Spearmint, mentha spicata, also known as garden mint, balm mint or
Notre-Dame mint, is one of the most well known and commonly found
varieties. Its narrow leaves are deep green and its flowers are grouped
together in pointed ‘spearhead’ formation. Spearmint is highly
appreciated for its digestive properties and its ability to relieve
nausea especially due to motion sickness. Quite often it is also used to
find relief from headaches and tension. Inhaling the steam from a
double strength infusion will help relieve nasal congestion. Mint tea
can also be used in compresses to soothe itching and inflammation. In
the olden days, some doctors claimed mint was an effective aphrodisiac.
In the book - The Taste of Morocco, Robert Carrier notes that mint tea
is used to “cure insomnia, calm the nerves, sharpen the senses and wake
up those who are drowsing”. As with any herb, if you begin ‘taking it’
for medicinal reasons, you should do so in tandem with a doctor’s
consultation.
Mint is lovely when blended with lime, but also works marvelously with
balm, green anise, vervain, orange blossom and licorice. Mint is a
traditional drink in North Africa and the Middle East and is always
served.
