Thyme and Mint

Today, I added two new herbs to my collection: thyme and mint! They both smell delicious, make your breath smell delicious and have great purposes in the culinary and medical worlds. 

Thyme is a member of the mint family (no wonder it smells so good!) with little two-lipped flowers, ranging in the colors of pale pink to purple. Bees are highly attracted to it, due to its smell. But ironically, it is used in a spray to repel bugs and pesky insects from gardens and houses. 

It's commonly used for bad breath and tooth decay, due to its very strong, minty smell and antiseptic powers. It's one of the main ingredients in Listerine mouthwash. It's also used for gastric problems. 

For an easy tea, simply take the leaves (1 tspn), add boiling water, let it steep for 10-15 minutes. You may add honey to sweeten, if desired. This is a wonderful tea to help with gastric problems (only take once a day). 

To use on skin inflammations and sores, take the leaves and crush them into a paste. Apply to skin area as needed. 

To help with bad breath, make a thyme mouth wash, with the help of water and kosher salt (http://veganepicurean.blogspot.com/2009/08/natural-mouthwash-not-alcohol-based.html). 

Mint is a very common herb with numerous hybrids (spearmint, peppermint, horsemint, etc). It is used to help with a variety of ailments, such as stomach and chest aches to heartburn and indigestion  It's a great aid to help nasal congestion and bad breath. 

To make a tea, simply take the leaves (1 1/2 tbsp if fresh, 1 tbsp if dried), add 2 cups of boiling water, and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. 

Having mint infused water is great to have on hand, as it's an easy way to help with ailments that mint can cure (http://www.botanical-online.com/mint.htm). 

When planting herbs, always plant in a pot that allows it to drain. Also use soil that helps it drain. And do not over water your herbs; to check if it needs to be watered, take your finger, one knuckle deep into the soil. It should be slightly damp, not very damp or drenched. I tend to water mine every other day/two days. Make sure herbs are not in direct sunlight all the time, unless the plant thrives in sunlight.