Mint, Candy Lime - Mentha

Parts used: Leaves, stalks, flowers

Actions and qualities: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stimulating, promotes focus and mental clarity. Helps ease stomach and digestive discomfort, including very quick relief for intense nausea. It is nutrient dense, stress relieving, helps relieve symptoms of the common cold, asthma and breathing problems, and acne.

Specific uses: Its fresh, sweet, and citrusy notes make it ideal for toothpastes, breath fresheners, air fresheners, and deodorants. It can also be used in culinary applications and in cocktails or lemonades. It is commonly added to teas, tinctures, oils, salves, baths and poultices.

Contraindications: It is known to cause dry mouth, heartburn and nausea if taken in large amounts. Pregnant and nursing mothers should consult a physician before use.

History and lore: The earliest use of mint in toothpaste dates back to the 14th century.