Herb Profile: Chocolate Mint

Chocolate Mint, Mentha piperita

Chocolate Mint is a cultivar of mint, a member of the very large Lamiaceae family. Rich in vitamins A and C, and containing trace amounts of manganese. Chocolate Mint has similar medicinal actions as peppermint and spearmint however it is most commonly used for its chocolatey minty flavor in cooking, specifically with deserts. As a cooling herb, chocolate mint can be used to calm overheated conditions and to sooth digestion.

 

Preparations

Chocolate Mint can be made into a tea or tincture however it is Most often used to flavor deserts and beverages.

 

Brain Tonic Tincture 

(adapted from a Rosemary Gladstar recipe)

1 part ginkgo leaf
1 part bacopa leaf/stem
1/2 part rosemary leaf
1/4 chocolate mint or peppermint

Prepare a tincture using the above parts. To use the tincture, take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon three times a day for 3 to 4 weeks. Results may be subtle, but generally after 2 to 3 weeks people notice they have better memory recall.

 

Cautions/Contraindications

Considered safe.