Mint (Mentha spp.): Definition, Properties, and Benefits

The genus Mentha, belonging to the vast Lamiaceae family – which also includes lavender and sage, comprises a multitude of species, the best known of which is undoubtedly Mentha piperita, or peppermint, a hybrid between water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). Mint has been domesticated for millennia, although its exact origin is difficult to trace, as it has naturalised across Eurasia, North America, Africa, and even Australia. It has long been mentioned, notably in Greek mythology, where the nymph Mínthê was transformed into mint by Persephone, who was jealous of the attention she received from Hades. Unable to bring her back to life, Hades is said to have bestowed upon her her characteristic fragrance. Traces of mint have also been found in Egyptian tombs dating back more than 3,000 years, bearing witness to its use across civilisations.

Mint species hybridise easily with one another, which explains their great diversity: nearly 3,000 varieties have been recorded from 600 different species. There are numerous scents and varieties, ranging from the Mentha suaveolens with its apple-like scent, to Mentha x piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’, which gives off a scent of minty chocolate, and including Mentha rotundifolia ‘Bowles’, pineapple mint, and even Mentha x piperita f. citrata 'Basil', with the scent of basil. Some varieties are more common, such as bergamot mint or black mint, which are available from nurseries. Some mints are specific to certain culinary uses, such as Spearmint (Mentha spicata), widely used in Mediterranean cuisine for mint tea and tabbouleh, or in Asian cuisine, particularly in spring rolls. As well as its culinary uses, mint is also prized in perfumery for its fresh, green notes, particularly curly mint and peppermint. Peppermint is the most widely cultivated mint in the world, mainly because of its high menthol content, a refreshing compound found in products ranging from chewing gum to essential oils and personal care products.

All mints share common characteristics: they are perennial herbaceous plants, some with an upright habit such as sweet mint, others creeping, such as Corsican mint. Although often cultivated, they also grow wild, forming small colonies along ditches and streams. Despite their many varieties, mints share several similarities: square stems, opposite green leaves, and spreading roots that can take over an entire garden. Popular with bees, they typically flower during the warmer months, producing small purple, pink or white flowers arranged in spikes or whorled clusters. Mint prefers cool, moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun, though it tolerates partial shade, or even full shade for certain varieties such as Corsican mint.

Good to know: Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) can damage the liver when consumed in excess.

Mint, in all its varieties, offers a wide range of interesting shared properties:

• Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties: Mint helps to eliminate certain bacteria and micro-organisms, making it an excellent ingredient for oral hygiene and disinfection.

• Refreshing and soothing properties: The menthol contained in mint provides a sensation of freshness and relieves skin irritation or headaches.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Mint helps to reduce inflammation, particularly in the mucous membranes and on the skin.

• Antioxidant properties: Thanks to its antioxidant compounds, mint protects cells from oxidative stress and premature ageing.

• Digestive properties: Mint stimulates digestion, relieves bloating and soothes gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Relaxing properties: The components of mint promote muscle relaxation and help to soothe the nervous system.

• Astringent properties: Mint tightens the skin’s pores and regulates sebum production, leaving the skin clearer and more toned.

Properties by Variety

Field mint, Mentha arvensis, is undoubtedly the most effective of the mints for aiding digestion. It is also prized for reducing headaches and as a decongestant for the blood vessels. Spearmint (also known as true mint), Mentha spicata, soothes the nervous system and is an excellent expectorant for bronchitis (both acute and chronic). More specifically, menthol, found in large quantities in peppermint, stimulates the nerve receptors responsible for the sensation of cold, creating a feeling of freshness. It also relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, aiding digestion and relieving certain symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

• Helps improve digestion and relieves digestive discomfort

• It also helps prevent nausea caused by travel sickness 

• Helps clear the airways and boosts immunity

• Relieves urinary problems thanks to its diuretic effects 

• Purifies and tones the skin

1. As a digestive infusion: We recommend 15g of leaves per litre of water, and digestive infusions should be drunk after every meal. You can use mint leaves fresh or dried, as they retain their properties when stored properly.

2. In cooking: Mint can be used in puddings, creams, sauces, desserts, ice creams, syrups, salads, tabbouleh, tzatziki, spring rolls… and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, depending on individual preferences and tastes.

3. As a dietary supplement: Mint can be taken in capsule form (follow the manufacturer’s instructions) or as essential oils (peppermint, spearmint, field mint, etc.), although the latter requires the utmost caution and consultation with a healthcare professional, given the high concentration of active ingredients in these products.

4. In cosmetics: Mint is used in the manufacture of cosmetics in the form of menthol crystals in toothpastes or as a hydrosol to purify, refresh and tone the skin.

Organic Peppermint Hydrosol: Invigorating and refreshing, it’s an active ingredient that tightens pores and revitalises dull complexions.

Organic Provence Spearmint Hydrosol: Use in deodorants, toothpastes, or even flavoured drinks.

Organic Digestive Mint Herbal Tea: This unique blend combines seven herbs known to aid digestion and promote well-being after meals. A deliciously effective herbal tea to soothe digestive discomfort.

Green Tea with Mint: Invigorating and refreshing, this natural fragrance combines notes of green tea and mint to leave a sweet, intoxicating and addictive aquatic trail.

Organic Menthol Crystals: Extracted from the essential oil of Mentha Arvensis, menthol is used for its powerful cooling effect. It is ideal for making balms and gels for topical use, particularly in leg-cooling treatments or toothpaste.

Please check the precautions for use for each of our mint-based products before use. Mint is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for children.

Would you like to create your own mint-based herbal tea? Combine it with other herbs that relieve intestinal spasms, such as cumin, coriander, fennel, or lemon balm.

Catherine is passionate about plants and their properties. She studied natural cosmetics at the École Lyonnaise des Plantes Médicinales in the early 2000s. Driven by curiosity, she has continued to explore the richness and potential of plants. This led her to train in aromatherapy at the École Française d’Aromathérapie Intégrative. She discovered an almost unexplored world in olfactotherapy, and valuable tools for getting to know herself better and practising what she calls inner ecology.