One of my earliest memories of herbs is the mint tea that my Grandma Katie made.
The mint was picked, brought to a boil then steeped in a pot overnight.
The type of mint, I have not ever found classified; it’s not a true peppermint, spearmint,
catmint, or mountain mint. I almost lost my whole patch to a mint beetle a few years ago, and I am slowly nursing a new patch back to life. Early in the spring, I am always glad to see the peppermint outside my front door.
Growing mint
Mint belongs to the Lamaciacea family. The family consists of Henbit, hyssop, lavender (Lavendula officinalis), catnip (Nepeta cataria), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), oregano, rosemary, peppermint (Mentha piperita), and horehound to name a few. It is the peppermint that I am drawn to and grows well in my zone 6 location. I let my mint grow wherever it runs, but you may want to contain it because mint will want to take over.
Uses of mint
I’ve referenced in the herbs of the bible blog that mint was used in the time of Jesus. https://www.justessentialstoday.com/herbs-of-the-bible-part-1/
The uses for this herb are varied, in food of course; as an infusion for nausea, as a compress (infusion again), to ease inflamed joints, as an aromatherapy inhalation for nasal congestion, an energy boost or headache; mixed into salves or balms, infused in a bath, or infused in a mouthwash.
Recipes for mint
Meadow tea
The recipe I use for ‘meadow’ tea is so simple:
Cut a handful of various mints: spearmint, peppermint, lemon balm, orange mint-whatever you have.
Rinse it off and cover with water to within 1 to 2 inches of the top of a 5 quart pot.
Bring to almost a boil and turn off and let steep overnight.
Strain, compost the marc, and sweeten if desired.
Peppermint foot spray
This cooling foot spray is great to use after a long day.
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon (15 ml) aloe vera (not the gel) I get mine from Aromatics International
1 Tablespoon (15 ml) witch hazel extract
9 drops Peppermint (Mentha x peperita) essential oil
3 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil
Directions:
Combine aloe vera and witch hazel in a spray bottle, add essential oils.
Shake to combine. Store in refrigerator, and use within 6 months.
This blend is a 2% blend of essential oils.
Experiment with mints in a variety of ways, and remember
Happy blending,
Crystal.
“The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.”
2 Peter 2:9
