Mints (Mentha spp.) are notorious spreaders, easily crowding out their neighbors, but they're also helpful for keeping the garden healthy. Planting some around your roses can help to deter aphids.

I keep the Minty exuberance in check with frequent trimmings. The trimmings alone give me all the plant material I need for cooking and for bodycare crafting.

Mints are aromatic stimulants and are gently astringent. They're also cooling, deodorizing, and antiseptic.

I have Spearmint and Peppermint infusing now in a beautiful, organic extra virgin olive oil. In a few weeks, I'll strain out the herbs. This oil can be used for massaging affected areas to treat migraines and facial neuralgia. It's also a great massage oil for rheumatic and muscular aches, especially nice during the Winter.

An infusion (tea) of the leaves is good for oily-to-normal, combination, and acneic skin. It can also be used to heal chapped hands. Peppermint or spearmint make a nice addition to a herbal bath mixture, soothing and refreshing after a long, hot Summer day.

Mints can also be used for a skin-stimulating facial. This simple one is one of my favorites, it feels so good! The avocado contains vitamins A, D, and E, and is deeply moisturizing.

Fresh Mint Mask (from Jeanne Roses' "Herbal Body Book")

Macerate a handful of fresh mint in a blender or with a mortar and pestle. Add an equal amount of ripe avocado and blend thoroughly.

Wash face and leave slightly damp. Apply mask, massaging into skin with upward and outward motions for a few minutes. Remove mask with a facecloth, rinsing with mint hydrosol or cooled mint tea.