Peppermint (bo he)

Peppermint (bo he)

Peppermint or mint, also called Herba Menthae Haplocalycis in pharmaceutical, and 薄荷 in Chinese, a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid in digestion. Because it has a calming and numbing effect, it has been used to treat headaches, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence. It is also an ingredient in chest rubs, used to treat symptoms of the common cold. In test tubes, peppermint kills some types of bacteria and viruses, suggesting it may have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Peppermint plants grow to about 2 - 3 feet tall. They bloom from July through August, sprouting tiny purple flowers in whorls and terminal spikes. Dark green, fragrant leaves grow opposite white flowers. Peppermint is native to Europe and Asia, is naturalized to North America, and grows wild in moist, temperate areas. Some varieties are indigenous to South Africa, South America, and Australia.

Peppermint is used for different kind of dishes: soup, dessert, curry, drink and for garnishing as well. It is also used to make skin and cosmetic products. When you buy peppermints, choose fresh mint over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh mint should look vibrant and be a rich green color. They should be free from dark spots or yellowing.

Even through dried herbs and spices like mint are widely available in supermarkets, you may want to explore the local spice stores in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness compared to those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried herbs, when purchasing dried mint try to select organically grown mint since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated.

To store fresh mint leaves, carefully wrap them in a damp paper towel and place inside of a loosely closed plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator, where it should keep fresh for several days. Dried mint should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place, where it will keep fresh for about nine to twelve months.
 

One simple peppermint soup recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 lb small peeled shrimps

• 3 eggs, beaten. Add pinch of salt, soy sauce in it

• 2 bunches of Chinese peppermint leaves

• 4 cups water

• salt and white pepper

Method:

1. Heat a pan or work with some cooking oil. Stir fry the shrimps for about 3 minutes, and pour in the eggs. Stir fry the egg with shrimps for about 5 minutes until slightly browned. Break them into small pieces. Set aside

2. Boil the water in a pot. Pour in the egg mixture from step 1 for about 3 minutes.

3. Put in the Chinese peppermint leaves. Boil for another 5 minutes.

4. Add in salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

More Chinese Herbs