The Useful Mints

Throughout the centuries, mint has been one of the most widely used plants. Even now, scientists are making discoveries about this herb and its relatives. Researchers are intrigued by the fact that a species of mint in a Florida scrub forest contains an insect-repelling chemical not previously known to exist in nature.

As herbs of the ancients, mints were revered. Prior to the arrival of the Romans in Great Britain, the Druids used watermint as one of their sacred herbs. Both the Greeks and Romans made wide use of these species. They used it for flavoring wines and sauces. They decorated their dining tables with sprigs of peppermint, and even wore garlands of this mint during feasts. Roman women used it as a breath freshener.

Spearmint enjoyed a similar popularity, for it was one of the tithes paid to the Pharisees. Greeks and Romans used it in baths, and as a general restorative.

The Latin name for the mint group, Mentha, comes from the Greek, which means sweet-scented. Prior to modern times when personal hygiene was skimpy at best and houses weren't as clean as they are now, strewing herbs were widely used to deodorize ill-smelling households. This was also the reason for using potpourri and herb-scented pillows.

At the same time, strewing herbs controlled bedbugs, fleas, and other biting and annoying insects. Mint, like some other herbs, has insect-repelling qualities.

During the Middle Ages, mint was a major culinary herb since it could add immense flavor to an otherwise dull, uninspiring winter diet. Mint was so beloved it was mentioned in Shakespeare's time in literature, and appeared in Chaucer's writings. Shakespeare mentioned it in "The Winter's Tale." It was grown in the typical Saxon monastic garden during the ninth century.

In modern times, we still have many uses for the mints. An increasing interest for mint and herbs is arising in the field of aromatherapy, in which fragrant plants or oils are used for various purposes. For example, peppermint is said to have a stimulating effect, which could serve as an antidepressant.

"1001 Old-Time Garden Tips," edited by Roger Yepsen, has numerous ideas on using and growing mints. Organic gardeners are sure to love this book from Rodale. It is packed with wonderfully informative quotes from literally hundreds of old garden books. There are tips on drying and using mints for various purposes. Francis Bacon recommended growing them along paths where their scent would be released whenever the foliage is crushed.

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