Mint, The Miraculous Herb and more than 30 Ways To Use It

Copyright: Evaggelia Karageorgi (Evelyn)

Published By: E. Karageorgi
http://www.x-waysseries.com
email:50waystoseries@gmail.com

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 Copyright
“Mint, The Miraculous Herb and more than 30 Ways To Use It” Copyright © 2013 by
Evaggelia Karageorgi
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any
electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems –
except in the case of brief quotations in articles or reviews – without the permission in
writing from its publisher, Evaggelia Karageorgi.
All brand names and product names used in this book are trademarks, registered
trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders. We are not associated with
any product or vendor in this book.
Contents
Mint, The Miraculous Herb and more than 30 Ways To Use It
Copyright
Contents
Dedication
Introduction
Cautions:
The basics
1. Tincture
2. Mint oil
3. A cup of mint
4. Poultice (Cataplasm)
5. Water for bathing
When it bites or burns...
6. Bites from insects and reptiles
7. Burns
It’s all in my head…
8. Dizziness, headaches, migraines
9. Nervous and mental disorders
Belly talks…
10. Sexual impotence
11. Indigestion
12. Stomach tonic
She’s fresh… exciting!
13. Mouth and throat diseases
14. Mouthwash recipes
15. Toothpaste
16. Armpits deodorant
The Beauty and the ...Mint!
17. Bathing
18. Face mask
19. Skin lotion
20. Dandruff and lice
21. Lotion for oily hair
22. Hair mask
23. Lip balm
24. Eye compresses-mask
25. Body scrub
You take my pain away..
26. Easier breathing
27. Nausea
28. Ease the pain
A “minty” touch in my kitchen...
29. Liqueur
30. Sauce
31. Syrup
32. Pesto
Mint Properties and Benefits
Mint varieties
Just a few mint quotes before you go!
But most of all:
About The Author
Disclaimer:
Mint, the Miraculous Herb and more than 30 Ways to Use It
 Dedication
This book is dedicated to the beautiful, optimistic, happy and determined people of the
planet.

For a better world and a better life!

 Introduction
30 Ways to use Mint is an introduction to the numerous uses of Mint, one of the most
famous herbs around the world! Mint has multiple properties and benefits, and has
been variously used since the ancient times. References about the mint storage and
its use in perfume manufacture during the Minoan Age have been found in Linear B
scripts.

Over the centuries, Mint has often been called as the "oldest medicine in the world" or
“the miraculous herb”. Today mint still remains one of the most beloved herbs
worldwide.
There are at least 30 kinds of mint and they all belong to the “Labiatae” family of
aromatic herbs. However, two specific varieties stand out among them because these
are the best known and most used worldwide. They have similar properties and
people often confuse the one with the other:
We are talking about Spearmint (Mentha Spicata syn Mentha Viridis) and
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita.)
Peppermint is not some kind of wild variation but a hybrid derived from the cross
between Mentha Aquatica and Mentha Spicata.
This book is dedicated to these two kinds of mint and their uses. Whether I suggest
sometimes spearmint or peppermint, remember that you can use any of these two
varieties you have available.
In Greece, spearmint is the most common kind of mint. The Greek name of spearmint
is “Diosmos” and it means “Sweet Scent.”

THE MYTH OF MINT comes from ancient Greek Mythology.

The name Mint is derived from the ancient “Minthi.”
Minthi was one of the Naiads, the nymphs who lived in the county of Elis in Greece.
She was the daughter of Kokytos. Her beauty was so marvelous that Pluto, the God
of the underworld, fell in love with her. He saw her while she was wandering in the
woods of the highest mountain in the province of Olympia in Greece, which was later
named after her. Dazzled by her beauty, he decided to make her his mistress.
According to one version of the myth, Persephone, Pluto’s wife, caught him while he
was kissing Minthi. Then she told her mother, the goddess Demeter, who punished
Minthi by transforming her into a plant so small that no one would notice so she could
easily be stepped on.
Pluto felt sorry for Minthi and gave to the plant its special scent.
Another variant of the myth says that Demeter was trampled on Minthi and crushed
her. Pluto did not defend her. He transformed her into a fragrant plant, which began to
grow on the slopes of the mountain Minthi.
Others say that Persephone was the one who trampled on the poor Minthi.
Strabo, a traveler of 175 AD, says: "East of Pylos there is a mountain named Minthi,
that the legend says she was a mistress of Hades (Pluto) and she was trampled by
the young lady, so the Minthi turned into the garden Minthi, that some call mint."
This myth explains why mint and its wonderful aroma, was dedicated to the god Pluto
(Hades).

