Mint (spearmint (Mentha spicata) and peppermint (Mentha piperita.))
Parts used: aerial portions
Medicinal uses: To treat digestive disorders, to mask unpleasant taste of other herbs, irritable bowel syndrome, ailments of the gall bladder and bile duct, and catarrhs of the respiratory tract. Oil is antimicrobial, antiviral, and mildly anesthetic. Can be used topically to relieve pain, including headache and mucosal inflammation of the mouth (Chevallier 116).
Additional uses: Infused mint water can be used to tone and refresh the skin, especially in warm climates, be they humid or dry. It can be made by steeping 1 cup of spearmint or peppermint leaves in 1 quart of cool water, strain and chill. Use as needed. As a companion plant it is said to repel a variety if garden pests (Kowalchik 386).
Cautions: Do not give peppermint to children under 5 (Chevallier 116).