How is peppermint made: How to use it as a kitchen remedy for common problems

Peppermint is a variety of mint that’s often used for treating common colds, infections and digestive issues. It’s often confused with mint leaves but is very different from it. This herb is known for its anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a mild sedative and natural pain killer. In this article, we will share with you the various facts about this herb that you didn’t know about. Take a look. (Images courtesy: iStock)

Not many people know, but peppermint is a hybrid herb made with a blend of watermint and spearmint. Due to its dark colour, this variety of mint is also known as black or candy mint. One of the major properties of peppermint that sets it apart from any other variety is its taste - which is pungent & peppery with a cooling aftereffect. This variety of mint grows across North America, Europe & Australia. This herb is aptly named so, because of the unique combination of menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate, as well as limonene and other terpenoids.

This herb comes majorly in two forms - oil and tablet and is often added to a variety of products to get its benefits. For example, these days one can find peppermint in various beauty and cosmetic products, which help nourish the skin while de-stressing it. Also, the very reason it is used in beauty & cosmetic products is that it provides a certain fragrance to them. Not just that, if you have ever come across peppermint oil, then you will be surprised to know that it is used for treating joint pain, muscle aches and even headaches. Last, but not least, peppermint leaves can also be added to a variety of foods to increase the flavour and aroma of the dish. People make Peppermint Tea by brewing these dry leaves in boiling water, which helps in relaxing the body.

Peppermint imparts a fresh flavour and hence is ideal for drinks. You can add a dash of this herb to lemonade and you get a refreshing drink in no time. To reap its medicinal benefits, you can brew the herb tea by boiling a few peppermint leaves in water. This herb is also predominantly used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine and is often used to flavour meat, like lamb and poultry. Also, if you want to make a natural cleaner at home for your utensils, add this herb to your dishwashing liquid gels. As it has antiviral and anti-fungal properties, peppermint works like an ideal addition to homemade cleaning products.