AROUND THE WORLD AND THROUGH HISTORY

The ancient Greeks believed that mint refreshes the mind, cures headaches and cools
the blood. It is said that they used to wear wreaths of mint on their heads after wine
drinking, to avoid the symptoms of headache. They also used it for body rejuvenation
and hiccups soothing.
The admiration of mint was common in ancient Rome as well. The Romans used it to
flavor their food, and washed their bodies with mint scented water.
In the Middle Ages it was used by the monks both in cooking and for its healing
properties.
Mint is so greatly beloved and widespread in the Arab world, that people use to swear
in the name of it. Its Arabic name means “gift of Allah” (naana).
The Chinese used the wild mint of fields since the ancient times (Mentha Arvensis,
Bo-He)
In Europe, the cultivation of mint was developed after the 18th century, when the
English began to grow it in the outskirts of London.

FEATURES AND CULTIVATION

Mint can withstand high temperatures, as long as it is watered quite often, about 3-4
times a week. It needs moisture. The optimum growth temperature for the mint is at
17oC.
It thrives in hot and dry climates as well as in lowland areas and fertile grounds.
It is propagated by cuttings which are planted in the autumn. The roots are best to be
planted in the spring.
It blooms in early July and its flowers have white or violet color.
Some of the differences between spearmint and peppermint, are the following:
The stem of spearmint is green while the peppermint’s is reddish.
The leaves of spearmint have more intense nerves than peppermint’s.
The peppermint leaves color is slightly darker green than spearmint.

The ingredients and their levels vary among the different varieties of mint.
It contains Menthol (alcohol), menthone (ketone), tannins.
The leaves of peppermint contain vitamins A, C and niacin.

COLLECT AND USE

The useful parts of the plant are the leaves and flowering tops. Better be collected at
the beginning of the flowering in July, and secondly in the early autumn. Always make
sure that you do not to collect excessive amounts; store only as much as you need
until the next season.
The dry mint loses about 70% of its aroma.
600 pounds of mint leaves are needed to extract 2 liters of essential oil.
Mint is used widely in cooking, wine and pharmaceutical products. Yet today, due to
the mass production of the industrial products, synthetic fragrance is often used
instead of the original mint essential oil.

So, in this short Mint Usage Guide, you will find some of the most known and useful
applications of mint. It might also stimulate your mind to invent more ways to apply
and use it, but most of all you will learn how this wonderful herb can benefit and serve
you!
 Cautions:
· Avoid mint during breastfeeding.
· Children should not take it for longer than a week.
· Do not give mint in any form to infants.
· The essential oil of mint should not be used by
epileptics, pregnant women, nursing and young children.
· In any case of special medical conditions, always
consult your doctor first.
The basics
Let's start with several formulations that can be used in various purposes.
 1. Tincture
Tincture is the alcoholic extract of an herb. The alcohol must be consumable 35-90
proof. Alcoholic ethanol solutions such as vodka, white rum with an alcohol content of
40-50% are often used as well. Better use up to 65% alcohol content. Sometimes,
apple cider vinegar can be also used.

DOSAGE:
A handful of mint
1 cup of alcohol
PREPARATION: Cut the leaves of mint by hand rather than with metal objects such
as knives. Put the leaves in a glass or ceramic container with a cap that closes well,
and no metal parts. Melt the leaves a bit with a ceramic pestle. Pour the alcohol, close
the container and shake slightly.
Place it in a shady place for about one month, shaking once a day or every other day.
Thereafter, strain and store in a dark glass bottle with a dropper on the cap, if
possible.
The dropper is very useful, since you will be using a few drops of this formulation.
 2. Mint oil
You can infuse mint in oil and afterwards use it in various applications. For this
purpose you may use olive oil or almond oil which is lighter and odorless.

