Latin binomial name: Mentha arvensis
Woods Cree name: amisko-wīhkask (plural: amisko-wīhkaskwa)
Plains Cree name: amisko-wīhkask (plural: amisko-wīhkaskwa)
Wild mint is found in moist soil, on shorelines, stream banks and damp clearings. It can grow from 10-60 centimeters tall, has serrated leaves in pairs around a square stem and small, purple-pink flowers in dense whorls at the base of the leaves. Walking on or disturbing mint releases the familiar mint smell.
Found along the shores of lakes and creeks, you’ll often smell her before you see her. Once you add this beauty to your tea cabinet it’ll be a staple. Not only tasty, but abundant in nutrients and healing properties. This herb is great in teas, on its own or used with Labrador, and chaga. It is said to help reduce pain in breast feeding and relieve menstrual cramps. On the land as kids, we’d gather old coals from the fire pit and mix it with mint to brush our teeth along the water. Be sure the stem is square.
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