Mint (Mentha arvensis) is a perennial plant of the mint family. This wonderful intensely scented mint is also called wild mint, corn mint or field mint.
The flowers of the plant are collected in beautiful inflorescences at the tips of the stems. The petals are colored from dark green and gray-green to purple and sometimes light yellow.
Mint is one of the most famous medicinal plants. Archaeologists have found mint leaves in Egyptian graves.
According to Greek mythology, the name originates from the nymph Minthe, who planned on seducing Hades, the ruler of the underworld. His wife though, Persephone, the queen of the underworld, came across Minthe’s plans and intervened by turning Minthe into a plant. And when Hades learned what his wife had done, he made Minthe smell incomparably fresh, pure, and divine.
The ancient Romans adorned houses and festivals with mint because they believed that the smell of mint activated brain activity, strengthened the mind, improved concentration and memory. The students of that time wore wreaths of the fragrant plant.
Mint has been used as a symbol of hospitality for thousands of years. In ancient Greece, tables were rubbed with the plant to greet guests. It was used to purify and refresh the air in temples and houses.
In the Middle Ages, when dog bites were common, mint was used to treat wounds. The plant was rubbed with salt and applied to the bitten area.
According to herbalist Parkinson's, mint was added to bath water to strengthen nerves and muscles.
Aristotle forbade soldiers from using the herb before fighting because he believed the plant reduced the desire to fight. According to herbalist John Gerald in 1568, the aroma of the plant delighted people's hearts. The Bible mentions that the Pharisees used mint to pay tithing. It was an expensive means of exchanging goods.
In Spain, as well as in Central and South America, mint is known as "Hierba Buena", which means "good herb".
In naturopathy, mint is widely used as an herb to treat nausea, dizziness, insomnia, headache, depression, toothache, and bad breath.
Field mint is an effective herb against flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome. The effectiveness of inhalation, when coughing or having colds is also recognized. It is used for skin problems, to relieve muscle pain and to combat mild itching (mosquito bites, eczema, etc.).
