Mint is the name for over a dozen plant species, including peppermint and spearmint, that belong to the genus Mentha. These plants are particularly known for the cooling sensation they impart. They can be added to foods in both fresh and dried forms. Mint is a popular ingredient in several foods and beverages, ranging from teas and alcoholic drinks to sauces, salads and desserts. While eating the plant offers some health benefits, research shows that several of mint’s health benefits come from applying it to the skin, inhaling its aroma or taking it as a capsule.
Common Name: Chocolate Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha × piperita f. citrata
Mentha × piperita f. citrata, known as Chocolate Mint, is a variety of peppermint with a delightful chocolate scent combined with the traditional mint aroma. It is a popular culinary herb.
Medicinally, Chocolate Mint is used like other mints to aid digestion and relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It’s also popular as a soothing herbal tea.
In beauty, the essential oil of Chocolate Mint is occasionally used in aromatherapy and in products designed to cool and refresh the skin, like foot creams and body washes.
An interesting fact about Chocolate Mint is that despite its chocolatey aroma, the plant does not contain any actual chocolate. The scent is a natural attribute of the plant’s essential oils.
Common Name: Spearmint
Botanical Name: Mentha spicata
Mentha spicata, commonly known as Spearmint, is a widely used herb known for its pleasantly sweet flavor and aroma. It is a favorite in culinary dishes, beverages, and herbal teas.
Medicinally, Spearmint is appreciated for its digestive benefits, helping to relieve symptoms of nausea, indigestion, and gas. It also has mild antiseptic properties.
In beauty, Spearmint oil is used in products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and skincare items for its refreshing scent and cooling sensation on the skin.
An interesting fact about Spearmint is that it has been used medicinally for centuries, dating back to ancient Rome where it was used to relieve sore throats and whiten teeth.
Common Name: Apple Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha suaveolens
Mentha suaveolens, also known as Apple Mint, is recognized for its soft, furry leaves and a subtle apple-scented aroma. It grows naturally in southern and western Europe and is used in a variety of culinary applications.
Medicinally, Apple Mint is used similarly to other mints, primarily for its soothing effects on the stomach and potential relief from respiratory conditions.
In beauty, it’s less commonly used than other mints, but its essential oil can be found in some natural beauty products for its gentle, soothing properties.
An interesting fact about Apple Mint is that it’s often used as an ornamental plant in gardens for its attractive foliage and pleasant scent, as well as its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Common Name: Pineapple Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’
Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’, known as Pineapple Mint, is a variegated form of Apple Mint with creamy white and green leaves. The plant has a mild pineapple aroma, making it unique among mints.
Medicinally, Pineapple Mint shares similar digestive and soothing benefits as other varieties of mint, often used in teas and natural remedies.
In beauty, the aromatic properties of Pineapple Mint make it a candidate for inclusion in natural perfumes and body care products, providing a unique and tropical scent.
An interesting fact about Pineapple Mint is that its attractive variegated leaves make it particularly popular for use in decorative plantings and as an edible garnish, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor in culinary dishes.
Common Name: Basil Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha x piperita f. citrata
Mentha x piperita f. citrata, also known as Basil Mint, combines the flavors of mint and basil, making it a versatile herb in the kitchen. It’s especially popular in dishes that benefit from both of these flavors, such as Mediterranean cuisine.
Medicinally, Basil Mint is used for digestive health and as a mild sedative, similar to both its mint and basil counterparts.
In beauty, while not commonly used, its essential oil could potentially be employed in products seeking a unique, herbaceous fragrance.
An interesting fact about Basil Mint is that it’s a hybrid mint, specifically bred to capture the best qualities of its parent plants, offering a unique flavor and aroma profile that is appreciated in culinary arts.
