Corsican Mint – A creeping invader from Italy

A native of Europe, particularly Italy, Sardinia and Corsica, Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) is a very low growing plant which creeps to spread over an area around 50cm (20 inches) in diameter. This makes it useful for ground cover, but as it self-seeds readily, it can become invasive. Give it a place in the sun, although it will not mind being shaded for part of the day. It may die off in hard winters, but new plants will most likely appear in the spring.

Corsican mint has a strong peppermint aroma which is offensive to rodents, and it was often used in the past as a strewing herb in the places where it is native. It’s also used for tea, and in salad.

Corsican mint is another member of the mint family which is considered to be unsuitable for pregnant women in large amounts, or as a herbal remedy.

Essential oil of Corsican mint is antiseptic, but it is also toxic in large amounts. In any case, home extraction of essential oil is not generally considered practicable. You can use a standard infusion (3-4 teaspoonfuls of fresh or 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried leaves to 1 cup of boiling water – allow to stand for about 10 minutes and strain before use) to reduce temperature in fevers, for headaches and digestive complaints.

Like all herbs, it’s important that Corsican mint grown for use as a herbal remedy is not treated with chemicals, but grown organically. This is to ensure that high levels of noxious chemicals are not administered along with the remedy. To find out more about growing organic Corsican mint, visit the Gardenzone.

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