Here we bring together mint, chamomile, lemon verbena, thyme, sage, ginger, cinnamon, anise, lemon balm, wormwood (chiba) and white horehound: Moroccan customs, how to use them and precautions.
Mint (النعناع)
Mint is the symbol of Moroccan hospitality and the base of the mint tea served to guests.
How to use: One small spoon in a cup of hot (not boiling) water, 5–10 minutes, then strain. One or two cups a day.
Chamomile (البابونج)
Chamomile, a small yellow flower, is brewed as a mild infusion often enjoyed in the evening.
How to use: One small spoon in a cup of hot (not boiling) water, 5–10 minutes, then strain. One or two cups a day.
Lemon verbena (اللويزة)
Lemon verbena has a lemony scent; it is added to tea or drunk alone as an evening infusion.
How to use: One small spoon in a cup of hot (not boiling) water, 5–10 minutes, then strain. One or two cups a day.
Thyme (الزعتر)
Wild thyme from the Moroccan mountains flavours winter tea, food and oil.
How to use: One small spoon in a cup of hot (not boiling) water, 5–10 minutes, then strain. One or two cups a day.
Sage (السالمية)
Sage is added to Moroccan tea in winter for its aroma.
How to use: One small spoon in a cup of hot (not boiling) water, 5–10 minutes, then strain. One or two cups a day.
Ginger (الزنجبيل)
Ginger is part of ras el hanout, added to tagines and harira, or brewed as a warm drink with lemon and honey.
How to use: A pinch in cooking, or a little as a light infusion.
Cinnamon (القرفة)
Cinnamon is dusted on pastilla, seffa and coffee.
How to use: A pinch in cooking, or a little as a light infusion.
Anise (النافع (حبة حلاوة))
Anise flavours Moroccan bread and biscuits such as fekkas, and is also brewed as an infusion.
How to use: A pinch in cooking, or a little as a light infusion.
Lemon balm (المليسة)
Lemon balm is a gently lemon-scented herb prepared as a warm infusion.
How to use: One small spoon in a cup of hot (not boiling) water, 5–10 minutes, then strain. One or two cups a day.
Wormwood (chiba) (الشيبة / الشيح)
One or two sprigs of wormwood ("chiba") are added to winter tea in Moroccan tradition.
How to use: A small sprig is occasionally added to the teapot by tradition, in very small amounts and not regularly. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children.
White horehound (المريوت)
White horehound is a bitter Moroccan mountain herb added in small amounts to winter tea.
How to use: A small sprig is occasionally added to the teapot by tradition, in very small amounts and not regularly. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children.
Buying mint with cash on delivery
- With us it's cash on delivery across Morocco: you pay only when you receive your order.
- Combine mint with other products: 10% off 2, 15% off 3 or more, free delivery from €13.75.
- No returns, except damaged or wrong items reported within 48 hours with a photo and order number.
- Read the product page carefully: size, ingredients, origin and how to use.
- Compare sizes: larger for daily use, smaller for a first try.
Mint, then and now
- Mint is one of the products Moroccans have known for generations, with ways of using it passed down in families.
- Names vary by region, between Arabic, Amazigh and Darija, but the customs are similar.
- Today the same traditional products come with clear labels and home delivery.
- In the souks of Fes, Marrakech and Essaouira, the attar (herbalist-grocer) displays herbs, spices and oils in sacks and bottles.
General precautions
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and anyone on medication: ask a doctor first.
- Patch-test oils and skin products on a small area; avoid the eyes.
- Store cool and dry, out of reach of children.
- Moderation first; herbs do not replace a varied diet.
General, traditional information only; not medical advice.
Products from our shop
Oils shown here are for external use unless the pack clearly states otherwise.
Cash on delivery across Morocco, delivery in 24–72 h, free from €13.75. Offer: 10% off 2 products, 15% off 3 or more.
Explore more: Natural herbs and spices · Packs & offers
