17 Consulting Mint
Reflection
There is an innate wisdom in the Earth. Our kinship with plants can enlighten and empower us. As we consider and consult the greens that grow so near to us, what do we learn— what Earthly gifts are they so freely offering to our body and soul?
What do we know about Mint?
It’s beautiful. Bright green, dark green, blueish to gray green or pale symmetrical and balances the saw toothed leaves grow as if spinning around a square often woody stem. Drawing near to mint, gardeners and greens admirers are greeted by a sweet smell that is grounding and comforting. There is just something in the smell of mint that communicates security and balance - like being safe and at home wherever we are.
It’s growable. A hardy perennial herb, mint thrives, indoors and out, in almost every sector of this world. Of the Lamiaceae family and the Mentha genus, and kin to many of the herbal favorites like rosemary, sage, lavender, and thyme, mint likes water and a moist soil. This herb also does well in partial shade especially in hotter regions. Its root system secures it. If it is not happy, the plant will die back, only to grow up again when the conditions are right. After the first year in a garden, mint really begins to grow and spread. Sometimes, it can began to take over other plants. Because of this, some gardeners like to contain it in pots and planters.
It’s got roots. Aside from having an amazing root system, this plant has been growing in gardens for centuries. Its ancient! Native to Asia, and Europe, North America, southern Africa, and Australia, now it is grown globally.
It’s got a name as well as a story! The Greek God of the underworld, Pluto, married Persephone, but also loved a nymph named Minthe or Menthe. Jealous, Persephone transformed Minthe into this herb—the ground spreading mint. Pluto, unable to undo the magic of his wife, gifted Minthe with the ability to sweeten the air with her stems and leaves.
It’s edible. The whole plant is edible: the stems, the blossoms, the flowers. It’s great in green juices, salads and smoothies and makes a Wonderfull refreshing tea!
It’s mint to be!
It’s nutritious. Of all the varieties of mint, if you are looking for one with a high nutrient profile, select the spearmint. Nutritionally, this herb is high in fiber. It also has considerable amounts of vitamins A,B, and C. Spearmint provides minerals and is particularly high in iron. It also contains beta carotene, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and potassium
It has a calming and grounding effect. Calming to the system, mint is known to have a relaxing affect on the soul. It restores energy while reducing stress and anxiety. Some people carry a stress ball around to deal with the stresses of each day, I carry a few sprigs of mint. It’s game changing for sure!
It’s medicine. Recognized for its cooling properties, for ages this herb has been used to reduce rheumatic pains. It promoted the circulation of blood and regulated metabolism. Also good for the gut, mint is good for the stomach and digestion—dispelling nausea and indigestion, and soothing ulcers. Mint has also been used to as a respiratory aid too. Spearmint in particular relieves congestion of the sinuses and headaches and is beneficial for asthmatic symptoms. To benefit eat it, drink it, smell it, diffuse its oils throughout your house. Taken as a tea, it soothes sore throats.
It repels? Even though it has such a pleasing smell, to some animals it repels. Diffused, mint is also a natural way to repel unwanted bugs.
What Advise for living does this plant give?
Ground your roots deep. From head to toe, be useful. Be aware of how secure you are, having roots that can weather all that life brings your way. With your graced abilities, sweeten the air where you breathe. Bloom. Celebrate your abundance! Thrive!
Resources
Goldberg, Jay. "The History of the Mint Plant." https://www.gardenguides.com/78357-history-mint-plant.htm. Assessed 17 June 2021.
Liu,W. Lawerence, B.M. ““Production of Mints and Mint Oil in China.” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328696585_Production_of_mints_and_mint_oil_in_China Assessed 17 June 2021.
Williams, Anthony. “Spearmint.” https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/spearmint. Assessed 17 June 2021.