August Herb of the Month: Apple Mint

Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Sacred to: Hades (Pluto), Hecate
Used for: Money/Prosperity, Lust, Healing, Travel, Exorcism, Protection, Attracting Good Spirits.

Magickally as well as medicinally, apple mint is used for pretty much the same purposes as other mints.

It is grown as an ornamental plant (look at the pretty green and white leaves!), and used in jellies and teas, and some recipes (see below for a recipe for Apple Mint Couscous).

All mints are sacred to Mintha (Mentha, Menthe). Mintha was a nymph, who fell in love with Hades, and he loved her as well. Persephone (his wife) became jealous, and trampled Mintha, killing her. (In some versions, Demeter, Persephone's mother, is the one to kill Mintha). Hades was saddened by the death of his love, and he raised her up as the first mint plant.

Apple mint can be used to fight headaches, and calm stomach problems. It is often eaten or drunk in teas. It can also be used in a balm to soothe muscle pains.

Worn around the wrist, mint protects against bad health.

To attract money, place or rub a few mint leaves in your purse or wallet.

To expel evil, sprinkle salt water with sprigs of mint, rosemary, and marjoram.

Place it on the altar to attract good spirits, it is extremely useful for this purpose.

Keep some apple mint close to you for protection, prosperity, good health, and to attract good spirits to your home and hearth.

Apple Mint Couscous:

Ingredients

* 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon butter, in all

* 1 cup peeled and finely chopped sweet apples

* 1 tablespoon minced shallots

* 1 teaspoon minced garlic

* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus extra for garnish

* Salt and pepper

* 1 cup couscous

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* 1 cup chicken stock

* 2 ounces crumbled feta

* Fresh rosemary

Directions

In a saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter is melted, add the apples, shallots, garlic, and mint. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the couscous and olive oil and saute for 1 minute. Stir in the stock and bring to a boil, stirring for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the remaining butter and remove from the heat. Cover and allow to sit for 2 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork. Fold in the feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Mound the couscous in the center of the platter. Lay the carved lamb over the couscous. Garnish with fresh rosemary and mint.

(courtesy of Emeril Lagase, http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/apple-mint-couscous-recipe/index.html )

Refrences:
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
Green Witchcraft by Ann Moura
The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl

Thanks so much for bearing with me!!! I am really going to try my best to keep this blog up to date. I know I am a month or two late on starting Herb of the Month, but I'll continue doing it. Stay tuned for September's Herb of the Month: Chamomile!!!

Blessed Be,
Eirwen