DOSAGE:
4 Oz olive or almond oil
1 handful fresh mint leaves
PREPARATION: Place the mint leaves in a container with a lid. Pour in the oil and
close well. Shake and leave it in a sunny place for about twenty days. Shake the
container once a day or at least every other day. When the twenty days pass, remove
the mint leaves and store it in a dark glass bottle.
 3. A cup of mint
Ways to prepare:
DECOTION: you may use the fresh flowering tops and the leaves of the plant.
Mint stimulates the blood circulation and increases the temperature of the body. You
can prepare a mint decoction by boiling 3 teaspoons of mint leaves or flowers in two
cups of water for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain.

INFUSION: Just before the water comes to a boil, remove from heat and pour into a
cup or teapot where you have already placed the mint (1 teaspoon of dry leaves in 1
cup of water).
Cover and let it stand for half an hour. Strain.

Drink it during the day and prepare new for the next. Do not exceed 1-2 cups a day for
more than two months (avoid mint if you are on homeopathic therapy).
 4. Poultice (Cataplasm)
Ways to make Poultice:
You can use either fresh or dried mint. Following the same procedure, you can
prepare a poultice of any other herb.

DRIED MINT: Use a pestle to crush the dried mint leaves. Add as warm water (a few
drops) as it takes to make a paste.
Notes: Do not use too hot water because it will destroy the properties of the herb. You
can also use add apple vinegar.
Apply this paste directly to the body part that hurts. The mint’s therapeutic substances
are absorbed as the poultice dries.
Another way to apply is to spread a layer of the paste on a gauze pad, cover it with
another gauze and place it on the traumatized spot.

FRESH MINT: Put ½ cup of water and ½ cup mint leaves in a pot and let it simmer for
about 2 minutes, until a thick mass is left. Use it as above.

Important: Keep the poultices warm. When you feel that the pain subsides, then the
poultice has done its job!
 5. Water for bathing
Boil 2 liters (about 8 ½ cups) of water and remove from the fire. Allow to cool down for
a while but still be warm enough (about 5 minutes is enough although it depends on
the environmental temperature).
Add about 6 tablespoons of dried mint and let it stand for 5-6 hours. Strain.
You can add this infusion to your bath water, or make a foot bath, soak your hands or
even rinse your hair after shampooing.
Store in the refrigerator for one week maximum. Before use, warm it but beware not to
boil.
When it bites or burns...
Here we will talk about insects or reptile bites, as well as for other skin irritations such
as burns.
Mint, apart from its healing properties in cases of bites and burns, has a scent
repulsive for some animals such as mice that cannot withstand it.
 6. Bites from insects and reptiles
Mint can relieve the pain from stings and bites. However, this doesn’t mean that you
shouldn’t go to the emergencies if a poisonous insect or reptile bites you or if you
have allergies. For simple situations or cases of emergency that you have no other
option, the ancient knowledge says:
• SOOTHING OIL: Blend 2 drops of mint essential oil to 1 tablespoon
olive oil. Apply the mixture on the spots you have been stung. It will soothe
the pain and the irritation.
· Alternatively you can use mint oil you have already made.
· MINT TINCTURE: Apply with a cotton pad on the hurting spot and keep
it there for a few minutes.
· CATAPLASM: Use a pestle to crush the mint leaves with salt. Add a
few drops of distilled water and make a paste. Apply it as a poultice on bites
and stings.

Tip: To repel mosquitoes, rub some mint leaves on your skin.

 7. Burns
For mild minor burns and relief until you visit a clinic if needed.
-A poultice with mint leaves can relieve the pain of any kind of burn. How we make a
poultice? See here.
-Also applying a layer of homemade mint oil can be very soothing.
-Prepare a mint infusion, add 2 drops of mint essential oil (optionally), put it in a spray
bottle and spray your body after sunbathing. Refreshing!
It’s all in my head…
8. Dizziness, headaches, migraines
Hippocrates and Galinos used the mint against vertigo and headaches. It is
considered as one of the most ideal drinks for headaches.
POULTICE: American Indians and other ancient primitive cultures around the world,
used to chew herbs until they become a liquid pulp and then apply it on body parts in
pain.
Ways to use:
· Poultice with mint leaves on the
forehead. The herbs come in contact with the
skin which absorbs their therapeutic
properties. You can use fresh or dried mint.
· A simpler alternative is to rub peppermint
leaves on the forehead.
· Crush 10 fresh mint leaves along with a
slice of lemon and use this mixture as an
alternative poultice.
Relax with a mint poultice on your forehead, while you drink … a mint tea with lemon!

