Photo: Lila la Loop
Herb of Benedictine monastic medicine
Lady's mint, also known as balsam herb, was an important medicinal herb in Benedictine abbeys, used primarily in women's health. Its name refers to its special role in treating ailments known as "women's diseases." In monastic medicine, it was considered warming, strengthening, and balancing. Many herbal texts praise it as a "herb of order" that harmonizes the body and strengthens digestion. Its balsamic fragrance, which can still be perceived today in the Werdener herb and medicinal plant garden, also made it a popular indoor and aromatic herb.
Spearmint – Cultivation and Garden Structure
Lady's mint prefers sunny, dry locations and thrives particularly well in calcareous soils. It is best planted in sunny herb beds, often near rosemary or sage. Regular pruning keeps the leaves aromatic. Lady's mint is a robust, long-lived perennial that requires little maintenance. The Benedictines especially valued it as a fragrant plant, often planting it along pathways. Its intense fragrance made it a popular plant in the monastery garden and thus an indispensable part of the herb and medicinal plant garden next to the Old Monastery. Abbey Werden.
Spearmint as a medicinal herb – effects and uses
Spearmint was a versatile medicinal herb. Typical uses included steeping the leaves as a tea for digestive problems, flatulence, and bloating. Infusions of the entire stem were used to strengthen the body. Warm compresses were used for menstrual cramps, and balsamic rubs were used to relieve pain. It was considered an herb that "calmed the stomach and strengthened the heart.".
Spearmint as a culinary herb
In contrast, spearmint was used sparingly in monastery kitchens. Its flavor is strong and slightly bitter, which is why it was only used in small quantities: occasionally as a seasoning in meat dishes, in herbal wines, and for flavoring vinegars.
Spearmint as a spice and aromatic herb
Due to its unique fragrance, spearmint was one of the most important aromatic herbs in monasteries. It was used for scented pillows, herbal bundles, incense, and is still found in some room fragrance blends today. Its balsamic scent was considered purifying and protective, which is why the plant held great spiritual significance. Spearmint was associated with protection, purity, and feminine power. It was considered an herb that protected both home and heart.
Conclusion
Lady's mint was a versatile herb used by the Benedictine monks of Abbey Werden for both medicinal and everyday purposes. Today, lady's mint is primarily cultivated in historical herb gardens, such as the Werdener Herb and Medicinal Plant Garden. Its fragrance and properties make it a valuable plant for natural medicine and gardening. Perhaps this article will inspire some of you to cultivate lady's mint in your own gardens.
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