If there’s one herb your kitchen garden needs this spring, it’s mint. Excellent in teas, fruit salads and, of course, mojitos, mint also has a long history as a medicinal herb. Since Hippocrates’ time, it’s been used to ease digestive problems. Preliminary medical research suggests that mint, indeed, may help soothe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by abdominal pain and bloating.

For ultimate variety, plant a mélange of different types of mint, such as peppermint, spearmint, apple mint and its cultivar pineapple mint. Infuse refreshing flavor into your iced tea by brewing black tea with a few peppermint leaves.

Contain your mint in a pretty pot, as the herb is notorious for overtaking gardens. It will flourish on your patio or deck—or any sunny sill. Mint is low-maintenance; just keep the soil moist with regular watering.

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