MINT OIL: Massage your forehead, temples and back of your neck with mint oil.
RELAXING BEVERAGE: Drink a relaxing chamomile infusion mixed with 10 drops of
mint tincture
.
 9. Nervous and mental disorders
Menthol has muscle relaxant properties which may be particularly useful in cases of
anxiety.
Its smell has the ability to repel negative thoughts.
In aromatherapy peppermint essential oil is used in cases of mental fatigue and
depression. It is very beneficial as it elevates the mood and banishes fears.
· A mint tea (decoction or infusion) can be very calming in various
nervous disorders manifested by dry cough, trouble sleeping, etc.
· Say yes to a nice massage with peppermint oil, (you can use the oil
you made at home or a mixture of almond oil with peppermint essential oil (2
drops essential oil per 1 tablespoon of almond oil)
· You can always keep with you a cloth handkerchief scented with mint
essential oil and smell it whenever you want to uplift your mood.
Belly talks…
10. Sexual impotence
The aphrodisiac properties of the plant, have been highly praised since ancient times.
In the Arab world, from antiquity until today, mint and specifically peppermint tea are
used to enhance sexual arousal.
Even Shakespeare (The Winter’s Tale) mentions mint as a stimulant for men of any
age, in combination with lavender and rosemary.
It is said that Aristotle had advised Alexander the Great to prohibit his soldiers from
drinking mint tea before the battle in order to avoid sexual arousal and the subsequent
loss of their force.

· Use an essential oil diffuser to fragrance your space with mint scent.
· Serve a cup of strong mint tea or some mint liqueur.
 11. Indigestion
Ingredients:
1 tbsp fresh ginger
1 handful fresh spearmint
1 kiwi
1 cup pineapple
Put the above ingredients in a juice extractor and drink this very beneficial juice.
 12. Stomach tonic
Mint has been used for indigestion issues since the era of Hippocrates and Galinos.
Dioscorides said that mint is friendly to the stomach, while Plinios says:
".. calms the stomach pain and removes intestinal parasites"
Menthol has antispasmodic properties so it relieves the stomach disorders. The
clinical administration of peppermint oil has been shown to help greatly, people who
suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

USAGE:
- The decoction or infusion of mint can help:
· Indigestion
· Diarrhea
· Intestinal inflammations
· After vomiting (pennyroyal)
- Three drops of mint essential oil in a glass of water after meals relieves indigestion,
colic and facilitates expulsion of stomach gas.
- It is said that the combination of mint with cumin essential oil also relieves
heartburn stomach. (2 drops of each in a glass of water)
She’s fresh… exciting!
The first references about the use of mint in teeth cleaning creams have been found in
scripts of the 6th century AC.
Cut and chew some mint leaves and feel the pure freshness in your mouth!
 13. Mouth and throat diseases
Ideal for bad breath, since mint fights germs of teeth and gums.
Not only freshens the breath, but gargling with essential oil and water can also help in
cases of tonsillitis, oral cavity or throat inflammation and gum disease.

· Pour 8 drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass of distilled water and

then do some gargling.
· You can also use a mint infusion with a few drops of mint tincture.
 14. Mouthwash recipes
Here are some recipes for natural and homemade mouthwash.

Recipe-A:
1 cup of rose water or cool green tea
10 drops of peppermint essential oil
5 drops of lemon essential oil
In a sterilized bottle, mix the essential oils with the flower water or green tea. Shake
well and use.
You can store it in the fridge. Do not buy prepared green tea for this purpose, just
prepare it yourself.
Recipe B:
Prepare an infusion with:
2 cups distilled water
1 teaspoon mint
1 teaspoon rosemary
Allow to cool and then add 10 drops of mint tincture. Shake and rinse your mouth.
Store in the refrigerator. Rosemary also has antiseptic properties.

