Japanese mint oil is obtained from Japanese mint. The oil comes from the menthol of the flowering herb and it is mainly used for various digestive complaints such as poor appetite, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, gallstones, liver problems, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used for respiratory tract problems, such as cold, cough, bronchitis, and sore mouth and throat.
The leaves release a strong aroma of menthol when rubbed. They are confusingly similar to the peppermint. Perennial mint grows up to 60cm high, the leaves are elliptic-lanceolate to broadly ovate with a slightly serrated edge. Essential oil is obtained from the flowering herb by steam distillation which contains about 80% menthol and it is removed by crystal form.
What You Will Learn In This Post:
How to Grow Japanese Mint
Japanese mint oil plant is planted in a place where there is minimum sunlight like in the filtered shade. Mint grows well in loamy soil and the soil must be well-drained. Avoid adding a lot of composed manure because high fertility might leave mint susceptible to rust. The soil PH should be 6.0-7.0.
Mint seed can be slow in germination but sowing store-bought seed will ensure you grow the variety that you want. Set the mint seeds into the garden two to three weeks after the last frost in spring. For the planting depth, the seeds should either be sown a quota or a half-inch deep.
You can also grow mint in a bottomless container set into the ground to keep the roots and stem from running into other parts. Spaces between the plants should be 12 to 18 inches apart or more because mint spreads quickly. Do not plant mint in the same container as another herb because herbs can chock them.
Watering the mint plants regularly and frequently ensures that the soil remains moist because in dry soil mint spreads less rapidly. Prune back the half of the plant in rate spring and mid-summer. Avoid letting the flower bloom because this increases the oil in the leaves. Removing the flowers also prevents cross pollination.
Control the pests such as aphids, mealybugs and spider. Mint is susceptible to diseases like verticillium wilt, mildew, and mint rust. Also avoid overhead watering which may leave the plant susceptible to fungal diseases. Make sure that you use an appropriate method to keep the plants safe.
Harvest mint by picking mint leaves and springs as you need them throughout the growing season. For a sweeter taste, cut the stalks before they bloom. Ensure that you cut the plant down 2-3 inches above the soil at midseason and it will regrow for a second harvest.
How to harvest
Use a pair of scissors to cut off the top leaves and tips of the branches or pinch off individual leaves for fresh usage. For drying, cut the mint stems 4 to 6 inches above the soil surface.
How to consume Japanese mint oil
The amount of Japanese mint oil you consume depends on several factors such as your health age, among other several conditions. There is no scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Japanese mint oil.
It is always important to keep in mind that natural products are not always safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or any professional healthcare before using it.