Peppermint or lat. Mentha piperita.
Is there anyone among you who does not know this herb?
I don't think so. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants and has been used in ancient China and Japan since time immemorial.
And why am I asking about peppermint?
Because you come to us to "escape" from the urban reality and relax in the heart of the Tatra nature, that is why we have planted a herb garden opposite the main entrance of the hotel. Because this is the place where you will forget the worries of everyday life. Where you stop, turn off your phone and your mind and experience what real relaxation is.
On the terrace you will find a wooden wall with several types of this "miracle" herb, which our bartenders will make you a tea or a delicious Mojito. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? You just have to experience it...
And where did this herb come from?
Greek mythology tells us that its origin can be attributed to the god of the underworld, Hades, who fell in love with the nymph Mentha and transformed her into an herb to be cherished and admired by mankind forever. Whether you believe it or not, in any case this unremarkable herb has a vast array of healing powers.
What kind, you ask?
Records of the medicinal uses of peppermint oil are more than 3,000 years old, writings have reportedly been found in some Egyptian pyramids.
Its range of uses is very wide, from health, food industry, liquor and confectionery to common kitchen use.
Internally, mint is used for all kinds of stomach problems - it relieves cramps, improves nausea, stops vomiting, treats flatulence, helps with lack of appetite. It promotes bile secretion, suppresses pain caused by irritated gallbladder and gallstones.
It is an excellent remedy for colds, coughs, sinusitis, bronchitis and fever. It strengthens the nervous system and has mild aphrodisiac effects.
It is also very effective in combination with other herbs (linden, sagebrush, rosemary, chamomile) and adding it to tea blends will enhance the flavour of any tea.
In decoction form, it is excellent for mouth rinses for toothaches, gum pain and to suppress unpleasant bad breath.
Because of its antibacterial effect, it is recommended to inhale for sinus infections. Fresh mint leaves can be added to create a refreshing bath.
It also has an irreplaceable place in cosmetics. It forms part of many toothpastes and mouthwashes, facial and cleansing tonics, soaps, shower gels, body creams and lip balms. Its effect is always dependent on the amount (concentration) used.
Did you know that this powerfully refreshing herb is anti-inflammatory, has the ability to tone the skin and tighten pores? Amazing, isn't it?
It's especially good in the summertime, soothes sunburnt skin, and is also very appreciated for excessive sweating.
And there is only one kind of mint? Wrong. There are countless types of it. Medicinally, peppermint and spearmint (curly mint) are the most used.
Did you know that oregano and basil are also among the mint species that are not to be missed in the kitchen?
Other, lesser known mints are sweet pear, banana, strawberry, chocolate, tangerine, ginger or pineapple mint, which are mostly used in confectionery or for drinks.
We hope that you will come to our garden to relax and try to count how many mint species we have in our garden and in the wall 🙂 .
