Common Mint

I’ve found myself utilizing Անանուխ (ananoukh) [Mint] a lot lately to soothe bug bites, cool skin and protect against mosquitos. Menthol (derivative of mint) is widely known to open up airways and offer topical relief. This is echoed in mint’s classification as a carminative since it is assists digestion, bloating and promotes relaxation. There was little that Armenians didn’t use mint for.

Amirdovlat documents mint’s internal and topical benefits in his work. Internally, mint was taken to kill intestinal worms, clean the stomach, bring on relaxation, extract mucous, treat hiccups* and shortness of breath. Topically, a poultice of it was used to clear facial bumps (pimples), heal ulcers, unclog milk ducts, treat wounds and eye pain. They would bathe in mint infusions to treat eczema and itchy skin and apply it to bug bites as treatment.

Making a mint poultice is an easy and effective answer for mosquito bites or eczema outbreaks. Chop up a handful of mint and pour hot water over it in a bowl until clumps together, let cool then apply. Also try a mint tea before a meal to kick start digestion!

*Nicholas Culpeper (17th century physician) documented the use of mint mixed with pomegranate juice to treat hiccups as well.