What are the differences between mint and peppermint?
These are two different plants, on one side spearmint (mentha spicata), on the other side peppermint (mentha piperita). The first has light green, long and toothed leaves, the second has a darker green. They are quite similar visually, because peppermint comes from the cross between spearmint and aquatic mint (which grows at the edge of water). Their main difference is above all the taste. Spearmint is softer, more subtle. Peppermint is stronger because it is richer in menthol. It is used for the production of essential oil, but also to perfume toothpaste, confectionery, cocktails, etc. If you want to vary your pleasures, know that there are more than 25 varieties of mint: lemon mint, chocolate mint, field mint, Corsican mint...
What are the benefits and effects of mint and peppermint?
As these two aromatic plants come from the same family, their benefits and health benefits are quite similar. Used since Antiquity, mint is popular for its pain-relieving properties, with menthol acting as an analgesic. Used on the skin (as a poultice or as an essential oil), it relieves joint pain or insect bites. But its benefits also come through its ingestion. Peppermint acts to clear the respiratory tract, in the event of a cold for example. Its other advantage would be to facilitate digestion, by stimulating bile secretions, which soothes stomach aches and bloating (digestive disorders).
What are the benefits and effects of mint/peppermint in herbal tea or infusion?
Beyond the unique features of mint and peppermint, herbal teas are allies of well-being, because they help supplement the body's hydration, necessary for the evacuation of toxins. If it is indeed the digestive system which does the job of elimination (or drainage), infusions are an additional way to help the body by hydrating it as best as possible.
How to make homemade mint/peppermint herbal tea?
The simplest way is to infuse fresh leaves, which you will need to remember to rinse before. Or to use dried leaves, which can be stored much longer. If you don't have mint in your garden (or a garden at all!), mint and peppermint plants can be found in many food stores. Be sure to favor plants from organic farming, as they are guaranteed to be pesticide-free. Their infusion is prepared by pouring simmering water (heated to a temperature of 100 degrees) over the leaves. Allow two small sprigs of mint for approximately one cup of water. Then, let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the strength of the flavor desired.
How to flavor homemade mint/peppermint herbal tea?
Depending on taste, you can sweeten the infusion by adding brown sugar, honey, maple syrup or agave syrup. Note that mint or peppermint herbal tea can be supplemented with other aromatic plants, which will add flavors and benefits to your recipe. In particular, we recommend that you try the “mint-lime blossom”, “mint-verbena”, “mint-lemon”, “mint-thyme”, “mint-chamomile”, “mint-orange blossom” or “mint-ginger” mixtures. Finally, know that mint leaves can also flavor a salad, a savory pie or a dessert cream. The potential is unlimited!
Where can we find peppermint in organic infusions? Kusmi Tea ?
Because we don't always have the time or the desire to start making a homemade herbal tea, at Kusmi we offer a wide range of organic infusions. Among them, our mixture Be Cool contains it. Designed as an ally to stay calm, it includes mint and verbena leaves, accompanied by apple and licorice. Objective: treat yourself to a moment of gentleness and serenity. As always at Kusmi, these aromatic plants all come from organic farming, then mixed, flavored and packaged in France. In addition, whether you choose it in bulk or in a bag, the infusion Be Cool has eco-responsible packaging, either recyclable or biodegradable.
Peppermint infusion therefore has many benefits and beneficial effects on health: digestion, skin, pain-relieving properties, colds, etc. For more quality, we opt for an organic infusion with pesticide-free leaves and raised with respect for the environment. Enjoy its effects by drinking one or more cups throughout the day.