Recipe C:
1 cup distilled water
4 drops of peppermint essential oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
Put water in a sterilized bottle with a large nozzle and a cap. Pour in the essential oil
and shake well. Add the baking soda, close the cap and shake again. Rinse your
mouth and keep the rest in the refrigerator for later use. Shake before use.
 15. Toothpaste
Ingredients
3 tsp of baking soda (organic)
1 tsp ground sea salt
1 tsp stevia sweetener
1 tbsp ground dried mint
10 drops of mint essential oil
3 tsp plant glycerine or 2-3 tbsp coconut oil
Preparation: Grind the sea salt and the dried mint with a coffee grinder to turn them
into powder. Put it in a small bowl, add the stevia, the baking soda and mix well. Then
add the glycerine or the coconut oil (melt it with bain marrie method) and the mint
essential oil. Mix very well to unify the ingredients and your toothpaste is ready to use
it.
 16. Armpits deodorant
The deodorizing properties of mint have been known since antiquity. What could be
better than a natural body deodorant instead of chemicals and toxic products?
Ingredients
1 lemon
5 tbsp mint infusion
2 drops mint essential oil
2 tsp rubbing alcohol
Put the lemon juice and the rest of the ingredients in a small bottle and shake. Let it
stand for about 2 days and then use.
If you have a used bottle from an old deodorant, clean it well and use it.
The Beauty and the ...Mint!

17. Bathing
The Ancient Greeks and later the Romans used mint to fragrance their bathing water.
So, you can also fragrance your bathing water with:

· Some mint bathing water, or

· 15 drops of mint essential oil, or
· Salts mixed with mint essential oil.
 18. Face mask
The antibacterial properties of mint are making it very effective for skin cleaning. Also,
its refreshing properties soothe and revitalize the skin.
This mask nourishes the dull skin and improves oiliness.

Ingredients
A handful of fresh mint leaves
1 egg yolk
½ cucumber
1 tsp of lemon juice.
Put all the ingredients in the blender and blend. Apply the mask on your face, let it for
10-15 minutes and then rinse well.
Apart from the disinfectant properties, mint refreshes, stimulates and cleans the skin
deeply.
If you want more natural face masks, you might like this
 19. Skin lotion
USAGE:
In a sprayer bottle, put 2 cups of distilled water and 10 drops of mint oil and 10 drops
of mint tincture. Shake well and spray your skin when it needs a touch of freshness
and rejuvenation.
 20. Dandruff and lice
It is said that mint removes dandruff and lice.

USAGE:
Boil a mixture of 1 cup of water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and a handful of fresh
mint leaves. Strain the leaves and let it cool down. Massage the scalp and let it dry
without rinsing.
 21. Lotion for oily hair
With this lotion you can balance the oiliness of the scalp.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp fresh mint leaves
2 tbsp rosemary
1 cup of boiled water
Preparation:
Boil the water and remove from fire. Put the herbs in the boiled water and let it stand
for 20 minutes. Strain.
Add 2 tbsp of the lotion in ¼ cup of shampoo. Mix very well to unify completely.
Massage your scalp while you shampoo your hair and leave it on your hair for a few
minutes before rinsing. For best results, use a mild, gentle shampoo or better yet an
organic one.
Another option is to massage your scalp with some of this lotion after shampooing and
rinsing.
 22. Hair mask
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
10 drops of peppermint oil
1 tbsp coconut milk
½ tsp sweet almond oil
Preparation:
In a blender or in a bowl: melt the banana, add the oils and the coconut milk and unify
until it gets a creamy texture. Apply on your hair, before shampooing and massage
gently. Let it for about 20 minutes.
Then, apply directly the shampoo and wash well to remove the oil. Rinse well
afterwards.
Tip: Use gentle shampoos with the less possible chemicals.
 23. Lip balm
How about your own homemade lip balm?
Want more fleshy lips? The essential oil of peppermint improves circulation and brings
more blood to the surface of your lips.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp coconut oil or cocoa butter
1 tsp honey
4 drops mint essential oil
Preparation:
Put the coconut oil or the cocoa butter in a little glass vase (you could use the one of
your old lip balm). Warm it with the bain marie method until the coconut oil or the
cocoa butter melts. Remove from fire, add the mint essential oil and the honey and
mix to unify. Let it cool down. Your homemade lip balm is ready!
 24. Eye compresses-mask
A refreshing, quick and easy mask for your eyes only!
Ingredients:
1 green tea bag
1 cup of water
10 leaves of fresh mint
2 cotton pads
Preparation:
Prepare a cup of green tea. You can drink most of it because you need only a small
portion.
Chop the mint leaves.
Dip the two cotton pads in the tea, press them with your fingers to remove most
liquids. Lay back and spread the chopped mint leaves all around your eyes and put on
top the cotton tabs. Stay there for about 15 minutes.
 25. Body scrub
I just did it and my feet and hands feel so soft!!
A cool refreshing natural body scrub to use at any time!

