Oh how this picture makes me smile! — for 2 reasons.
One- my dad’s laughing in heaven and saying he warned me to keep mint in pots because it would take over everything.
And two- I did have it in pots, but my sons and all their friends would stand in the backyard and chew on my herbs and spit them out (as boys do). I loved watching through the window, and those memories will live in my heart forever. However, they would also pick the blooms off the plants and give them a toss. I guess the blooms took hold, so what I once grew for an occasional mojito or fancy dessert, I now grow enough for every meal.
I do love mint; it just sings summer to me. But did you know there are also health benefits from consuming mint?
- promotes healthy digestion
- clears mucous/congestion from nose, throat, and lungs
- inhibits the release of histamines that cause allergies/hay fever
- natural stimulant
- improves oral health
- quick and easy relief of nausea
- people chewing mint gum have higher memory retention and alertness.
Of course, because I have so much this year, I’ve had to come up with new ways to use it and thought I share some recipes. Click here to check them out.
Mint’s one of the easiest herbs to take care of and can transform a smoothie, a glass of water, or a personal salad with just 2-3 leaves.
Do you plant an herb garden? And if so, do you grow mint?
If you don’t grow it yourself, you can easily find it at the farmers’ markets or grocery stores this time of year, but you should give it a try. Just remember, keep it in a pot or you’ll end up with a flower bed like mine!
Peace, love, & minty kisses.