Mint is a true botanical wonder. It is most commonly used for garnishing and flavoring or as a perfuming agent.
However, did you know that this miraculous herb has many other uses?
It possesses soothing anesthetic properties and a sweet, refreshing smell that makes it an ideal ingredient for DIY beauty products.
Moreover, there are many medicinal uses of mint that can help you stay healthy and active.
So if you have some mint leaves in your pantry, scroll down to learn how you can make the most of them.
1. Use Mint As Bug Repellent
While we love the refreshing smell of mint, most bugs and insects don’t feel the same way about it, which is mint is an excellent bug repellent.
So, if you are tired of swatting moths and other insects away, especially from the storage areas, you will be glad to know that there are many easy ways to use mint to get rid of unwanted bugs.
For instance, take a few branches of any strong fragrant mint of your choice. Tie them together and stuff them in a nylon stocking.
Simply place this stocking inside your drawers. You can also hang it by a string in the cupboard or place it in a bag.
Doing so will not make your clothes smell fresh and minty but it will also keep the bugs away.
You can also use mint in the kitchen to deter ants. All you need to do is chop some leaves of mint and place them near the potential entry points.
This will keep the ants away, making your kitchen ant-free even in the summer.
You will have to replace the mint leaves periodically to make sure its scent surrounds the area.
The best part about mint is that while it drives the unwanted bugs away, it also works to attract beneficial insects like honey bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
So, if you want to attract beautiful butterflies into your garden, make sure you don’t forget to plant mint in your garden.
2. DIY Mint Tea To Aid Digestion
If you are a fan of mint tea, it’s time you stop spending money on your favorite beverage and start making it at home.
Mint tea is extremely easy to make and is also beneficial for health.
To make a delicious cup of mint tea, simply steep fresh mint leaves, preferably peppermint, apple mint, or spearmint, in boiling water.
Leave the heat on for about 3 -5 minutes. You can enjoy your mint tea piping hot or serve it cold with a few mint ice cubes.
Sipping on mint tea can aid with digestion, which is why most people prefer it after hearty meals.
You can also brew a cup of mint tea after a heavy meal to feel light and fresh in no time!
3. Try A Mint Remedy For Sunburn Pain
Peppermint is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. So, if you are struggling with a bad sunburn, you can use peppermint to relieve the pain.
To use mint to subdue sunburn pain, brew some peppermint tea. Keep in mind that the stronger the tea, the better it will work.
Place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes until it is chilled. Now, dip a clean cotton pad or a soft cloth and gently dab it on the affected area.
Let it dry to feel the soothing effect and reduction in pain. For best results, it is advisable to repeat the process at least 4 -5 times a day.
4. Mint As Breath Freshener
There are many medicinal uses of mint, which is why it has been used for centuries to treat different medical conditions, especially those related to the mouth.
Since peppermint possesses antiviral and fungicidal activities, it works well as a breath freshener.
Similarly, sage tea is often used as a mouthwash for oral infections.
If you want to use mint as a breath freshener or to fight off mild mouth infections, all you need to do is chew a few mint leaves!
However, keep in mind that nursing mothers are advised against consuming mint, especially peppermint and sage, as it can lead to reduced milk production.
5. Make A Mint Pouch For Your Pet
Flea infestation is a common problem when it comes to pet care. Pet owners often struggle to get rid of bothersome fleas.
But did you know that you can use mint to keep your pets and house flee-free? Make a homemade flea-repellent pouch for your pet.
You will need one part fresh thyme, one part wormwood, and two parts fresh spearmint.
Bundle them all up in a cloth or pouch and place it near your pet’s bed or favorite place.
Make sure that the pouch is hidden so that your curious pet doesn’t tear or damage it. The fragrance of mint emitting from the pouch will keep the fleas at bay.
Keep in mind that you must replace the mints in the pouch every few days to keep it working effectively against the unwanted, pesky pests.
6. Mint As Beverage Booster
Also known as Mentha, mint belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes different species, including spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint, lemon mint, etc.
All of these have a distinctive and refreshing minty taste and fragrance, which is why you can use them to upgrade your dull and drab drinks.
There are multiple ways to use mint as a beverage booster. For example, you can freeze a tray of strong mint tea to get mint ice cubes.
Use these cubes to cool your summer drinks and also add a hint of minty buzz to them. You can also add raw mint leaves in your drinks, like lemonade and iced tea.
If you are a fan of mint, make sure you always keep this wonderful herb handy.
There are various medicinal uses of mint and it can be used around the house in multiple ways, some of which are discussed above.
Try these uses of mint today to make the most of this botanical wonder!
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