Mint Mint is an ancient and revered herb, depicted on ancient clay tablets and paintings. Dried peppermint leaves were found in the Egyptian pyramids dating back to about 1 000 years B.C.

Mint Cultivars 

There are so many varieties of mint and they crossbreed so easily that it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between them. They should have a place in every kitchen garden not only for their culinary uses but also for their healing properties.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) 

Spearmint is the common garden mint and has a lovely fresh taste that makes a refreshing herbal tea. It is used to make mint sauce or jelly.

Peppermint 'Nigra' (Mentha piperita nigra) 

Nigra has dark purple leaves and is the most favoured mint used by herbalists. It is a remarkable pain reliever and digestive that will check vomiting and nausea. Peppermint is antispasmodic, strongly antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal. It will sooth colic, flatulence and heartburn and can be used to relieve the symptoms of a cold, flu or fever and works best  if combined with yarrow (Achillea millefoliun). It is less invasive than the common mint and therefore will grow better in pots. It is used to flavour sweets, sorbet and puddings and makes a refreshing tea.

Apple Mint (Mentha rotundifolia) 

Apple mint is also called Bowles mint or pineapple mint.  This mint is one of the most sweetly scented of all the mints and makes a delicious herbal tea and can be added to fruit salads, desserts and cooked with pork.

Pineapple Mint (Mentha variegata) 

Pineapple mint is a variety of apple mint but has furry cream and green leaves with a pineapple fragrance. The chopped leaves are refreshing if added to salads and fruit salads and are wonderful garnish for summer drinks.

Eau de Cologne Mint (Mentha piperita 'Citrata') 

Eau de Cologne mint is a variety of peppermint with a very powerful scent and purplish green leaves. The scent is stronger if it is grown in full sun. Use this mint sparingly in salads, fruit drinks and jellies. It is also used in pot pourri and can be added to bath water.

Chocolate mint (Mentha x piperita chocolate) 

Chocolate mint tastes like peppermint crisp and is wonderful if added to chocolate desserts or sauces, ice cream and even coffee.

(Mentha pulegium) Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal must not be eaten. Use it to deter fleas and ants by planting it between paving stones or as a groundcover. It does well in full sun as well as in damp, shady places. In sun it will grow about 5cm tall. Plant it underneath cabbages to help deter the cabbage moth and its larvae. Plant it underneath fruit trees to help repel the fruit fly. Rub windowsills chair arms and legs and counter tops to keep the flies and mosquitoes away. Rub the crushed leaves onto an animals coat to keep them flea-free.

Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii) 

Corsican mint makes a lovely groundcover that will release its fragrance when walked upon.

What are the health benefits of Mint?

Mint is known for its digestive properties and in many cultures a cup of mint tea is taken after supper. Its gentle action is effective for the stomach, liver, nerves, blood and lymph circulation. It will neutralise an acid stomach as well as flatulence.

All mints except pennyroyal mint are useful for headaches, nausea and upset stomachs. To make a tea steep a handful of leaves in a cup of boiling water and add a little honey to taste.

For relief from arthritis and rheumatism rub mint leaves over stiff sore joints and drink mint tea. To make a mint rub; steep bruised leaves for 24 hours in a little apple cider vinegar then use the leaves as a rub.

Caution:

Always consult your physician before starting a home treatment programme, especially for serious ailments.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a very low growing variety that is used as a groundcover and is useful planted between pavers, but it is not to be eaten.

Is Mint good for cats & dogs?

Mint is a popular garden herb with many health benefits for both humans and pets. It is rich in Vitamins A and C, which support healthy bones, skin, and vision, as well as the immune system. The fresh leaves are a natural source of dietary fibre, which promotes healthy digestion. It soothes upset stomachs, and all mints will relieve nausea and diarrhoea, but especially peppermint. If you think that a minty fresh breath is not possible for your pet, try mint! Mint and especially Peppermint has natural antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which are really good for dental hygiene and to refresh the breath.

How do I give Mint to my pet?

Pets shouldn’t eat more than a leaf or two of mint occasionally, or they could experience some level of gastrointestinal distress. Some may not like nibbling on mint, and dislike it added to their food, but if you brew some fresh mint tea and add it to their drinking bowls, they may take to it easier.

Caution:

Fortunately, most of the varieties, like peppermint, spearmint, lavender mint, apple mint, and even pineapple mint, are totally safe to use on pets. However, you should steer clear of Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) as it is a type of non-culinary mint that is toxic for both people and pets.

Mint should not be used excessively as continual daily use can have a negative effect on the liver and kidneys. In dogs and cats with pre-existing diseases, discuss administering mint with your veterinarian first.

Click here to read my article on other herbs that are great for dogs and cats

Uses for Mint in the Garden

Rats, mice flies and ants all hate the smell of mint, so plant it in places where it can be walked on, to release the aroma.

Mint planted underneath cabbages and tomatoes will help to deter the cabbage fly and aphids.

How to Grow Mint

 All mints are perennial plants that go dormant in winter but quickly sprout again in spring. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow but one of the most difficult to control, as they spread vigorously in the garden .

They will grow in pots if they are fed and pruned regularly and will need to be divided and re-potted yearly. 

Plant mint in lightly shaded areas and in deeply dug trenches with lots of added compost and a dressing of bone meal. Lining the trenches with black plastic will control its growth.

Mint requires regular watering and thrives near water features and in moist areas.

If your plants get infected with rust in the summer, cut them right down and allow them to shoot new disease free leaves.