Mentha or mint falls into the genus that comprises of some 25 species and belongs to family Lamiaceae. It is widely found in Africa, Europe, Australia, North America and Asia. Mentha is aromatic, essentially perennial and rarely are annual herbs. They possess simple oblong or lanceolate leaves which are present in opposite pairs and bear serrated margins. The leaf colors may range from grey green or dark green to beautiful, blue, purple or pale yellow. Flowers come out in bunches on an elevated spike and can be white or purple in color. The corolla is 2-lipped comprising of 4 unequal lobes in which the uppermost happens to be the largest one. Fruits borne are small and like a dry capsule and contain 1-4 seeds.
Mint grows best in moist soils and wet conditions. They are around 10 to 120 centimeters tall and have the capability to spread in the vicinity.
Cultivation
Mints grow well in moist, cool places with shade. They can extend through runners and due to this reason they are known to be invasive in nature. They can be kept in bottomless, deep containers which can then be buried in the soil partially. They can also be spread through seeds but this is considered to be an unreliable means as seeds of mint are very different from one another and some can even be sterile.
Usages
Cosmetic and MedicinalIt is a medicinal herb that is utilized to treat chest pains and stomach aches. Menthol extracted from mint oil is a constituent of many cosmetics and perfumes. It is also helpful in aromatherapy. It is also mixed in insect-bite treatments as an antipruritic. Other products in which menthol can be seen are cigarettes (so as to lessen the tobacco effect) and those related to common cold.
CulinaryMint leaves, either dried or fresh, can be used for adding in various food materials. This is because; they produce a fresh sweet flavor. They are utilized in beverages, teas, syrups, jellies, ice creams and candies. Menthol which is a mint essential oil is used as a flavoring agent in drinks, breathe fresheners etc. Methyl salicylate (common name being “oil of wintergreen”) is used as a flavoring agent in candies and other food stuffs
InsecticidesUsed by a number of capers to kill mosquitoes. Mint oil is a well-known insecticide which is environmental-friendly.
AromatherapyMenthol is used in Aromatherapy.
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