Herb to Know: Mint | Hierba Buena

This summer was by far my favorite as I was able to grow some veggies from my first garden in my backyard and connect with herbs from a more intimate perspective in thrice mind, body and spirit. There were many herbs I interacted with, but one that really helped boost my green thumb confidence is mint or more commonly known as (Hierba Buena in Spanish) “the good herb”.

Hierba Buena | The Good Herb 

The scientific name for mint is (Clinopodium douglasii (Benth.)
Clinopodium douglasii is a plant of the Lamiaceae, or mint family. This family provides humanity with a wonderful variety of herbs and spices; sage, rosemary, and thyme are members of this family. … It is a flat plant of low, crawling stems.

Source: USDA.ORG

Growing up, Hierba Buena (mint) was always sought after for not only its healing and soothing qualities when served as tea, but also for its spiritual purposes as well. It was one of the few herbs the women in my building would secretly collect from backyards and boil to make baths and floor washes for themselves and others. Mint grows pretty wild and rampant in most gardens and if not checked can overrun other plants in your garden too. I guess it’s her way of making it accessible to us and gifting us her magical essences in abundance. Mint is also easily accessible at most supermarket’s herb section.

The magical qualities to mint can be applied to many rituals especially if you’re learning about herbs like myself. When learning about herbs its important to interact with the herb and also experience it in different manners as well as get a feel for the herb’s mythology and energetic archetype. Through ritual you get to bond with the herb as well as practice different forms of use depending on the chosen herbs vibration and your intent.

The legend behind mint comes from Greek mythology where a water nymph had an affair with Hades the God of the underworld. His wife, Peresephone, became aware of this affair and unleashed her fury on Minthe. In turn Hades turned his side piece into the plant mint to disguise her & forever protect her from Peresphone’s rage.

Despite mint’s scandalous beginning’s, it’s an herb that possesses many medicinal and magical qualities.

For health purposes mint is most commonly ingested as tea, although it can also be added to many dishes due to its refreshing and slightly sweet taste. Mint is helpful to calm the nervous system and also relieves headaches and uplift your senses, improving mental focus and energy levels.

Have an upset stomach or feeling uneasy? Mint helps relieve indigestion and motion sickness.

In magic, Mint is related to the element air, but given it’s mythology I also understand it from the element of water, given that Minthe is a water nymph. In either classification, Mint is used in ritual to cleanse, purify and balance as well as attract money, abundance and opportunities.

Many of the women I grew up with always attributed mint rituals to removing blockages, “maldiciones” (hexes) and to remove obstacles that may be interfering with projects or any ongoing effort.

In its element of air, it is connected with aspects of communication, travel, awareness and healing, among other attributes.

Here are some ways I’ve been using mint herb.

Mint Tea
(2) Mint Leaves (1) Tablespoon of Manuka Honey 

This is by far the most simple and yet effective way to get to know mint and its wellness qualities. Mint is very refreshing, cooling and cleansing which helps with sinus congestion, fights bacteria, relieves stomach discomfort (nausea, stomach aches, etc). Mint tea is very calming and soothing which helps ease stress and helps keep the mind alert, clear and focused. 

Mint Aura Bath 
(1) Bunch of Mint Leaves(1) Pitcher(1) Bowl or Mason Jar (1) Mesh Strainer

If you know me well, you know I’m all for aura baths. With Hierba Buena you can create a cleansing, purifying and calming bath (or rather rinse) to relieve your aura from any stagnant or low vibrations. To learn how to make your own aura bath link here for a video tutorial. 

Mint Incense

A great way to get the most out of your mint herb is to dry your mint leaves and use them as incense anytime. Once dried, simply crush the herb and add to your charcoal. Mint also goes great with lemon balm, sage or any loose resin incense of choice. 

Mint Water 

Herbal Essence water is something I’ve been doing for baths but also have been experimenting with using herbal water as a base for floor washes, body mists (or rather, aura mists as I call them), to wipe down surfaces and even as a face toner depending on the herb and any sensitivities you may have.

As you can see, mint is a very accessible and versatile herb with many purposes. Just combine your intention and imagination and you will gain knowledge of this herb by way of your experience.

Make sure to catch me on Instagram @HellNotesforBeauty and share your mint stories with me there too!