Ingredients:
4 tbsp raw cane sugar
3 tbsp olive, almond or sesame oil
5 drops of mint essential oil or 10 fresh mint leaves
How to:
Put the sugar in a bowl or a glass jar and crush it a little with a pestle. Add the oils and
mix very well. Use it right away or keep it in the fridge for later use.
If you use fresh leaves, crush them along with the sugar before you add the oil. After a
nice bath while your skin is still fresh, take small portions of the mixture and scrub
gently your body; especially the parts that need it the most such as elbows, knees and
feet. Rinse well and wipe your body gently with a towel. Apply a moisturizing body
cream or better yet a natural oil, and your body will thank you!
Alternatively, you can crush the mint leaves in a bowl with a pestle. Add the sugar and
the oil in the bowl and mix well. Use as above J
You take my pain away..
The scientific writings of pharmacology until the 2nd World War, were almost
exclusively filled with herbal remedies. Even if herbs were used under their scientific
rather than their common and familiar names, their use remained the same through
the centuries up to modern times.
The demand for drugs was increased dramatically during the war period, and
afterwards the pharmaceutical industry followed the road of chemistry. These changes
were enough to create a huge gap between the man and the knowledge that was
preserved for hundreds/ thousands of years.
Lately, this knowledge about herbal remedies is coming back gradually, even in
informative form in some cases, since the experience is lost and must be acquired
almost from scratch.

Mint has been reported by the ancient Greeks, Hippocrates, Dioscourides and
Plinious as a plant of high pharmaceutical and therapeutic value.
 26. Easier breathing
Mint oil has expectorant properties, so it can significantly help with the symptoms of
asthma, allergies, colds, bronchitis etc.
Therefore, any use of mint may be very beneficial in these cases. However, because
the inhalation of menthol is the main objective, the following two ways are perhaps the
most suited:
Steam therapy: Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan, add a handful of mint dried
leaves and flowers. Lean over the saucepan, cover your head and the saucepan with
a thick towel and inhale the steam.
Embrocate with mint oil: In a tablespoon of almond or sesame oil, add 4 drops of
peppermint oil. Mix and massage your chest.
You can also use the homemade mint oil that you've made before.
 27. Nausea
Do you have nausea because you're pregnant or you feel it every time you travel?
Whatever the cause is, peppermint the magnificent, can help you here too. It relaxes
the muscles of the digestive system and regulates the function of the stomach.
Dried leaves and flowers of peppermint are the best choice.
Drink a cup of peppermint. If you are pregnant, you better consult your doctor on
how many cups an how often should you drink it.
If you are about to travel, try to drink a cup before you go, and if it is possible have
some with you.
Or
Carry with you a cloth handkerchief scented with mint essential oil.
 28. Ease the pain
Mint can help with pains from several causes.
Toothache: Chew some mint leaves or make a small portion of mint cataplasm and
place it on the aching tooth.
Rheumatisms: Rub mint leaves on joints or massage with mint oil
A “minty” touch in my kitchen...
The ancient Greeks used to rub mint leaves on the table before eating.
The mint is widely used both in pastry and cooking. Specifically, spearmint is used
mostly as a flavoring for meals, and peppermint in desserts and drinks.
Mediterranean cuisine adores mint and uses it in many dishes, salads and sauces as
well as in oil and vinegar mixtures.
Fresh spearmint leaves are perfect in salads like tomato with cucumber, onion,
vinegar and olive oil.
 29. Liqueur
We have already discussed about the stimulative effect of the mint aroma which is
caused by the menthol substance. So, the mint liqueur is considered by many as an
excellent tonic. Also, thanks to its beneficial for stomach properties, the mint liqueur is
a fine digestive drink.
You can surely find it bottled at the market. However, if you have the time and
patience, you can also prepare it yourself. This way you will be positively sure that the
flavor comes from real and pure mint!
The secret for a successful homemade liqueur is to use a good quality alcohol base.
Ingredients:
1 quart (1lt) good quality vodka (or Greek tsipouro or ouzo)
2 cups of water
1 pound sugar
2 bunches of fresh mint
How to:
Wash the mint and let it for a while on an absorbent towel. Cut all the leaves with your
hand and put it in a sterilized jar or bottle (it must have a cap that closes well).
Pour the alcohol in the jar and close the cap. Let it in a sunny place for 10 days and
shake it slightly every day
Then open the jar or bottle, add the water and the sugar and close again. Let it under
the sun for 30 days this time and don’t forget the daily shaking.
After one month, strain once or twice if needed using a tool cloth, and your
homemade mint liqueur is ready. Put it in a stylish glass bottle and serve your friends
in any occasion. J

Except the liqueur of course you can serve yourself a fine Mojito cocktail!
Put 6-8 fresh peppermint leaves in a tall glass, add 1 tbsp black sugar, 3-4 pieces of
lime and crush them with a wooden pestle. Add crushed ice, 1 Oz white rum and fill
with soda water. Serve with a straw and peppermint leaves.
 30. Sauce
Making a mint sauce, it’s a bit like making ...mojito!
Ingredients:
2 handfuls of mint leaves (finely chopped)
1 cup of white wine vinegar (or lemon)
2 tbsp brown sugar
A pinch of salt
Use a pestle to crush the mint leaves and the sugar. Add the vinegar and the salt, and
stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Put it in the fridge for a while and serve.
Mint sauce is usually combined with meat dishes. However, if you are not a meat
eater (as me), you can warm it and try it with pasta, or replace the vinegar with lemon
and combine with mashed potatoes.
 31. Syrup
If you want a homemade syrup for ice cream, fruit salads, pancakes and tea
beverages, lets make a mint syrup!
Ingredients:
2 handfuls of fresh mint leaves
1 cup of brown sugar
1 cup of water
Use a wooden or ceramic pestle to crush once again the mint leaves along with the
sugar. In a saucepan, put the water and the mint mixture and bring to a boil on
medium fire stirring continuously. If the sugar is completely dissolved, remove from fire
and let for a while to cool. Then strain and keep it in a sterilized jar in the fridge.
 32. Pesto
A nice delicious pesto with a mint flavor instead of basil!
Ingredients:
1 cup olive oil
2 handfuls of fresh mint leaves
3 garlic cloves
1 tbsp pine seeds
Salt and pepper
Peel the garlic and wash the mint. Put the garlic, the mint leaves and the pine seeds
in a bowl and mash them with a pestle. Pour gradually the olive oil while you mashing,
and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Mix with warm pasta and serve!
Mint Properties and Benefits
"For someone to name all the properties of mint, must know how many fish swim in
the Indian Ocean" Naturalist of the 12th century
· Accelerates the heart rate

· Aphrodisiac

· Analgesic

· Antibacterial

· Antiemetic (Stops vomiting)

· Antipyretic

· Antiseptic

· Antispasmodic

· Anxiety

· Asthma

· Bronchitis

· Burns

· Calming

· Cough and sore throat

· Disinfectant

· Diuretic

· Dizziness

· Expectorant

· Headaches

· Heart diseases

· Increases body temperature

· Indigestion

· Insomnia

· Liver function

· Memory

· Mood elevator

· Muscle contractions

· Nervous disorders

· Oral and throat infections

· Rheumatism

· Stimulates the production of bile

· Stomach and digestive system (stomach cramps, aerophagy, bloating, nausea)

· Tremors
Mint varieties
1.Mentha aquatica
2.Mentha arvensis syn. Mentha parvifolia: It is widespread in the plains and fields.
3.Mentha asiatica
4.Mentha australis
5.Mentha canadensis
6.Mentha cervina
7.Mentha citrata
8.Mentha crispata
9.Mentha cunninghamia
10.Mentha dahurica
11.Mentha diemenica
12.Mentha gattefossei
13.Mentha grandiflora
14.Mentha micrantha
15.Mentha haplocalyx
16.Mentha japonica
17.Mentha kopetdaghensis
18.Mentha laxiflora
19.Mentha longifolia syn. Mentha nigrescens
20.Mentha nemorosa
21.Mentha pubescens
22.Mentha pulegium: Its common name is pennyroyal, vlichoni, fleskouni or
vlichouni. It is mainly used for food flavoring and infusions. It is a perennial plant. Its
leaves are small and oval and the flowers are pink or purple. The blossoming begins
in June and lasts until October.
23.Mentha x piperita: It has a strong fragrance and a spicy taste. The peppermint is
the hybrid of crossing species of Mentha Spicata and Mentha Aquatica. It is a
perennial plant and it reaches the height of 80cm. Peppermint leaves are oval - round
with a slightly fluffy bottom surface. Its flowers are white or light purple. It is native to
humid ground. It blooms from July to September. Better collected when it is in full
blooming. From the leaves and the flowers we get the essential oil which contains
menthol and is used in pastry, beverage industry and pharmaceuticals.
24.Mentha spicata subsp. spicata or Mentha viridis: Spearmint, the Greek
“Diosmos” which is widely used for infusions and syrups.
25.Mentha requienii
26.Mentha x rotundifolia
27.Mentha sachalinensis
28.Mentha satureioides
29.Mentha suaveolens
30.Mentha longifolia var. asiatica / Mentha vagans

*The little x means that this specific variety is a hybrid.

 Just a few mint quotes before you go!
“Nothing except the mint can make money without advertising” Thomas B. Macaulay

“It is the destiny of mint to be crushed” Waverlay Lewis Root

“The mint makes it first, it’s up to you to make it last” Evan Esar
But most of all:

Enjoy it!
Thank you!
 About The Author

Evelyn is a graduate of Drama, Fine Arts and Feng Shui schools.

“Hello again! This my second attempt to create a short guide of the most known uses
of one more miraculous herb: The Mint! People all around the world love its smell and
flavor. I tried to collect the most useful and interesting applications and facts about
mint, and I hope you will find it useful, easy to read as always and handy. I got some
nice reviews for my first book of this series (Rosemary, the Prince of Herbs and 30
Ways to Use it), and I wish you like this one too. Thank you!!”
 Disclaimer:
The above information is a sharing of traditional knowledge and experiences for
educational and informational purposes. It does not constitute medical diagnosis or
medication recommendation. This book is not intended to substitute professional
diagnosis and treatment. Also, is not intended to replace any medication you are
already taking or the advice of your doctor.

The author and the publishers disclaim any warranties and are not liable for excessive
and careless use, for any incidental or consequential damage connected direct or
indirectly with the content of this ebook, or the ignoring of the recommendations of
your doctor.
The liability, use, misuse, negligence of any recipe, instruction or ideas given in this
book is under the total responsibility of the reader.
Author and publisher disclaim also any warranties for the accuracy of the external
links content.
Mint, the Miraculous Herb and more than 30 Ways to Use It
All Rights Reserved © 2013 by Evaggelia Karageorgi
 Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Introduction
Cautions:
The basics
1. Tincture
2. Mint oil
3. A cup of mint
4. Poultice (Cataplasm)
5. Water for bathing
When it bites or burns...
6. Bites from insects and reptiles
7. Burns
It’s all in my head…
8. Dizziness, headaches, migraines
9. Nervous and mental disorders
Belly talks…
10. Sexual impotence
11. Indigestion
12. Stomach tonic
She’s fresh… exciting!
13. Mouth and throat diseases
14. Mouthwash recipes
15. Toothpaste
16. Armpits deodorant
The Beauty and the ...Mint!
17. Bathing
18. Face mask
19. Skin lotion
20. Dandruff and lice
21. Lotion for oily hair
22. Hair mask
23. Lip balm
24. Eye compresses-mask
25. Body scrub
You take my pain away..
26. Easier breathing
27. Nausea
28. Ease the pain
A “minty” touch in my kitchen...
29. Liqueur
30. Sauce
31. Syrup
32. Pesto
Mint Properties and Benefits
Mint varieties
Just a few mint quotes before you go!
But most of all:
About The Author
Disclaimer: