ENGLISH NAME: Water mint
LATIN NAME: Mentha aquatica
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Máta vodní
Turkey: Su nanesi
Bulgaria: Водна мента (Vodna menta)
Georgia: წყლის პიტნა (Ts’qhlis pitna)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Wetlands of South Bohemia (Czechia), Black Sea and Marmara regions (Turkey), Struma River valley and marshlands (Bulgaria), Colchic lowlands and riverbanks (Georgia)
Elevation: 0–1000 meters
Terrain: Riverbanks, marshes, ditches, wet meadows, and lake edges
DESCRIPTION:
A strongly aromatic, perennial herb growing 30–90 cm tall with broad, hairy, dark green to purplish leaves and dense terminal spikes of lilac to mauve flowers. It has creeping rhizomes and spreads in moist habitats. Like all mints, it belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has a square stem.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves and flowering tops
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used to relieve digestive issues such as indigestion, gas, and cramps. Also used for colds, mild headaches, and as a gentle stimulant. Its essential oil contains menthol and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
May irritate mucous membranes or cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Avoid large doses during pregnancy. Essential oil should not be ingested directly.
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
Commonly combined with chamomile or fennel for digestive support, and with thyme or elderflower for respiratory issues.
PREPARATION:
Leaves and flowering tops are used fresh or dried in infusions or teas. Also prepared as tinctures or added to herbal baths. Can be distilled to extract essential oil (used externally).
HARVEST TIME:
Mid to late summer, during full bloom (July–September)
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut upper stems and leaves on a sunny day when oils are strongest. Avoid harvesting from polluted water sources.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Dry quickly in a shaded, well-ventilated place. Store in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Best used within 1 year.
✅ Note: Water mint is one of the wild ancestors of peppermint and an important aromatic and medicinal plant in riparian ecosystems.