Mastranto (Mentha suaveolens)

Around the world there are endless plants that can be used for various things. From natural and anti-inflammatory oils, to preparation of dishes, medicinal use and more. The possibilities are many. What very few know is that the number of plants that can be used for multiple purposes are very few.

The apple mint one of the few plants that have so much versatility. Well, it can be used as an aromatic plant, to prepare traditional and homemade medicinal, in addition to serving to prepare food and other applications.

Origin

Let’s first start by talking about where this plant comes from and what species or family it belongs to. Well,  many believe that the plant is of Mediterranean origin, but as such, it is a native plant of Portugal.

Once the enormous potential it had and has became known, little by little it was encompassing many countries in Europe and the rest of the world, to the point of being even in Latin America.

Being a bit more specific about this plant, it comes from the mint family. So it is very common that when you touch its leaves or be something near the plant you notice a strong, penetrating smell and it will remind you of the smell of mint.

Its smell is very characteristic and some associate it with curative treatments. Curiously, it has beneficial properties for the person when a treatment with Mentha suaveolens is applied.

Not only is it known under the name of mastranto, but it has many names very similar to this, but one of the most characteristic is » Mint Apple «. Manaza mint is considered a perennial herbaceous plant.

As we said, it has multiple applications, among which the most stand out are: nutritional treatments and natural medicinal treatments. Next we will show you those most characteristic aspects of Mentha suaveolens.

Characteristics of Mentha suaveolens

The main thing to highlight about this great plant is its applications in the medicinal aspect. Those who know how to prepare medicines and treatments based on Mentha suaveolens can treat muscle cramps, severe flus and nasal congestion, and above all, reduce the possibility of developing cancer.

The latter is a very important point for some, and all thanks to the fact that silver has properties that prevent or at least delay the development of cancer cells. This is a plant that has the characteristic of being invasive once it grows.

This is why it is recommended to have a plantation that is strictly Mentha suaveolens, otherwise the other plants will be affected and will not even have the necessary nutrients for their growth. On the other hand, you can leave a more or less considerable space if you want to plant other different species.

Regarding the growth of the plant, this species, as well as others of the same family , extends in such a way that its stems run through the entire soil, giving the plant stability to be able to fix it and that it can grow. So it is not at all unusual that many stems with leaves and flowers appear from a root.

Not all plants have resistance to the sun. Perhaps this seems contradictory because plants theoretically need the sun to live. Well, this is half true, since it depends a lot on the plant.

There are species that are ideal to be in the sun throughout the day, others are capable of living in the shade and with very little incidence of solar rays. Well, in the case of this one, it has good compatibility with the sun.

Although it can also be in the shade and grow without problem, this is where the plant benefits the most. Well, being in an environment where it is partially shaded, it can develop better, faster and with higher quality nutrients for the preparation of either medicine or skin applications or preparing gastronomic dishes.

Applications

As we mentioned before, this plant has medicinal uses, but we have not yet told you exactly which ones. Well, if you keep reading you will discover at least the most important uses of Mentha suaveolens:

Physical pain relief

By crushing the leaves of the mastranto you get a kind of » natural cream » that works perfectly against the pain caused by the bite of mosquitoes, wasps, bees and any other type of insects. Simply apply crushed leaves on the affected area and the pain will decrease.

Relief of gastrointestinal problems

On the other hand, silver flowers also have a medicinal use. Just as you make tea with any other medicinal plant you know, you can make a tea with its flowers. This will help you if you have digestion problems. Although it also works very well when it comes to naturally controlling intestinal problems.

Highly nutritious and supports metabolism

We already mentioned that it is a plant that is used as a food supplement. This is because it has good amounts of iron, Vitamin A and C, as well as being a rich source of potassium, calcium and other nutrients. On the other hand, it has been determined that ingesting this plant helps you speed up your metabolism

Specifically, these are some of the other applications of Mentha suaveolens that you should know, perhaps some of them will benefit you:

• Ideal to prevent the appearance of cancer cells.
• The leaves can be used as a teeth whitener.
• Treat hypertensive people and altitude sickness.
• Problems and conditions with the liver.
• It can treat anemia and bone pain.
• Mastranto essential oil can be used for acne, colds, and as an aroma therapy element.

Care

As for the care that the plant needs, there are not many and it is not complex at all. In principle, just add plenty of water and regularly. You can have it in a pot and place it in the sun for a few hours and then put it in the shade. Unlike other plants, this one grows in such a way that you don’t need to prune it.

In case of getting sick or becoming ugly and withered, you can prune it at ground level and in a very short time it will grow back normally. If you really care about Mastranto, you should use granulated fertilizer in very small doses. Make sure the dose is one or two at most per month.