Let’s take a closer look at the Mint Family!
(lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Leaves: Square stems with opposite or whorled leaves
Flowers: Tubular flowers that are bilabiate (two-lipped)
Stamens: Generally, two or four uneven stamens
This family includes skullcap, lemon balm, catnip, lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, chia, spearmint, peppermint, and vitex.
There are so many helpful plants in the mint family used for aromatherapy, medicine, and delicious culinary spices. When used medicinally, aromatic plants like peppermint are helpful for supporting the digestive system with carminitive action, while others like skullcap, lavender, and lemon balm offer calming effects through a variety of actions. Many of these herbs can be made into a tasty medicinal tea or tincture, and the especially aromatic ones can also be distilled to produce essential oil.
As for food, who can imagine a spice rack without rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme?
For more in the Basic Botany Series see:
Topics: Aromatherapy, Herbalism
Over the last three decades, the Mountain Rose Herbs Team has created and recreated thousands of recipes. This article is the result of many of our staff's combined herbal expertise and passion for herbalism. We hope you enjoy these time-tested recipes.
Let’s take a closer look at the Mint Family!
(lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Leaves: Square stems with opposite or whorled leaves
Flowers: Tubular flowers that are bilabiate (two-lipped)
Stamens: Generally, two or four uneven stamens
This family includes skullcap, lemon balm, catnip, lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, chia, spearmint, peppermint, and vitex.
There are so many helpful plants in the mint family used for aromatherapy, medicine, and delicious culinary spices. When used medicinally, aromatic plants like peppermint are helpful for supporting the digestive system with carminitive action, while others like skullcap, lavender, and lemon balm offer calming effects through a variety of actions. Many of these herbs can be made into a tasty medicinal tea or tincture, and the especially aromatic ones can also be distilled to produce essential oil.
As for food, who can imagine a spice rack without rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme?
For more in the Basic Botany Series see:
Topics: Aromatherapy, Herbalism
Over the last three decades, the Mountain Rose Herbs Team has created and recreated thousands of recipes. This article is the result of many of our staff's combined herbal expertise and passion for herbalism. We hope you enjoy these time-tested recipes.
