Chef Gal Kotzez's dish of skate with pumpkin carpaccio, alcaparrado of capers, raisins, almonds and mint, brown butter and salted lime.

Most persons who grew up in rural Jamaica would be familiar with mint; especially peppermint. For children, it was the 'tea' to start the day while the adults had coffee. There was much resentment towards this pungent herb because not enough was known about how good it was.

Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint and is native to Europe. Peppermint is a cooling, relaxing herb that contains properties that help ease inflamed tissues, calm muscle spasms or cramps, and inhibit bacteria. It also has pain-relieving and infection-preventing qualities. Because of the components in this herb, which grows easily in Jamaica, it is used in the manufacturing of soaps, shampoos, chewing gum, toothpaste and ice cream.

Headaches and morning sickness

Peppermint tea may be used to relieve migraines, minor colds, digestive ailments, and morning sickness, as well as many other conditions. Taken after a meal, the tea settles the stomach and improves digestion.

To prepare the tea, pour one cup of boiling water over one to two teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves (peppermint is also available in teabag form), cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture before drinking.

Dosage:

For relief of migraine pressure, drink one to two cups of cool tea daily.

For digestive disorders, drink one cup of tea with meals.

For cough relief, drink three to four cups of cool tea throughout the day, taking frequent sips (every 15 to 30 minutes).

For morning sickness, drink the tea that has been diluted.

Peppermint also acts as a mild sedative and can help clear up skin disorders such as acne.

Peppermint and other mints are also good in flavouring a variety of beverages. Whole peppermint or spearmint leaves go well in lemonade.

Peppermint gets its medicinal properties from the oil in its leaves; peppermint oil.

Fresh mint leaves. - Peppermint is used in the making of chewing gum, toothpaste and ice cream. Here is a mango mint sorbet, a palate-cleanser, with the sweet flavour of mango combined with mint. - File photos

Peppermint oil

Unlike other herbs, the numerous health benefits of peppermint and peppermint oil have been studied and proved by the scientific community. As a result, peppermint oil is also sold in the form of capsules and tablets.

Peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including: manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, foliate, potassium and copper. It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Health benefits

Peppermint oil is a good tonic for those who have a low appetite. It also helps during motion sickness. Due to its antiseptic properties, it is useful for dental care. It removes bad breath and helps teeth and gums deal with germs (hence its use in toothpaste). Peppermint oil is also very useful for hair care as it gives a cooling effect to the head and removes dandruff and lice.

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is good for the skin; it nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin.

Sources:

www.ehow.com/how_2082967_use-mint.html

www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html

Black mint leaves. - photo by George Henry