MINT (ἡδύοσμον, mentha) is mentioned only in Matthew 23:23 and the parallel passage Luke 11:42, where it is represented as being subject to tithe. It is a familiar garden herb, belonging to the natural order Labiatae. The species commonly grown in Palestine is horse-mint (M. sylvestris), and there can be little doubt that this is the mint of Scripture. It is extensively used for culinary purposes, and is also highly valued as a carminative. Mint was probably one of the ‘bitter herbs’ with which the Paschal lamb was eaten.
Hugh Duncan.