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The article
Mint is undoubtedly the most faithful companion of our gardens and our cups. From Marrakech to our countryside, it travels across cultures to bring its freshness and soothing sweetness to those who take the time to infuse it.
The tea of my friend from Marrakech
Over there, in Morocco, nanah mint is a true queen. When Fatima prepares her tea, it is pure poetry. She throws a generous handful of these fresh, fragrant leaves directly into the teapot with green tea and plenty of sugar. We drink this beverage very hot, even under a blazing sun, and believe me, it quenches your thirst like nothing else. It is the ultimate gesture of hospitality, you are offered a glass and time stands still.
In our parts, we are more used to drinking mint as a simple infusion after a hearty family meal that was a bit too heavy. My own mother always threw a few leaves into boiling water when our tummies felt a bit tight or when we felt out of sorts. It is an old reflex of country common sense: that lovely smell of menthol escaping from the cup, it wakes up your taste buds and helps you feel lighter. It is gentle, it goes down easily, and it feels wonderfully soothing.
You see, this traveling plant does not need any fuss to make itself useful. Whether it is sipped from a small, delicate glass in Marrakech or from my old chipped mug by the fireside, it keeps that same generosity. That is the magic of traditional herbalism, a simple green sprig that connects people and brings a little comfort to whoever drinks it. If you feel a bit tired after dinner, do as we do: throw three leaves into hot water and let nature do its work.
Mine, the evening one, after the meal
Make yourself comfortable, I will tell you how I prepare my little end of the day mint. Once the table is cleared, I slip out to the garden to snip two or three fresh stems. My mother already did this after meals that were a bit too rich. She always said it helps settle dinner and keeps you from having a heavy stomach before sleeping. It is a simple, old habit, but it does so much good.
I throw the leaves into my stoneware teapot, I pour in simmering water, definitely not boiling so as not to burn its lovely fragrance, and I let it infuse quietly for five minutes. Can you smell that wonderful scent filling the kitchen? Just breathing in these menthol vapors, you already feel it calms the mind and relaxes the tummy. It is gentle, it is fresh, and it softly prepares you for a peaceful night.
In old village recipe books, you always find this infusion to soothe the end of the day. It is not magic, it is just the common sense of the earth passed down from generation to generation.
If your tummy troubles persist, do go and speak with your doctor or pharmacist, it is wiser. But for the pleasure of a sweet moment after the meal, believe me, nothing beats this warm cup held between your hands.
So, how do you drink yours?
Make yourself comfortable at the table, I will tell you how we prepare it here and elsewhere. In Morocco, they throw fresh nanah mint leaves into the teapot with green tea and plenty of sugar, pouring the teapot from high up to make the beverage foam. It is a true art, and it is incredibly refreshing when the sun is beating down. At home, in my little garden, I prefer to pick it in the late afternoon to simply slip it into a cup of simmering water. My mother already did this after family meals that were a bit too hearty. It is a very simple habit that helps you feel lighter and is soothing for the tummy when it feels a bit heavy.
If you find it hard to sleep or if you feel a bit restless, you can also combine it with a few chamomile flowers or a pinch of lemon verbena. We drink this little herbal tea in the evening to relax, it is an old grandmother's secret that calms the mind and gently prepares you for a good night. The herbalism books in my old sideboard confirm what we have known by instinct for generations: this plant is a wonder of sweetness to soothe the tensions of the day.
To prepare it best, listen to my little advice:
- Never pour boiling water directly onto the leaves, as this burns their delicate fragrance.
- Let the water rest for a minute after boiling, then pour it gently.
- Cover your cup to keep in all the good vapors, and wait five short minutes.
It is warm, it smells wonderfully clean, and it sets you right for the evening. If you have any doubts or if you are expecting a happy event, always ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice to guide you safely.
