Want a great mint recipe now that youve learned all the benefits of this incredible herb? Chefs worldwide recognize it as a superlative flavor enhancer, and Asian and Indian cultures use mint extensively in many traditional dishes. It just might be the extra spice you need in your culinary endeavors.

Mint Recipe Suggestions
Mint is often overlooked as a useful cooking herb. Try substituting basil or rosemary with mint in your favorite meal for variety. Mint is fabulous in summer recipes because of its cool, refreshing taste. Sprinkle some fresh mint in fruit and vegetable salads for an unexpected kick.

Mint combined with chocolate makes a truly decadent dessert. Think of mint chip ice cream … peppermint patties … chocolate covered candy canes. All right, I made that last one up but it sounds amazing, doesnt it? Possibly the most coveted mint recipe is owned by The Girl Scouts of America. The organizations thin mint cookies have been a top seller for several years running.

Discover the power of mint for yourself. The Internet is an excellent resource for finding a magnificent mint recipe. In my experience, however, the best recipes always seem to emerge with experimentation and a bit of trial and error.

Peppermint, also known by its botanical name, mentha piperita, is a plant widely used for commercial purposes throughout the globe. Washington, Oregon and Indiana are the largest producers of peppermint in the United States. Because mint needs much exposure to direct sunlight, northern states that have extra hours of daylight during the summer are ideal.

General Uses of Peppermint
Peppermint is mainly grown for the oil it produces. Chewing gum and breath mint manufacturers incorporate peppermint as a primary flavor. Toothpastes and mouthwashes also incorporate peppermint oils. Peppermint is a natural breath freshener and has a pleasant taste and smell.

Pure peppermint oil, or essential oil, is also widely used in aromatherapy. This practice asserts that aromas from these natural plant oils have properties that promote physical and mental well being. Peppermint oil is used for this purpose in candles, massage oils and lotions. It is said to clear the mind and ease stress.

Peppermint has many applications, making it a very versatile herb. Its sharp yet sweet aroma and taste make it an American favorite. Many of the pages in this web site are devoted to its uses and advantages. Browse through and discover the wondrous world of peppermint.

Peppermint essential oil is produced by means of extraction from the mentha piperita, or peppermint plant. Peppermint is a creeping herb that has greenish-purple, spear-shaped leaves. It is one of the most common essential oils used today.

Qualities of Peppermint Essential Oil
The oil is steam distilled from the freshly cut, top leaves of the plant. Ideally, they are cut shortly before the plants flower, which yields optimal fragrance. The oil can be colorless to pale yellow-green. It can take several hundreds of leaves to make an ounce of peppermint essential oil, although the substance is extremely concentrated and potent. For this reason, it should not be applied directly to the skin, but instead diluted with some type of carrier oil.

Essential oils are categorized by their note, which describes how long its fragrance will last. Top note oils are the most stimulating, but only last a few hours. Middle note and base note oils last longer, but are less pungent. Peppermint is classified as a top note oil. Its effects are powerful, but its scent is short lived.

Peppermint essential oil is used to scent soaps and various other personal care products. Hippocrates had claimed that peppermint was an aphrodisiac, but alas, there is no scientific evidence of it. Nevertheless, many proponents of peppermint stand by its remarkable ability to invigorate and energize the body and soul.

Peppermint massage oil invigorates the senses while calming the mind. It imparts a feeling of coolness and can soothe sore muscles. Peppermint massage oil has a strong aromatic scent that works to lift your mood.

This massage aid is made up of essential oil from the peppermint plant plus a blend of other oils such as sweet almond or jojoba. Pure essential oil is far too potent to apply directly to the skin in large amounts, not to mention quite expensive. Peppermint essential oil is known to help with digestive disorders and can clear the sinuses.

Use Peppermint Massage Oil to Relax
When giving a massage, pour a small amount into your palm and rub your hands together to warm up the oil. A massage given with cold hands can be quite a rude awakening! If you are the lucky recipient of a massage, breathe deeply to inhale the oils aromatic scent. You will soon feel both energized and relaxed at the same time.

Peppermint massage oil also can be used as a rich skin moisturizer. Rub it directly onto your skin or sprinkle a few drops in the tub for a calming bath. Your skin will feel softer and you will be left smelling fresh and clean.

Peppermint oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils, and for good reason. It has a profusion of beneficial qualities, making it useful in a variety of applications. The two areas you find peppermint oil in most are foods and personal care.

The Wide World of Peppermint Oil
Candy canes, gum, ice cream, cookies … We all love the taste of peppermint, especially in sweets. Some enormous food-based corporations would go belly up if the planet were depleted of peppermint. Fortunately, the situation is unlikely, as there are peppermint farms all over the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Peppermint oil is also used in personal care products like lotions, creams, shampoos, and soaps. One whiff of its sharp, sweet scent is an instant pick-me-up. Aromatherapy and massage professionals also use it to rejuvenate the senses.

One quality of peppermint oil you may not be familiar with is its ability to repel rodents. Since it is a natural repellant, rats and mice steer clear of its scent. And it is a far more humane way of ridding your home of these small animals than traps or poison.

Chances are, you can use a little peppermint oil in your daily routine–if you dont already. A cautionary warning: peppermint oil is not advised for women who are pregnant or nursing.