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13
March

Gifts of Siberia: Mint

A Chapter Revealing a Remarkable and Generous Herb Benefiting People by Maintaining Their Health, Emotional Well-Being and Beauty...

For many, it evokes childhood associations through popular chewing gums and dental care toothpastes, while today's younger generation discovers its appeal in desserts, sweets and lemonades. Beyond its taste, this ancient botanical holds exceptional properties.

Plant Description

Mint is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It features upright stems up to 1 m tall. Leaves averaging 6-7 cm long are often green dark and arranged in opposite pairs. Flowers of purple and lilac shades are clustered in terminal spike-formed inflorescences at the stem end and its side shoots. In Russia, it flourishes on meadows, swamps, river and lake shores across the Baikal region, excluding southern areas.

The homeland of mint is considered the Mediterranean region, spreading throughtout the world. While dozens of mint varieties exist globally, peppermint stands as the most widely recognized. Some researches believe that it was bred in England in the 17th century by crossing several varieties, earning the name of English mint. First peppermint Russian argiculture commenced with plantations founded in 1893.

History of Origin

According to the legend, the botanical name stems from honoring the Greek nymph Minthe (or Mentha). Mythology relates that Mentha was beloved by Hades, the ruler of the underworld, yet vengeful Persephone, his wife, turned her rival into the herb. The plant's fragrant properties were gifted by Hades himself. The ancient Slavic name for mint is "bezhava". Seen as a powerful talisman against evil spirits, dried mint stems were traditionally kept in every home to guard the family.

The history of mint spans several millennia. The first records of its application are found on Assyrian cuneiform tablets and in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. In Ancient Rome, it was used to improve digestion while mint fragrance was believed to relieve melancholy and boost mental activity, that's why Romans crowned heads with it. The Japanese have been cultivating it for over two millennia to obtain menthol extraction.

Its therapeutic properties were first noted by Assyrians, gaining scientific credence from Hippocrates and Paracelsus. Many generations relied on mint treatment to alleviate headaches, colds and intestinal issues.

Composition Highlight

Valued for its rich essential oil content, featuring menthol as the primary basis (up to 65%). Leaves deliver carotene (a natural immunostimulant), phytoncides (suppressing the pathogenic bacteria growth), essential oils, Vitamins D, A, C, B, organic acids, tannins, as well as micronutrients such as copper and manganese.

Abundant in bioactive compounds, it exerts antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, mild analgesic, antispasmodic, and warming effects. Mint tea is known for its refreshing, tonic, choleretic and diaphoretic properties.

Beneficial Properties

Mint serves as a powerful natural antioxidant, providing positive effects on the body in several directions at once. Here are just some of them:

Supports digestion. Gently enhances intestinal function, normalizing metabolic processes and accelerating metabolism. Research results show that the herb can alleviate symptoms of stomach upset and pain.

Improves sleep and reduces tension. Acts as a mild sedative, promoting positive nervous system response, soothing central nerves and mental stress. A cup of warm tea or aromatherapy using mint is a perfect way to relax and relieve stress.

Ensures gallbladder and liver function. Stimulates bile acid production while facilitating bile flow from the gallbladder to the liver and into the digestive tract for optimal processing.

Maintains oral cavity hygiene. Rather than merely covering unpleasant mouth odors, it diminishes population of harmful bacteria, ensuring fresh breath.

Strengthens the immune system. Due to the high Vitamin C content, it enhances the body's immune system, helping prevent the pathogenic microorganisms' development.

You'll find mint in these Siberian Wellness products:

Did you realize that cherished mint carries such an extensive historical legacy combined with remarkably diverse beneficial applications?

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