Mint
Mentha | Mismín
Common lore is that peppermint is a hybrid between spearmint and watermint, both of which are considered native mints.
Planting / Foraging
Mint can be found in the wild, and watermint, in particular, is a nice delicacy on a hot summer’s day while walking near water. It is very easy to grow and it is always good to have some in the garden.
Mint travels – it spreads and takes over anywhere it is planted so, if space is an issue, be sure to grow it in a pot. It does grow reasonably easily from seed but it is so easy to grow from cuttings. When you find a particular mint that you like the flavour of, break off a stem and bring it home and plant it in some compost immediately. It should take quickly.
Uses
In traditional folk medicine, most of its uses describe relieving stomach discomfort and indigestion. It is lovely to use as a sprig in a jug of homemade elderflower cordial. It goes well with most summer berries, and chopped mint sprinkled over either fresh or stewed apples is also delicious. It was also used in the past for its fragrance, like a medieval air freshener, strewn across the floor, so when it was walked on it released its fresh aroma.