Mint is an herb that actually comes in a lot of varieties - the most well known of which are probably spearmint and peppermint. Herbs from the mint family have various uses in both everyday cooking and in medicine. They are also widely used in the manufacture of perfumes, sweets, chewing gum, breath fresheners and cosmetic products.
Mint in cooking
Mint is used in all kinds of ways from a cookery perspective. It is often, for example, used in herbal teas and drinks (such as Peppermint Tea and Mint Juleps). In both Middle Eastern and British cookery mint is most often used as an accompaniment for lamb dishes (i.e. in a mint sauce).
Other uses here include as a flavouring for vegetable dishes, salads, eggs, fish, stews and meats and as an ingredient in salad dressings, ice creams and various desserts.
Mint in medicine
Mint has a variety of medicinal uses and is often used by many practitioners of alternative medicines to help with:
Stomach problems
Indigestion and heartburn
Excessive wind
Whitening teeth
Blocked noses and sinus problems
Problems with insects as it is a natural insect repellent