Few herbs are as cheerful as mint. Rub a leaf between your fingers and the fresh, cool scent seems to wake up the whole room. There are many kinds, including peppermint and spearmint, and people have grown and enjoyed them for thousands of years, from the Mediterranean to Morocco and far beyond.

Mint is simple, affordable and wonderfully versatile. Here are some of the many ways it can brighten your days.

In the kitchen

  1. Fresh mint tea. Pour hot water over a handful of fresh leaves and let it steep for a few minutes.
  2. After a meal. Many people enjoy a cup of peppermint tea after eating as a comforting end to the meal.
  3. In water. Add a few leaves to a jug of water with lemon or cucumber for a refreshing drink.
  4. In salads. Torn mint brightens green salads, grain salads and fruit salads.
  5. With peas. Mint and peas are a classic pairing.
  6. In yoghurt dips. Mix chopped mint into yoghurt with cucumber and garlic.
  7. With lamb. Mint sauce is a traditional companion to roast lamb.
  8. In sauces. Blend mint with other herbs, oil and lemon for a fresh green sauce.
  9. In desserts. Mint lifts chocolate, berries and fruit sorbets.
  10. In tabbouleh. This herby salad uses plenty of mint and parsley.

Around the home

  1. Grow it in a pot. Mint is easy to grow, but it spreads quickly, so a pot keeps it contained.
  2. Enjoy the scent. A pot of mint on a sunny windowsill can freshen a room.
  3. A mindful moment. Crush a leaf and breathe in its scent slowly for a minute of calm.
  4. Freeze it. Freeze chopped mint in ice cube trays for drinks later.
  5. Dry it. Hang bunches upside down to dry for winter teas.

For gentle self-care

  1. A warm cup on a cold evening. A simple, caffeine-free drink to wind down with.
  2. A cool cup on a hot day. Iced mint tea is wonderfully refreshing.
  3. A fresh start. Some people like to begin the day with a cup of mint tea instead of coffee.
  4. Sharing. A sprig of mint from your garden makes a lovely small gift for a neighbour.
  5. Slowing down. Making a pot of fresh mint tea can be a small ritual of care in a busy day.

A note of care

Mint is generally enjoyed safely as a food and tea. Concentrated peppermint oil is much stronger, so it’s best used with care and not given to young children. If you have reflux, are pregnant or take medication, mint as a food or a mild tea is the kinder choice; leave the supplements and oils aside.

How little is enough

Pick up a bunch of fresh mint this week and try it in one new way. Notice its scent and flavour, and enjoy the small lift it brings.

For more simple ideas, read The best way to hydrate.

If you’d like a little more help at the table, there’s a gentle guide to everyday eating on the Guides page.