Mint Monograph

Mint Monograph

Menthaspecies (primarily Mentha × piperita and Mentha spicata)

Quick Reference

Common names: mint, peppermint, spearmint
Latin names: Mentha × piperita (peppermint), Mentha spicata(spearmint), Mentha spp.
Plant family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Parts used: leaves, flowering tops
Primary actions: carminative, antispasmodic, digestive stimulant, cooling, antimicrobial, mild analgesic
Best preparations: infusion (tea), fresh herb, tincture, infused oil, diluted essential oil (external)
Safety rating: very safe with specific cautions
Grown at Wild Clover Farm: yes — multiple varieties, intentionally contained

Botanical Description and Identification

Mint (Mentha species) is one of the most widely used medicinal and culinary herbs in the world. Known for its unmistakable aroma and cooling flavor, mint has been valued for digestion, breath freshening, pain relief, and respiratory support for thousands of years.

The genus Mentha includes many species and hybrids. Peppermint and spearmint are the most commonly used medicinally and are similar in appearance but differ in strength and flavor.

Plant Characteristics

Leaves:
Leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stem and are ovate to lance-shaped with serrated margins. Leaf color ranges from bright green to deep green, sometimes with purple tinges, depending on species. When crushed, leaves release a strong mint aroma.

Flowers:
Small, tubular flowers appear in terminal spikes or whorls. Flower color ranges from pale pink to purple. Bloom occurs in mid to late summer and attracts pollinators.

Stems:
Stems are square, branching, and upright to spreading. Plants typically reach 1 to 3 feet tall.

Growth habit:
Mint is a vigorous herbaceous perennial that spreads aggressively by underground runners (rhizomes). Plants die back in winter and return rapidly in spring.

Common Medicinal Types

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita):
A sterile hybrid with high menthol content. Stronger, more cooling, and more medicinal. Preferred for digestive complaints, headaches, and respiratory use.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata):
Lower menthol content with a sweeter, gentler flavor. Better suited for children, sensitive individuals, and long-term daily use.

Identification Notes

Mint is easily identified by:

• square stems
• opposite leaves
• strong mint aroma when crushed
• spreading growth habit

Look-alikes such as lemon balm and catnip share square stems but have distinctly different scents.

Native Range and Habitat

Various mint species are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Peppermint is a cultivated hybrid and does not occur naturally in the wild.

Mint thrives in moist environments and is commonly found along streams, ditches, wetlands, and disturbed ground. It has been widely cultivated and naturalized worldwide.

Growing Mint

Climate and Growing Conditions

Mint grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 11.

Sunlight:
Full sun to partial shade. Partial shade is beneficial in hot climates.

Soil:
Prefers moist, rich soil but tolerates a wide range of conditions.

Water:
Moderate to high moisture is preferred. Mint does not tolerate prolonged dryness.

Temperature:
Cold hardy and adaptable.

Propagation

Mint is most easily propagated vegetatively.

From cuttings:
Stem cuttings root readily in water or moist soil.

By division:
Established plants divide easily and reestablish quickly.

From seed:
Not recommended for most mints. Peppermint does not produce viable seed, and seed-grown plants may not be true to type.

Containment and Care

Mint spreads aggressively and must be contained.

• Grow in containers or sunken pots
• Use physical barriers at least 12 to 18 inches deep
• Dedicate a contained area where spreading is acceptable
• Harvest regularly to control growth

Mint requires minimal fertilization and few pest controls.

Harvesting Mint

What to Harvest and When

Leaves and flowering tops are harvested for medicinal and culinary use.

Harvest just before flowering for highest essential oil content. Mint may be harvested repeatedly throughout the growing season.

The best time to harvest is midmorning, after dew has dried.

Drying and Storage

Mint dries easily but should be processed promptly.

Drying:
Air-dry in small bundles or on screens in a dark, well-ventilated space, or dry at low temperature in a dehydrator.

Storage:
Store dried leaves in airtight containers away from light and heat. Shelf life is approximately one year.

Fresh mint may be refrigerated short term or used immediately.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Mint is best known for digestive and cooling support.

Primary Uses

• Relieves gas, bloating, and digestive cramping
• Eases nausea and motion sickness
• Supports headache relief
• Opens airways and supports respiratory comfort
• Provides cooling relief during fevers
• Freshens breath and supports oral health

Mint has been used traditionally across cultures for digestion, colds, pain relief, and culinary enjoyment.

Energetics and Traditional Classification

• Temperature: cool
• Moisture: dry
• Taste: aromatic, pungent, slightly bitter
• Tissue affinities: digestive tract, nervous system, respiratory system
• Energetic indications: heat, stagnation, spasm, nausea

Mint is traditionally classified as a cooling aromatic carminative, dispersing heat and stagnation while relaxing smooth muscle. It is especially indicated where digestive upset or nausea is associated with tension or heat.

Primary Herbal Actions

• Carminative: relieves gas and bloating
• Antispasmodic: relaxes digestive cramping
• Cooling: disperses excess heat
• Nervine (mild): eases tension and irritability
• Antiemetic: relieves nausea

Preparation Methods

Mint Tea

Mint tea is the most common preparation.

Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, covered. Tea may be used daily or as needed.

Fresh Leaf Use

Fresh leaves may be chewed for immediate digestive relief or added to foods and beverages.

Mint Tincture

Tincture is used for digestive upset and nausea, though tea is often equally effective.

Topical Use

Mint infused oil or diluted peppermint essential oil may be applied externally for headaches, muscle soreness, itching, and cooling relief.

Safety and Contraindications

Mint is generally very safe.

• Safe for most adults and children
• Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding in typical tea amounts
• Peppermint may worsen reflux or heartburn in some individuals
• Avoid peppermint essential oil near the face of infants and young children
• Essential oil must always be diluted

Individuals with gallbladder disease or severe GERD should use peppermint with caution.

Wild Clover Farm Notes

At Wild Clover Farm, mint is grown intentionally in contained systems to prevent spreading. Multiple varieties are maintained for different uses, including peppermint for medicine and spearmint for culinary and daily tea use.

Mint is harvested frequently throughout the season and remains one of the most relied-upon herbs for digestive support, summer refreshment, and teaching about plant containment strategies.

Oklahoma/Zone 7 Growing Notes

• Grows aggressively in Oklahoma; moisture and heat make mint very happy
• Spreads by runners and will take over entire beds in one season
• Grows in part shade - useful for areas with limited sun
• Dies back in winter, returns explosively in spring
• Plant mint in buried containers (5-gallon buckets with drainage holes) or accept that it will take over

Foraging:

• Found in moist soils near water, gardens, and old homesteads
• Harvest aerial parts before flowering
• Identify by square stems and strong aroma
• Avoid polluted waterways
• Spreads aggressively; harvest freely

Common Questions

Is mint safe for daily use?
Yes, for most people.

Can mint worsen reflux?
In some individuals, peppermint may aggravate reflux.

References and Further Reading

• Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism
• Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal
• Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult a qualified health care provider before using herbal products for medical conditions or while taking medications.