Garden Mint


Garden Mint

This genus consists of 25 often variable species of aromatic perennials and a few annuals, occuring in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Most flower from summer to early autumn. Mints of various kinds have a place in every garden. The bright green Mentha spicata has been the indispensible culinary mint since the Roman times. Variegated mints can be grown in a border, provided that they have dense or vigorous neighbors. Mentha aquatica and M cervina thrive besides pools, and in boggy areas. In the Middle Ages, M. aquatica was known as menastrum, and used for strewing floors. The small-growing but strongly scented M. diemenica, M. pulegium, and M. requienii will grow between paving stones and at the edge of paths. The mints are a complex group, involving hybridization in both the wild and cultivation, which makes individual plants often difficult to identify. A few species, such as M. pulegium and M. requienii, do not hybridize with other mints. All mints are rich in volatile oils of variable composition. It is menthol is an antiseptic, decongestant, analgesic compound that predominates in M. arvensis var. piperascens (Japanese mint) and M. x piperita (peppermint); it is also mildly anesthetic, giving the cooling, numbing sensation experienced when smelling or tasting peppermint. The anesthetic effect overwhelms more subtle flavors, which is why peppermint is best used with sweet foods, such as chocolate, ice cream, and candy. Japanese mint yields 75 percent menthol and is the main commercial source of menthol. Spearmint and peppermint are among the world's most popular flavorings, and crops for leaf oil production are grown on a large scale in Europe, USA, the Middle East, Brazil, Paraguay, Japan, and China. Less pleasant in aroma in pulegone, a toxic compound notorious for causing abortion, which is present in the oils of both. M. pulegium and Hedeoma pulegioides (See, American Pennyroyal). The Australian M. diemenica, due to its pulegone content, has been used as a substitute for M. pulegium, and M. longifolia contains the diuretic diosphenol, which predominates in Agothosma species (See, Oval-leaf Buchu). Fruit-scented mints owe their aroma to a higher concentration of limonene. Some mints, notable M. spicata, have high concentrations of carvone, a compund that characterizes the aroma of Carum carvi, (See, caraway). Various other kinds of plants are mint-scentedm such as species from the genera Eucalyptus (See, Eucalyptus), Micromeria (See, Thyme-Leafed Savory), Monardella prostanthera (See, Round-Leaved Mint Bush), Pycnanthemum (See, Virginia Mountain Mint) and Satureja, (See, Summer Savory).

Creeping, sweetly scented perennial with bright green, lanceolate to almost ovate, wrinkled leaves, 5-9cm (2-3½in) long. Lilac, pink, or white flowers are borne in terminal, cylindrical spikes.


Common Name:
Garden Mint
Other Names:
Lamb Mint, Spearmint
Botanical Name:
Mentha spicata syn. M. crispa, M. viridis.
Genus:
Mentha
Family:
Lamiaceae
Cultivation:
Rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Mentha aquatica thrives in wet soil and M. arvensis tolerates dry conditions. Mentha pulegium prefers damn, sandy, acid soil; M. requienii needs moist shady conditions. Foliage may damaged by mildew and rust, though M. x villosa var. alopecuroides is resistant to rust. Most mints are invasive and are best grown in confined space. Mentha pulegium is a protected species in parts of Europe, and subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring (M. pulegium, M. requienii, M. satureioides only); by division in spring or autumn; by tip cuttings during the growing season, placed in moist soil mix or water (not M. requienii). Mentha requienii usually self sown self-sows.
Harvest:
Whole plants are cut as flowering begins, and leaves are cut during the growing season, and used fresh or dried for use in concentrated waters, infusions, liquid extracts, powders, spirits, or oil distillation. Mentha arvensis is mainly decocted or powdered in Chinese remedies.
Height:
30cm-1m (12-36in)
Width:
Indefinite
Variations:
Var. crispa syn. 'Crispa' (Curly spearmint)
Has strongly crinkled leaves with a less pronounced spearmint flavor.
Moroccan
Has close-set leaves with a fine spearmint flavor.
Tashkent
Is vigorous, with a good spearmint flavor
Hardiness:
Z4-9
Parts Used:
Whole plant, Leaves, oil, petals, flowers.
Chemical Constituents:
  • Carvone
  • Resin
  • Volatile Oils
    		•
    Properties:
    An aromatic, stimulant herb that improves digestion and relieves spasms. Oil is less pungent than peppermint oil and is non-irritant.
    Known Effects:
  • Stimulates muscular action of gastrointestinal tract
  • Helps treat nausea

    • Miscellaneous Information:
    Spearmint is used as a flavoring agent in many foods.
    Possible Additional Effects:
  • May help expel gas from intestinal tract
  • May soothe sore throats
  • May treat sinus congestion
    		•
    Medicinal Uses:
    Internally for colic, gas, indigestion, hiccups, and feverish childhood illnesses. Combined with Ballota nigra (See, Black Horehound) for upper respiratory tract infections in children.
    Warnings and Precautions:
    		 Don't take if you:
  • Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future
  • Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis

    • Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs
  • Want to use for morning sickness
    • Pregnancy:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
    Breastfeeding:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
    Infants and Children:
    Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    None are expected if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
    Storage:
  • Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.

    • Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
    Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:
    Signs and Symptoms What to Do
    Convulsions and Coma Seek emergency treatment
    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Nausea or Vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Culinary Uses:
    Leaves are widley used for flavoring, with peas and potatoes; for making mint sauce and jelly to accompany lamb (UK); and as an ingredient of herb teas and iced drinks, appetizers such as tzatziki (E Europe), and salads, such as tabbouleh (Middle East); also for garnishing (notably halloumi cheese in Greece).
    Economic Uses:
    Oil is used in commercial food flavoring (notably in chewing gum), oral hygeine preparations, and herb tea blends.
    Bibliography:
    Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.275-277
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals, & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 442-443