11 Herbs And Spices That Start With M (You Need Now!)

Many herbs and spices have their own unique flavors, scents, and healing properties. In this article, we will explore herbs and spices that start with m. We’ll go over some basic facts about each one, as well as what you can do with them when they’re harvested.

Whenever trying anything new, always practice caution before consuming a natural herb or spice. Consult with your doctor before consuming a herb or spice.

Herbs and Spices that Start with M

Marjoram

A Marjoram plant growing in the garden.
Image by O K from Pixabay

Marjoram is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to around one to two feet in height. The leaves are compound, with a serrated margin and a small point at the end of the blade. The flowers are tiny, pink, purple or white, and borne in terminal clusters. The fruit is a capsule containing several small seeds. 

The primary use for marjoram is as a medicinal herb. It has been used to treat coughs, colds, flu symptoms, and pain relief. Marjoram also has culinary uses – it can be used to flavor meats and vegetables, or added to salad dressings and sauces.

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Marshmallow

A Marshmallow plant blooming.
Image by Couleur from Pixabay

Marshmallow is a flowering plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. The marshmallow-type flowers are pollinated by bees, and the seed heads are eaten by birds. Marshmallow is native to Northern Africa, Europe, and Western Asia, and can be found growing in moist areas such as marshes and riverbanks.

The herb has medicinal properties and has been used for centuries for treating throat infections, skin conditions, anxiety, stress relief, and memory problems. It can also be cooked into soups or puddings.

Milk Thistle

A milk thistle plant blooming.
Image by WikimediaImages from Pixabay

Milk thistle is a perennial plant that grows to 2-6 feet tall. The leaves are elliptical, 3-5 inches long and 1-1.5 inches wide, with serrated margins. The flowers are small, white, and borne in clusters of up to eight. The fruits are capsules that open when ripe to reveal the hairy seeds inside. Milk thistle is native to Eurasia and North Africa, but it is now widespread throughout the world as an ornamental plant.

It can be found growing wild in disturbed areas or as a naturalized weed in gardens and farmland. It is now popular as a supplement for general health and for treating liver problems, gallstones, and inflammation. The plant is also used as a flavoring agent in food products, such as wine and beer.

Mint

The leaves of a mint plant.
Image by Magdalena79 from Pixabay

Mint is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to 1-2 ft in height. It has oval toothed leaves and produces small white flowers. The mint plant is native to Europe, North Africa, Australia, North America and parts of Asia Minor. Today, mint is cultivated in many parts of the world and is used for its medicinal properties as well as its culinary and refreshing qualities. 

Mint leaves are often used as a herbal remedy for colds, flu symptoms, indigestion, and headache. In addition to being consumed fresh or dried, mint can also be used in recipes such as tea or chai drinks, omelets or scrambles eggs, chili sauce, salad dressings, and margaritas.

Related Post: How to Grow Mint From Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mistletoe

A Mistletoe tree with white berries.
Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

Mistletoe is a genus of 1500 species of shrubs and trees in the family Viscaceae. Mistletoe grows naturally in temperate regions around the world, including North America and Europe. In the Northern Hemisphere, mistletoe is most commonly found in deciduous forests.

Mistletoe has long been used as a medicinal plant by indigenous peoples around the world. The leaves, bark, and berries have been used for various purposes such as treating colds, flu symptoms, bronchitis, and rabies. The root extract is also used to treat epilepsy and other conditions.

Common Motherwort

A Common Motherwort plant flowering.
Image by SanduStefan from Pixabay

Common Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a flowering plant that can be found in temperate climates around the world. It is a member of the mint family and grows to between 2 and 4 feet tall. The leaves are alternately arranged, often with deeply lobed veins, and have serrated margins. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and white or purple, and are borne in terminal clusters. They produce small seeds that are used for medicinal purposes. 

The common motherwort is an herb that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It has been traditionally used as a treatment for anxiety, depression, insomnia, nerve pain, menstrual cramps, low blood pressure, and vertigo. In addition to these traditional uses, recent studies have shown that common motherwort may also be beneficial for treating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia symptoms.

Mugwort

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) with small clusters of yellow flowers.
Image by jhenning from Pixabay

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a common weed that grows in many types of soil. It is a herb that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is an annual plant that can reach up to two meters in height with creeping stems and leaves. The leaves are compound, with 3 to 5 leaflets that are serrated along the margins. The flowers are small, white, and borne in clusters at the top of the stem.

The mugwort herb can be found growing wild throughout North America and Europe. It can also be found growing in gardens, where it is often grown as an ornamental plant. Mugwort has been used medicinally for centuries. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as being helpful in treating anxiety and depression.

Mullein

A Great Mullein plant with yellow flowers.
Image by Encho Enchev from Pixabay

Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.,) is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Mullein is an annual herb that can grow up to eight feet tall. The leaves are opposite and lance-shaped, and the flowers are purple or blue. The stalk of the mullein flower is hollow, which makes it resemble a cane. Mullein contains a number of compounds that have medicinal properties. Some of these compounds include anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides.

Mullein has been used as a herbal remedy for many conditions since antiquity. It has been used to treat inflammation and pain relief. Mullein is also known to be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. Additionally, mullein can help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.

Spices that Start with M

Mace

Mace, or nutmeg, is a spice derived from the fruit of the mace tree. Mace trees are typically 40 to 60 feet in height and can be found in tropical regions. The leaves are Alternate, simple, and ovate with serrated margins. The flowers are pale yellow and have petals that are white with purple veins. The fruit is a yellowish-white berry that is covered in a hard skin.

The mace tree is indigenous to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa. The spice was first documented in written records in China around 100 BC. Mace has been used medicinally for centuries and is today used to treat coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.

Mustard

A mustard plant with yellow flowers.
Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay

The mustard plant is a herbaceous annual that is part of the Brassicaceae family. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, and has a slender stem with leaves that are divided into three leaflets. The flowers are yellow, and there are small fruits that contain seeds.

Mustard plants have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and they are currently used to treat a variety of conditions. The oil from the plant is effective at treating wounds and infections, and the seeds can be used to treat arthritis and other joint pain.

Myrhh

A Myrhh tree with pinkish-white flowers.

Myrhh, also known as myrrh tree or Commiphora myrrha, is a large shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 10-15 meters. The bark is rough and scaly, and the leaves are alternate and compound with serrated margins. The flowers are pinkish-white and borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a hard nut which is used for medicinal purposes.

Myrhh has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Africa, Arabia, India and China. In Africa, it is thought to treat malaria, fever, coughs and wounds. In India, it is used to treat bronchitis, gout and arthritis. In China, it is used to treat diabetes, infertility and toothache.

Related Post: 34 Herbs and Spices that Start with the Letter C

Author

  • Vince S

    Hello, I'm Vince, and I bring over 25 years of dedicated experience in the world of herb gardening. From cultivating fragrant basil to nurturing hardy rosemary, my journey as a passionate herb enthusiast has allowed me to explore the wonders of these versatile plants. Through diyherbgardener.com, I'm thrilled to share my knowledge, tips, and insights to help you embark on your own herb gardening adventures. Let's grow together!