FARMS (FRIDAY)- PEPPERMINT

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Peppermint also known as Mentha piperita is a savory perennial plant that grows to a height of about 3ft. Peppermint has light purple flowers and also green leaves with serrated edges. The leaf belongs to Lamiaceae family and it grows throughout North America, Asia and Europe.

Peppermint is a natural hybrid of water mint and this leaf was cultivated first in England in the late seventeenth century. This leaf has become a herb that is mostly used as solutions to indigestion. In Western Europe it became popular in the Eighteenth century and used to cure nausea,vomiting,morning sickness and menstrual disorder.

Peppermint is a cool herb that contains many properties that help stop inflamed tissues,also prevent cramps. It contains vitamin A and C,magnesium potassium, niacin,copper,iodine,silicon, iron and sulfur. It has many products contained in it such as chewing gum mints and candies and other sweets, also we can find peppermint in toothpaste,tobacco, mouth wash etc.
Peppermint is used to scent soaps, perfumes,detergents and cosmetics. The first documented report to join peppermint and headache relief was published in 1879.

Peppermint is found growing wild on moist soils with high water holding capacity. This leaf has a fresh odor and also a persistent cooling state. The leaves are dark green and fragrant that bloom from July to August. The oil extracted from the leaf us used for pharmaceutical preparations also as a flavor for gum and candy. The stems and leaves can be used for tea.
Also the essential oil of peppermint is used as a tropical application to attract insects.

Research has been carried out that even the peppermint oil can reduce muscle spasms in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract of a patient going through endoscopies. It is occasionally found in the wild with its parent species.
Carl Linnaeus described peppermint in 1753 from specimens that has been collected in England. He took and care for it as a species but it is now agreed to be a hybrid. Peppermint can be found in stream sides and drainage ditches. It grows almost anywhere.

This leaf grows quickly and cover the ground if it is permanently moist. For some gardeners at home,they prefer to put it in a container to grow to restrict rapid. The leaves and flowering tops are very useful and so are collected as soon as the flowers begins to open and can be dried. In 2014, the amount of peppermint production in the world was 92,296 tonnes and was led by Morocco with 92% of the world total reported by United Nations. Peppermint is effective for both children and adults that it has so much benefits attached to it.

Peppermint is so rich in fiber and support digestion generally. It gives quick relief for stomach aches and makes your bowel movement much relaxing. It has its own side effect and they include heartburn and allergic reactions that are flushing,headache and mouth sores.
Peppermint tea is known as a stress reliever. Its cooling and calming scent can reduce stress and also relieves headache and helps to reduce high blood pressure. Peppermint oil can be inhaled or can be mixed into a warm bath. Not only is Peppermint good for the body but it also has health benefits for the skin.

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• Peppermint is mostly used in topical creams which are used to care and attend to all sorts of skin issues. It cooling properties makes it effective for treating rashes and poison oak.

• Peppermint treats oily and greasy skin

• It clears acne

• Peppermint soothes skin irritation.

• Peppermint is also good for the hair as it stimulates hair growth.

Peppermint has been an integral part of our lives from the beginning of freshening our breath just before a date so that it can cool the sensation in our mouth.

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BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT LEAVES

• Peppermint helps alleviate symptoms

• It relaxes the muscle of intestines.

• It reduces colonic spasms and gas.

• Peppermint water helps to prevent nipple crack and breastfeeding mothers who are experiencing pain

• It enhances memory and increases alertness

• It reduces chemotherapy induced nausea

• It contains menthol which may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer

• It relieves tension and pain

• It cools and energizes the body

• It helps control people with asthma