Is it safe to drink home-grown peppermint tea?!


Question: Is it safe to drink home-grown peppermint tea.?
I planted a few peppermint plants this year, and I harvested the leaves and left them out to dry for a few days, until crispy, last month. I made tea with them last night for the first time, but when I went to take the first sip, it smelled so strong and sort of like fuel oil. Is that normal.? What should home-grown peppermint tea smell and taste like.? Thanks for any insight!Health Question & Answer


Answers:
Peppermint tea should not smell like fuel oil. This is NOT normal.
Home grown peppermint tea should taste like peppermint tea, just stronger in taste because it is freshly harvested. Stronger tasting does not mean 'different' tasting. Adding extra chocolate syrup to a milkshake will not make it taste like something else, it will just taste more chocolaty.

I would be concerned that the plants have been contaminated with something. Have you used a pesticide or herbicide in your garden.? Do your neighbors use chemical sprays in their yards.? If so, some of it may have drifted through the air on to your plants. Perhaps an animal urinated on it, or sprayed it.

My brother once poured paint thinner in an area of the garden where I was growing herbs. To him plants were plants, he didn't know the difference. Could someone have dumped something in your garden where your peppermint grows.?

Personally, I would not use it. But if you decide you are going to go ahead and use it, then I will ask you to do one thing before you do. Make a tea, pour it into in a jar and take it to someone who is familiar with what it should smell like. Perhaps a local herbalist, or a health food store. They will be able to tell you for certain.Health Question & Answer

Yes, it is safe. Not only that, it is much better quality than just buying tea bags from the grocery store.

However, you do not have to dry the leaves to make tea out of them. You can just pick the leaves and use them fresh in tea. Use less peppermint in the tea and add some honey.

When I make herbal teas I use the fresh leaves straight from the plant. I grow peppermint, sage, rosemary and other herbs for tea. Pour boiling water over the leaves, let steep, and add some raw honey if you like.

Actually, here where I live [in the middle east] most people drink mint tea with fresh leaves and restaurants serve it that way -- just the leaves and hot water.
Health Question & Answer

As long as you didn't spray chemicals on the mint when you were growing it. When using fresh herbs some smell better then they taste. A little honey will help.
When making herbal tea if you are using the leaves or flower boil the water then pour it over your herbs.
If you are making a tea with roots or bark simmer the herb never let it boil.
A good herb book you might enjoy is "Herbally Yours" by Penny C. Royal
You can find the book on line new or usedHealth Question & Answer

I agree with Jen D and Herb Goddess.

Homegrown Peppermint tea should not smell like fuel oil.

I think it was contaminated with something.Health Question & Answer

It might be due to something in the soil, or something that was sprayed on them. But no, homegrown peppermint tea should not taste of fuel oil.Health Question & Answer

yes, I use to do it alot.Health Question & Answer

its because they're fresher than store bought , use less next time Health Question & Answer

Well fresh grown herbs are going to be stronger than store bought, and dried is going to be stronger than green.

Try using a bit less.

And sweetener brings out the mint flavor (that's why they add sweeteners to toothpaste). You could add a touch of honey or even (gasp!) sugar.Health Question & Answer



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