Description
Arabian Mint, Horse Mint, Moroccan Mint…Unlike common mints like Mentha spicata (spearmint) or Mentha × piperita (peppermint), Mentha longifolia has a stronger, more pungent aroma and a slightly bitter taste. This makes it less common in culinary use but more valued in herbal remedies. Although it may not be as well known as peppermint or spearmint, Mentha longifolia has left a lasting mark on history. From the tombs of Egypt to the deserts of the Middle East and the healing gardens of Europe, it has remained a trusted remedy for centuries, passed down through generations of healers and herbalists, and used to treat illnesses long before modern medicine emerged.
In ancient Egypt, traces of mint were found in the tombs of pharaohs, suggesting its importance in both medicinal and ritual practices. Egyptian healers prepared it as a remedy for digestive problems, while its antibacterial properties made it useful for preserving bodies in the embalming process. Across the Mediterranean, Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Dioscorides documented its ability to soothe stomach ailments and fight infections. Roman households often kept it on hand, not only for its medicinal benefits but also because they believed it sharpened the mind and aided digestion after meals.
In Persia, traditional healers incorporated Mentha longifolia into Unani medicine, using it to treat fevers, stomach disorders, and nervous conditions. Ayurvedic practitioners in India followed similar practices, combining it with honey or black salt to relieve respiratory congestion and improve digestion. As trade routes spread ideas and herbs across continents, Mentha longifolia found its way into the folk medicine of North Africa and the Middle East. Moroccan healers brewed it into teas to ease menstrual pain and fevers, while in Yemen, it was believed to ward off illness and fatigue when consumed regularly. Among Bedouin tribes, it was applied to wounds and insect bites to prevent infections.
In medieval Europe, monasteries grew it in their medicinal gardens, where monks prepared it as an herbal remedy for headaches and digestive discomfort. In rural villages, people used it to disinfect wounds and as a natural pain reliever for aching joints. Over time, its reputation as a healing plant remained intact, even as other cultivated mint varieties became more common.
Despite its ancient history, modern research has confirmed much of what these early civilizations already knew. Studies have shown that Mentha longifolia contains antibacterial and antifungal compounds, supporting its use in treating infections. Its natural menthol content helps open airways and clear congestion, explaining why so many cultures relied on it for respiratory illnesses. Even today, it remains a staple in some traditional medicine practices, valued for its ability to relieve digestive issues, calm the nervous system, and ease inflammation.
Hardy in zones 5-9, this mint requires moist soil in either sun or shade. The light blue flowers, borne on multiple stalks, get to be 3 feet tall. It thrives in wild, untamed environments, growing along riverbanks, meadows, and disturbed lands. Keep it in a pot if you don’t want it to spread! It requires very little maintenance and pollinators love it. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a lawn of mint instead of grass?
