Mint

Mint the ancient wonder-herb grows like a weed, releases a wonderful aroma when rubbed between the fingers and is the most widely accessible antidote to stale breath. There are many different varieties of mint which grow around the world, including apple mint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint, lavender mint, banana mint, basil mint, and the most common and popular spearmint and peppermint. Mint varieties originated from Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australia, and have been used in cooking and medicine, and featured in folklore for thousands of years. In Greek mythology, the nymph Minthe was turned into a sweet aromatic herb by the jealous Persephone. Mint is even mentioned in the Bible. In many cultures mint symbolised hospitality – in ancient Greece mint was rubbed onto dining tables to greet guests and today, in the Middle East, mint tea is still offered to guests on their arrival. Mint is known to help settle the stomach and can reduce discomfort associates with irritable bowel syndrome. The antifungal properties of it contains are also thought to be useful for treating asthma and other allergic conditions. Mint contains Vitamin A, C and B2 and perillyl alcohol, which is thought to help prevent colon, skin and lung cancer. So, as you settle down to enjoy mint in delicious sauces, with new potatoes and peas, and in tea remember that a little of this wonder-herb can also help control doggy-breath, as well as digestive problems, in your canine family members too!