overall wellness.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

Vitamins – A, C and B9 (Folate)
Minerals – Manganese, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium

Disease Prevention

Peppermint may reduce symptoms or onset of asthma, arthritis, and cancers of the pancreas, colon, skin, lung and breast.

How to Grow

Many different cultivars. Among most popular are spearmint, peppermint, apple mint, lime, chocolate, lemon and grapefruit mint. Challenge with mint is not getting it to grow but keeping it from taking over entire garden. Can make a fragrant ground cover. Hardy perennial grows in almost any soil and site condition, but prefers partial shade, rich moist soil and slightly acidic pH. Choose site with enough space to allow mint to spread without invading other garden plants. Take root cuttings in early fall. To prevent rapid mint invasion, plant mint in a container (bucket or tub) with the rim just above soil level. This keeps roots from traversing under the soil and sprouting in undesired areas. Or control spreading by planting in containers. Allow at least 2 feet between other herbs or plants. Little maintenance needed. Water during dry weather. Harvest regularly to keep under control.
 Insect Control: No common pests threaten mint. Some diseases, so keep soil moist.

Tips

To have continuous winter supply, freeze in cubes or store in a box with compost.