CHOCOLATE MINT PLANT FULL

Simultaneously, it soothes the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, easing cramps and discomfort. Its strong volatile oils stimulate stagnant bile and help to remove phlegm and move gas from the stomach and small intestine. Chocolate Mint aids the digestive process and allows a more complete assimilation of nutrients. Mint has been used for thousands of years to treat digestive complaints like nausea, gas, cramping, and heartburn. Its medicinal benefits come from its volatile oils, most predominantly menthol, responsible for its ‘minty’ flavor. Though it’s antioxidant and a good source of vitamins A and C, Chocolate Mint isn’t nutritionally dense or mineral-rich. (3)Ĭhocolate Mint is a nervine, meaning it can help to relax the nervous system and cramping or spasms. Delivered as a hot tea, it might be extra warming as a cool infusion, cooling). A person who runs hot might find this herb too warming, or vice versa. The energetic effects of this herb seem to depend on the method of delivery and the energetics of the person consuming it (i.e. (3)Ĭhocolate Mint is energetically warming and stimulating, with a secondary cooling effect. Eventually, Mint and Chocolate Mint reached North and South America via colonists and became quickly naturalized. Later on, Mint became popular in the British Isles–most likely brought over by Roman soldiers. Traditional Chinese Medicine has had Mint (bo he) in its pharmacopeia for almost 5,000 years! There, Mint is employed in the treatment of colds, bronchial and sinus congestion, digestion, Liver disharmony, and headaches. These cultures also used Mint to flavor food, aid digestion, cleanse the breath, and relieve muscle aches and pains. Pliny the Elder in the 1st Century used it in religious and spiritual ceremonies. Mint has a recorded history in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Mint grows all over the world Chocolate Mint is native to or naturalized in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Chocolate mint is a mint hybrid that’s the result of different mint species crossing. There isn’t a lot of precise information about Chocolate Mint’s origins, and therefore it’s difficult to pinpoint traditional uses. Menthe was the name of a water nymph turned into a plant by Persephone–she’d had an affair with the diety’s husband, Hades–so the story goes. The Greek botanist Theophrastus gave the Mentha genus its moniker, inspired by Greek mythology. Citrata, though sometimes it’s shortened to Mentha x piperita for Peppermint, the parent plant.

CHOCOLATE MINT PLANT FULL

Its full botanical name is Mentha x piperita f. (1, 2) Photo by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash EtymologyĬhocolate Mint gets its common name from its signature chocolate-y flavor and brownish stem and veins. It tolerates shade and is happy in most soil types, especially moist areas and along with bodies of freshwater. Full sun exposure gives Chocolate Mint the best color and flavor, but it’s not a picky herb! Chocolate Mint will grow almost anywhere. It flowers in summer, with a white to purple inflorescence arranged in a false whorl. Chocolate Mint has a square stem and ovate leaves in opposite pairs.

Height-wise, it ranges from 10 to 60 cm and may send out runners, or stolons, up to 60 cm long. Most of them are fragrant with essential oils, including Basil, Sage, Thyme, and Lavender a characteristic trait of herbs in this family.Ĭhocolate Mint is a spreading, fast-growing perennial plant. They’re unanimously in the Lamiaceae (or ‘Mint’) family, and the ‘Mentha’ genus, which has around 18 species. (1) BotanyĬhocolate Mint is one of many varieties of Mint, all differing slightly in flavour, aroma and appearance. citrata ‘chocolate’) is one of the most delightful and delicious herbs on this green earth! This plant is a joy to incorporate into the culinary aspects of life it’s a great example of ‘food as medicine.’ Whether you taste the chocolate flavor or not (not everyone does – I do!), Chocolate Mint makes a gorgeous topping or addition to desserts, smoothies, syrups, candies, elixirs, and tea blends.

Chocolate mint plant