Flower for the Day "The smell rejoices the heart of man" 10-4-23

There is a large stand of spearmint (Menthe spicata) by the front door. The leaves are broad with a serrated edge.

The stems are square-shaped, a defining characteristic of the mint family. The name spear derives from the pointed leaf tips.

I love the smell which is greatest this time of year. I seldom see the flowers which are perky little blossoms.

Mention of spearmint dates back to at least the 1st century AD, with references from naturalist Pliny and mentions in the Bible.  Findings of early versions of toothpaste using mint in the 14th century suggest widespread domestication by this point. It was introduced into England by the Romans by the 5th century, and the "Father of British Botany", of the surname Turner, mentions mint as being good for the stomach. John Gerard's Herbal (1597) states that: "It is good against watering eyes and all manner of break outs on the head and sores. "It is applied with salt to the biting of mad dogs," and that "They lay it on the stinging of wasps and bees with good success." He also mentions that "the smell rejoices the heart of man", for which reason they used to strew it in chambers and places of recreation, pleasure, and repose, where feasts and banquets are made."