Growing Mint
(Pudina)
Propagation, planting, growing, harvesting,
nutrition and health benefits
Varieties of mint
There are about 20 mentha species. The most popular of which are following
- Common mint
- Spearmint
- Peppermint
- Apple/pineapple
- Citrus mint
- Pennyroyal mint
Indoor kitchen Gardening
It is difficult to grow mint from seeds. Mint can be grown easily with stems cutting in your kitchen garden.
Requirements
- Pot/container with drainage hole
- Sprig/mint stems
- Potting soil
- Organic compost
- Glass, bottle/jar
- Scissors / sharp knife
How to propagate mint from stems cuttings
First step
Using scissors/ sharp
knife, cut the stem of mint plant about 8-15 cm in
length that is thick, healthy and grows fast. Just cut below a node (a bump in
the stem you will see the leaves shoot from). Carefully pull the lower leaves
from the stem of mint. Or purchase mint from a vegetable shop.
Second
step
Gently pull the lower leaves from the stems of mint
Third step
Take water
in a glass, bottle or jar and place these stems in it.
Fourth
step
Place this bottle in bright light at least 4-6 hours a day but away from intense direct sunlight. Change water every day to keep it fresh. Roots will be developed from these stems within 7-8 days.
Plant
the mint in container
There are two methods to introduce soil into a new root
system.
Method 1
Once a healthy root system
is developed. Then slowly introduce the soil in glass in which mint was
propagated. This method is effective in protecting the mint plant from shock
that can occur when transferring the plants from water to soil in a new
environment.
Method 2
First
step
Take a large wooden/ plastic container and make holes at its
bottom for proper drainage of water. Fill it with mixture of half soil and half
organic compost to provide the plant with nutritious environment. Soil should
be well amended and well fertilized.
Second
step
The roots have been developed of mint stems. Carefully transplant it into pot/ container
filled with soil. Give water to it. And place it in an area where sun shines in the morning and shades it in
afternoon.
Mint harvest time
When mint is 6-8 inches long, cut it and use it in your food.
How mint is good for our health?
For eye health
Due to presence of vitamin A, it helps to improve eye health
and night vision.
For digestive system
leaves of mint plant have antiseptic and anti-bacterial
properties that helps to relieve stomach and indigestion. It is excellent home
remedy to treat nausea.
For respiratory system
Mint has anti-inflammatory property. The use of mint relieves
asthma patients. It makes the breathing cool and fresh.
It also helps to clear nose, throat, bronchi and congestion
of lungs and respiratory channels. It also relieves the irritation caused by
coughing.
For skin
Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties,
mint is used to treat acne and pimples. It also contains high levels of
salicylic acid which helps to treat acne.
Due to its antioxidant property, it keeps the skin fresh,
glowing, radiant and prevents the aging process. It also protects the body from
oxidative stress (free-radical damage to body tissues).
For brain
It improves alertness, retention and cognitive functions. It
is also helpful for maintain memory. It is useful for patients with anxiety and
depression. It is an aromatic herb.
Weight loss
Mint speeds up digestive enzymes, which help absorb nutrients
from food. It speeds up the metabolism process. Mint plays an important role in
weight loss.
Oral care
It prevents the growth of germs in mouth and clears plaque
deposits on the teeth. That’s why it is used in toothpastes.
Grow mint, eat it and keep
your body healthy.
Author: Yaseen.A
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