13 Ways to Use Mint That Aren’t Tea • Schisandra & Bergamot

Sure, mint tea is refreshing—but that’s just scratching the surface. If you’re growing mint in your garden, chances are you have more than you know what to do with.

From zesty recipes to homemade beauty products, here are 13 creative ways to use mint that have nothing to do with your teacup.

Mint Cilantro Chutney

A bowl of green chutney garnished with fresh mint leaves, with a lemon placed on the side. — Photo Credit: Moon and Spoon and Yum

An Indian-inspired Mint Cilantro Chutney with a fresh, subtle heat from serrano and a touch of tang from lemon. This well-balanced coriander chutney works well with a variety of dishes. Naturally vegan, oil-free and gluten-free.

Get The Recipe: Mint Cilantro Chutney

Mint Simple Syrup

A glass of amber-colored liquid sits on a light surface, surrounded by scattered fresh mint leaves. — Photo Credit: Moon and Spoon and Yum

Fresh mint simple syrup is very easy to make at home and a versatile syrup that will bring a fresh mint flavor to desserts, drinks, and more! Vegan and gluten-free.

Get The Recipe: Mint Simple Syrup

Spicy Yogurt Mint Chutney

A white bowl filled with bright green soup, garnished with a fresh mint leaf, sits on a light surface with scattered mint leaves nearby. A spoon rests in the bowl. — Photo Credit: Moon and Spoon and Yum

This spicy yogurt mint chutney is equally cooling and warming, making it a deep and rich condiment suitable for a wide variety of dishes.

Get The Recipe: Spicy Yogurt Mint Chutney

Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Four pieces of chocolate fudge topped with mint leaves and cocoa powder on a wooden surface. — Photo Credit: Moon and Spoon and Yum

This delightful Mint Chocolate Fudge recipe is made with nutrient dense ingredients for a flavorful and guilt-free treat. With a perfect chewy texture, alongside notes of mint and cacao, you’re certain to come back for seconds. Naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Get The Recipe: Mint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Mint Cacao Adaptogenic Freezer Candy

Six chocolate elephant-shaped brownies are arranged on a blue surface, each topped with a green mint leaf, with a sprig of mint placed in the center. — Photo Credit: Moon and Spoon and Yum

These easy, healthy and delicious raw vegan freezer candies are filled with chocolate, real peppermint, nuts, seeds, and Rasa Koffee’s amazing adaptogenic coffee alternative blend!

Get The Recipe: Mint Cacao Adaptogenic Freezer Candy

DIY Shampoo Bars without Lye

Two rectangular bars of soap with embedded bay leaves, surrounded by fresh green leaves on a dark wooden surface. — Photo Credit: Schisandra & Bergamot

With an uplifting rosemary and mint scent and completely natural, this DIY shampoo bar recipe helps revitalize your hair. Made with only five ingredients and completely lye-free, this shampoo bar couldn't be easier to make!

Get The Recipe: DIY Shampoo Bars without Lye

Blend Into a Smoothie

A glass of green smoothie with a striped straw and mint garnish sits beside a small white bowl of green tablets on a white surface. — Photo Credit: vsoldatov7/Envato

Add a handful of mint leaves to your morning smoothie for a naturally energizing boost. It pairs especially well with chocolate, berries, and tropical fruits. Plus, mint can help aid digestion and freshen breath.

Add to Fruit Salads

A bowl of mixed fruit salad with strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and mango, garnished with fresh mint leaves, placed on a white background. — Photo Credit: 918Evgenij/Envato

Chopped mint brings brightness to any bowl of fruit. It complements watermelon, pineapple, berries, and citrus beautifully. Toss it in just before serving for maximum freshness.

Whip Up a Mint Pesto

A bowl of green pesto garnished with basil and pine nuts sits next to uncooked spaghetti, pine nuts, cheese, and fresh basil on a dark surface. — Photo Credit: bondarillia/Envato

Switch things up by using mint in your pesto instead of (or alongside) basil. It’s delicious on lamb, pasta, grilled veggies, or as a dip. Try combining it with lemon, garlic, olive oil, and almonds or walnuts.

Infuse Vinegar or Oil

A glass bottle with mint-infused water sits next to a tray of twisted pastries on a wooden counter. — Photo Credit: dolgachov/Envato

Place clean mint leaves in a bottle of white vinegar or olive oil and let it steep for a few weeks. The result is a fragrant infusion perfect for salad dressings or marinades. It’s also a beautiful homemade gift!

Make Mint Ice Cubes

Ice cubes with mint leaves inside sit on a white surface, surrounded by water droplets and a small mint sprig. — Photo Credit: MPPLLC45/Envato

Freeze whole mint leaves inside ice cube trays filled with water or lemonade. These refreshing cubes are perfect for summer drinks and give any glass a fancy, spa-like touch. Kids love them too!

Soothe Bug Bites or Itchy Skin

A pair of hands gently cupping a handful of fresh green mint leaves. — Photo Credit: Image-Source/Envato

Crush fresh mint leaves and apply them to itchy spots for a quick, natural relief. Mint contains menthol, which has cooling, anti-inflammatory properties. You can also make a mint-infused salve or lotion.

Make a Mint Hair Rinse

A wooden bowl filled with fresh mint leaves sits on a white surface next to a card labeled "Mint" against a blue background. — Photo Credit: AtlasComposer/Envato

Steep mint in hot water, let it cool, and pour it over your hair after shampooing. It can help soothe a dry scalp and leave your hair smelling fresh. Some say it even adds a little shine!

Next time your mint plant starts taking over, don’t let it go to waste. These fun and functional ideas make the most of every leaf—no teapot required. Get creative and enjoy the cooling power of mint in ways you never expected!