Picture copyright 2011 by Rivka sari
Wild Mint represented wealth and abundance. Malachi 3:10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the L-rd of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. It was custom for Israelites would hang mint to fragrance their homes along with lavender nard.
Known as Cannan (Kanon) and נענע/nana Mint, Desert Mint, Persian Mint, Field Mint, and Jerusalem Cornmint. This mint is in the Lamiaceae plant family and has a sweet wild herby minty fresh aroma. Found to be native to Israel, Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia as well as parts of Asia, and parts of eastern European regions. Perhaps mint’s Hebrew name, from the word נע/na– ‘moving,’ indicates mint’s ability to quickly spread and multiply by dividing its roots, as in, “You shall be a wanderer (נָע/na) and an exile in the land” (Bereishit 4:12). The leaves have been made into tea to treat colds or aid digestion. They can also be eaten raw.
The oil can be made with extra virgin olive oil and Wild mint leaves that have been macerated for 3 weeks changing out leaves for new leaves every week. Mint was usually tithed along with Rue in the Temple days during the three major Hagim (holidays) Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Mint was most likely used in the Passover seder mixed with bitter herbs perhaps because the numerical value of נענע/nana – ‘mint’ is 240 which equals that of עמלק/Amalek the arch-enemy of Israel. Also, the words מר/mar – ‘bitter’ and רם/ram – ‘elevated’ also share the numerical value of 240. We could say that just as the sweet taste and scent of mint counteracts any bitterness, so too, does the spiritual attribute of mint work as an antidote to the spiritual bitterness of Amalek during the travel in the desert.
The numerical value of Amalek is also ספק/safek meaning doubt.’ This negative energy is the cause of self-doubt, indecision, unsure of oneself’s ability, and uncertainty. Energetically, mint oil has the same identical numerology that sweeps and clears away this kind of doubt and mental talk, while clearing perspective, focusing for clearing the way or path to clarity.
Mint oil is wonderful for a foot soak, use as a carrier oil for your favorite blend. We loveMy favorite uses are that it is perfect for making lip balms, salves, creams, and lotions. Perfect for putting a couple of drops into the bath for an overall fresh feeling. Many people use it to stimulate the scalp before shampooing hair to promote hair growth.
In the Talmud, which even gives recipes that include mint. A mixture of cumin, tree resin sap, mint, wormwood, cedar-blossom, and hyssop is recommended to be used as an ointment. There is also a secret blend of Mint with Balm of Gilead, Rose of Sharon, and Olive Oil used as a massage oil and salve.
The Rambam lists mountain mint and cornmint among the few herbs for food and medicines which have cleansing properties and benefits. (Maimonides, Medical Writings, vol 5. p 103, 158).
