L'Herbier de France Spearmint

Mint has been used since ancient times in many Eastern European countries, in the Mediterranean region as well as in Egypt, Greece and China. Further north, the beneficial properties of mint were discovered by druids who cultivated the plant in the peat bogs and marshes in the Milly la Forêt region. The Saint Blaise chapel in France was built in the 11th century as an infirmary for leprosy patients. Today it houses the Conservatory of Aromatic, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.

The word "mint" comes from the Greek word for the nymph Mintha, who was in love with Hades, the god of the underworld. The jealous Persephone turned Mintha into a small aromatic plant called mint. Desperate Hades travelled the land to find his lost love again.

Mint has a balancing effect and is one of the best-known medicinal plants. Mint is also used in the kitchen, for example in tajines, with peas, potatoes, etc.