Factsheet S57: Mentha – mint species

The true mints comprise a well known family of about 25 species of mostly perennials, several with major commercial uses and most with a long history of home uses – culinary, medicinal (usually antiseptic) and aromatic. They were also long used as strewing herbs to cover up unpleasant odours. Their medicinal uses date back at least 5000 years to ancient Egyptian civilisation.