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mint

One of my earliest memories of herbs is the mint tea that my Grandma Katie made.
The mint was picked, brought to a boil then steeped in a pot overnight.
The type of mint, I have not ever found classified; it’s not a true peppermint, spearmint,
catmint, or mountain mint. I almost lost my whole patch to a mint beetle a few years ago, and I am slowly nursing a new patch back to life. Early in the spring, I am always glad to see the peppermint outside my front door.

Growing mint

Mint belongs to the Lamaciacea family. The family consists of Henbit, hyssop, lavender (Lavendula officinalis), catnip (Nepeta cataria), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), oregano, rosemary, peppermint (Mentha piperita), and horehound to name a few. It is the peppermint that I am drawn to and grows well in my zone 6 location. I let my mint grow wherever it runs, but you may want to contain it because mint will want to take over.

Uses of mint

I’ve referenced in the herbs of the bible blog that mint was used in the time of Jesus. https://www.justessentialstoday.com/herbs-of-the-bible-part-1/

The uses for this herb are varied, in food of course; as an infusion for nausea, as a compress (infusion again), to ease inflamed joints, as an aromatherapy inhalation for nasal congestion, an energy boost or headache; mixed into salves or balms, infused in a bath, or infused in a mouthwash.

green leaf plant
Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

Recipes for mint

Meadow tea

The recipe I use for ‘meadow’ tea is so simple:

Cut a handful of various mints: spearmint, peppermint, lemon balm, orange mint-whatever you have.

Rinse it off and cover with water to within 1 to 2 inches of the top of a 5 quart pot.

Bring to almost a boil and turn off and let steep overnight.

Strain, compost the marc, and sweeten if desired.


Peppermint foot spray

This cooling foot spray is great to use after a long day.

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon (15 ml) aloe vera (not the gel) I get mine from Aromatics International

1 Tablespoon (15 ml) witch hazel extract

9 drops Peppermint (Mentha x peperita) essential oil

3 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil

Directions:

Combine aloe vera and witch hazel in a spray bottle, add essential oils.

Shake to combine. Store in refrigerator, and use within 6 months.

This blend is a 2% blend of essential oils.


Experiment with mints in a variety of ways, and remember

Happy blending,

Crystal.

“The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.”

2 Peter 2:9
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Thinking of Spring!

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

For me, dandelion brings to mind a nice spring tonic, a yeasty mellow wine, and a pesto made with the leaves…..and Spring! In Lancaster County Pennsylvania, the groundhog’s forecast of winter has come. The temperatures have been up and down.

I use dandelion root tea, along with burdock root tea for cleansing. It’s not the best tasting–I add some kind of mint to everything I steep. just my preference. Oh, and I don’t dig my own roots…of the dandelion or burdock-I should dig the burdock because they are just prolific in my garden and yard!

I have a recipe for dandelion candy, syrup, bitters and dandelion lip balm. The NerdyFarmWife has a whole ebook on Dandelion, Check it out…there is salve, tinctures, and lots of cool dandelion ideas.

Here’s the recipe I use for Dandelion Pesto: it’s the one I use for basil too.

Dandelion Pesto

1 1/2 cups dandelion leaves

2-3 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp. pine nuts

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Blend all the ingredients in a food processor.

Yummy.

Waiting to pick dandelions!

Crystal

“The earth laughs in flowers.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson