Ah, the cool crispness of an autumn morn. The change of seasons is deeply apparent in these shortening days and cooler mornings. The foreshadowing of winter’s thrust is eminent, and I crave the depths of quiet, solitude, and a warm cup of tea. This is the perfect season to deepen our appreciation and relationship with the herbs of the mint family. For they are the remedy for much, that ails us in the long, cold nights of winter.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) may be the most popular and widely used of all the mint herbs for teas. With its familiar fragrance, peppermint is a remedy for the stuffy nose and sore throats that are so often associated with the change of season. A dab of honey or a pinch of licorice root or stevia in a cup of peppermint tea can soothe even the drabbest of moods and lift the spirits. Peppermint is also known to help settle an upset stomach and calm the nerves. Children especially enjoy this remedy.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a close contender for the most popular of mint flavors. With a slightly more mild flavor, its sweetness can be enticed out with any of a number of sweetening herbs or honey. With more mild “medicinal” qualities, spearmint tea is guaranteed to bring a smile and warm the heart on even the coldest of evenings while still being refreshing in the heat of the summer.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a favorite tea herb of the mint family, and it has been used for centuries as a mood enhancer, antidepressant, and tonic for restlessness. It also has strong antiviral properties that make it a good preventative tea for the cold and flu season. The fragrance of lemon balm is truly magical in itself, being lemony and sweet at the same time. A tea of lemon balm, lemongrass, and hibiscus flowers with a pinch of stevia is a joy in itself and delightful brewed as a sun tea.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a lesser-known member of the mint family, however, its use and presence in the garden should be no less acknowledged or cultivated. With its sweet anise-like scent and flavor, it is easy to add to food or teas for that fennel-like licoricey flavor. A beautiful perennial with purplish leaves and spiky purple flowers, the bees will also appreciate its presence in the garden.
Skullcap (Scutellaria sp.) is an herb with less flavor than some of its cousins in the mint family. However, its medicinal qualities as a sedative and sleep aid can not be overlooked. This shade-loving perennial is a great addition to a shaded garden or as an understory on the north side of the house, where it will be protected from the intense sun of summer. Add to other teas to reap the harvest of its benefits.
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) may be considered a “weed” in our region. However, its medicinal qualities for lung disorders and as a bitter tonic can not be understated. This is an herb that can be found growing wild in many areas of our region.
Bergamot (Monarda didyma) is a great late summer blooming perennial that is used to flavor Earl Grey tea. A little bit in a pot of tea brings a wonderful floral, musky flavor to any of the other teas you may fancy.
These are only a handful of the many aromatically satisfying teas of the mint family that can be added to your perennial garden. Take some time to get to know them this winter and throughout the year. As always, folks, educate yourself on their uses and preparations. Because, of course, the Garden Guy is not a doctor, herbalist, or probably anyone you should really be listening to at all. Enjoy!