Mentha was a nymph who because of the
love Pluto bore her, was metamorphosed by a jealous Prosperine into
the plant we now call mint. Thus begins the ages-old history of
one of our most common herbs. Highly esteemed for many
centuries, the Mentha species originated in the Mediterranean regions
and has been known and used since the earliest of times. Some
varieties, slight variations of Menta spicata (our common spearmint,)
came from Egypt and the Holy Land - probably carried into northern and
central Europe by the Crusaders.
In Athens of old, every part of the
body was perfumed with a different scent–mint being specifically
designated to the arms. Greeks and Romans crowned themselves
with peppermint at their feasts and adorned their tables with its
sprays. Their cooks flavored both their sauces and their wines
with its essence according to the scholar Pliny. It is believed
that the Romans were responsible for introducing this herb to
Britain.
Mint is mentioned in the Icelandic
Pharmacopoeias of the thirteenth century and as early as the
fourteenth century, mint was used for whitening the teeth. This
custom prevails even now in that much of our toothpaste is flavored
with mint.
Dr. Westmacott, in 1694, wrote this
about mints: ‘...they have a biting, aromatic bitterish vapor with a
strong fragrant smell abounding with a pungent volatile salt and a
subtle sulphur which destroys acids, and herein doth lodge the
causation of such medicinal virtues in this herb...”
Mentioned in the Bible and by Chaucer
and Shakespeare, Chaucer refers to ‘a little path of mints full and
fenill greene.’ An herbalist of a later period, Gerard says, “The
smelle rejoice the the heart of man...the smell of minte does stir up
the minde and the taste to a greedy desire of meate.” Parkinson
recommends: “Mintes are sometimes used in baths with Balm and other
herbs as a help to comfort and strengthen the nerves and sinews.
It is much used either outwardly applies or inwardly drunk to
strengthen and comfort weak stomackes.”
Although we have a native mint growing
in the wilds of North America, it occurs most often in watery places.
Most varieties of herb we identify as mints were transported early in
our history from Europe. Mints are undemanding; a moist
situation is preferable but once gotten started, will succeed in
average soils. It does best in a partially shaded position.
A perennial which spreads by means of
its underground, creeping stems, when dug up, every piece of root
showing a joint will produce a new plant. All plants should be
cut to the ground occasionally to encourage fresh new leaves and to
discourage leggy stems. Top dressing the bed with rich compost
toward the end of summer is quite beneficial.
Mint is susceptible to a disease
called Rust–a fungus which develops inside the plant and cannot be
eradicated without destroying the plant. To prevent the spread
of this fatal disease, immediately dig up any plants that show signs
of rust. Do not replant mint in this same area.
