Water Mint

Description

Immerse your garden in the refreshing allure of Water Mint, a native British herb long associated with the cool edges of streams, ponds, and damp meadows. With its aromatic, rounded leaves and invigorating flavour, Water Mint brings both culinary versatility and visual charm to any moisture-rich space. Whether nestled beside a water feature or grown in a pot kept damp, it flourishes where other herbs won’t.

Though often overlooked today, Water Mint has a long and storied history—it was cherished in medieval England for its medicinal qualities. As the AC Herbal of 1400 records: “medled with hony and a lytle wyn put thereto for-doth the cold of mannys stomak and other wycked wyndys.”

Caution is advised when harvesting wild Water Mint, as in natural settings it can host a type of water snail known to carry a parasitic liver fluke, which poses a danger to both humans and livestock. For safe culinary use—such as in teas, jellies, or infusions—grow your own in clean, contained conditions.

Let Water Mint bring a cooling fragrance, a touch of native heritage, and a nod to medieval herbal wisdom into your garden.