Mentha aquatica var. crispa

(L.) Benth.

Curled mint, Crisp-leaved mint, Balm mint

Lamiaceae Edible: Leaves - flavour, Leaves - tea 20,366 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Mentha aquatica (water mint; syn. Mentha hirsuta Huds.) is a perennial flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It grows in moist places and is native to much of Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia.

Description

A herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown in temperate regions. Curled mint is valued for its aromatic, crisp leaves.

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Edible Uses

The fresh or dried leaves are used to flavor jellies, sauces, dressings, and drinks, and are brewed as tea.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are used to flavour jelly, sauces, dressings and drinks. The fresh or dried leaves are used for tea.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

It can be used as an edible herb (like spearmint or peppermint) and to make a herbal tea. The cultivated variety known as eau de Cologne mint or bergamot mint is used to produce mentha citrata oil, also known as bergamot mint oil, an ingredient used in perfumery (not to be confused with bergamot essential oil).