Apple mint is a versatile plant with culinary, medicinal, and aromatherapy uses. It is easy to grow and attracts bees and butterflies. However, it should be confined to a pot due to its tendency to spread rapidly and can cause skin irritation in some people.
Apple or wool mint is a perennial plant with broad light green foliage that is grown throughout the world. The leaves are serrate-edged, ovate, broad, and hairy, and may even show white variegation depending on the cultivar. Commonly grown as a ground cover or ornamental plant, apple mint also has culinary and medicinal uses. Birds like the blue tit have even been known to line their nests with these mint leaves because the herb has antibacterial properties that help create a sterile environment for the chicks.
Apple mint is frequently used in cooking and as a garnish in drinks and salads. The leaves are a common ingredient in mint jellies, seasonings, and chutneys, and the sauces are often served with lamb, pork, and other meat dishes. Also, a handful of apple mint leaves adds a unique flavor to a couscous or fruit salad or a pitcher of ice water, and sprigs can be added to mint juleps and desserts.
This type of mint is also used as a medicinal herb. Steeping four or five springs or leaves with or without tea bags in boiling water for five minutes makes the tea used to ease stomach aches or aid digestion after a large meal. The same calming effect can be obtained by adding twigs or leaves to regular iced tea. Consult a doctor before using any herb medicinally to avoid potentially harmful interactions with other medications.
The foliage of this plant is very fragrant and can be used in aromatherapy. Dream potpourri, sachets, and pillows can be made with dried apple mint leaves mixed with other complementary herbs like lavender, scented geranium, and lemon balm. The potpourri can be placed in a bowl or heated in a crock pot of water on low. Sachets are small cloth bags filled with potpourri that are used to freshen cupboards and drawers, while dreamy pillows comfort the sick and help alleviate insomnia. This mint is used in aromatherapy to invoke a feeling of warmth.
Apple mint is a hardy plant and requires full sun and little maintenance. The plant grows to a height of between 18 and 24 inches (45 and 60 cm) and produces fragrant pink or white flowers. Apple mint is known to attract bees and butterflies after blooming in mid to late summer. This mint, like most mints, should be confined to a pot unless grown for ground cover due to its tendency to spread rapidly. Handling apple mint with bear hands can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
