Mint: species, the Minthe myth, menthol and precautions for children
Mint covers many species and hybrids. Here is how to tell peppermint from spearmint, the Greek myth of Minthe, decorative uses and precautions with menthol.
Key points
| Botanical name | Genus Mentha; peppermint: Mentha × piperita; spearmint: Mentha spicata |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Europe and the Middle East for peppermint; cultivated worldwide |
| Part used | Fresh or dried leaves |
| Characteristic compound | Menthol (peppermint), carvone (spearmint) |
| Scent | Fresh, camphor-like, sharp (peppermint); softer and sweeter (spearmint) |
| Main precaution | Oil and menthol: never on the face or nose of young children |
What is mint?
Mint is a genus of plants in the Lamiaceae family. Botanists count between 18 and 24 species, which hybridise so readily that their boundaries remain blurred. Two are the most common in France:
| Plant | Scientific name | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Peppermint | Mentha × piperita | A hybrid of water mint and spearmint; rich in menthol, strong freshness |
| Spearmint (sweet mint) | Mentha spicata | A species; rich in carvone, rounder scent, the one used in mint tea |
| Pennyroyal | Mentha pulegium | Rich in pulegone, a toxic compound: do not use as an oil or in concentrated infusions |
Peppermint was recognised as a separate plant in England at the end of the 17th century: John Ray described it in 1696, and it entered the London Pharmacopoeia in 1721. That it is a hybrid, arising from a cross between two other mints, was established later.
The myth of Minthe
The name of the genus comes from the Greek mintha. Greek mythology made it a nymph, Minthe, loved by Hades and turned into a plant by Persephone (or Demeter, depending on the version). It is said that her scent becomes all the stronger when she is trodden underfoot. This story is reported by ancient authors, but the versions differ, and the tale is no proof of the plant’s ancient use. We cite it as a story that illustrates the freshness and hospitality associated with mint in the Mediterranean.
Scent, symbolism and uses
The menthol in peppermint activates receptors sensitive to cold: the sensation of freshness is physiological, not only olfactory. In the cultures of the Maghreb and the Middle East, mint tea is a gesture of welcome. In European popular traditions, mint has sometimes been associated with prosperity, clarity of mind or the protection of the home: symbols we report without promising anything.
At home, it is mainly used in:
- infusions and cooking, by far the most common use;
- sachets and dried bunches;
- fumigation: dried mint burns poorly, with a rather acrid smoke. It is better suited to sachets or decoration than to burning.
Precautions
- Essential oil and menthol: do not apply to the face, neck or chest of a young child, nor near their nose, as inhaling menthol can cause breathing problems. The age from which the oil is considered acceptable varies between sources (6 years, 8 years and older): ask a pharmacist.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: peppermint essential oil is advised against. Some sources also mention a possible drop in milk production, which is not well established.
- Stomach: oil taken by mouth can cause heartburn; do not swallow it without medical advice.
- Allergy: mint can cause dermatitis, cramps or, rarely, serious reactions.
- Animals: do not diffuse mint oil near a cat or a dog.
Recognising good mint
Good mint has dense, bright green leaves and releases a clear scent when crushed. If the scent is faint, the label or the plant may have been poorly chosen: many garden-centre “mints” are ornamental hybrids (chocolate mint, pineapple mint, apple mint) whose scent is fun but very different. For sachets or decoration these varieties are fine. For an infusion, choose sachets or leaves sold for food, with the Latin name. Avoid picking water mint or wild mint by the water unless you are certain of the species and of the cleanliness of the site, as watercourses can be polluted.
Finally, do not confuse mint with its toxic oil-bearing cousin, pennyroyal, and never keep a bottle of mint oil within reach of a child.
Growing and drying
Mint is a vigorous plant that spreads by runners. Grow it in a pot or behind a buried barrier, otherwise it will take over the garden. It likes coolness and a little shade. Cut it before flowering, when the leaves are most fragrant, and dry it in small bunches or flat, away from light. To store it, see Drying and storing your herbs. Once dry, it loses some of its freshness: renew your sachets every year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between peppermint and spearmint?
Peppermint is a hybrid rich in menthol, very fresh. Spearmint is a milder, sweeter species rich in carvone.
Can you burn mint?
You can, but dried mint burns poorly and gives an acrid smoke. It is more pleasant in a sachet or as decoration.
Is mint oil dangerous for children?
Applied to the face, nose or chest of a young child, it can interfere with their breathing. Avoid it and ask a pharmacist for advice.
Is pennyroyal safe?
No. It contains pulegone, which is toxic at high doses. Do not use it as an oil or in concentrated preparations.
Where does the myth of Minthe come from?
From Greek mythology, as reported by ancient authors. The versions differ from one author to another.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Herbs, waxes and accessories.