Water Mint

Mentha aquatica

• As its name suggests, water mint is often found growing at the side of ponds and streams.
• It has a four sided stem, like the nettle – it is in the same family as the nettle, and looking closely at the leaves you can see this similarity.
• If you are unsure of your identification just bruise the leaves gently and you should get an unmistakable mint smell.
• There are 14-15 different species and subspecies of mint growing in the UK.
• Butterflies really like the nectar from the water mint.
• When you find it you arelikely to find it in profusion.
• Mints can be drunk as a tea, however pennyroyal should be avoided during pregnancy.
• Mint is supposed to help relieve nausea, gas and generally aid digestion.