Medicinal Monday Frosted Mint

Mint is such an aromatic herb and, frosted mint also known as poliomitha incana is no exception. This aromatic shrub that is native to the high deserts of the west has a strong mint smell. It is used by Native American communities for medicinal and culinary purposes.

About Frosted Mint

This high desert, semi-desert shrub grows in rounded clumps up to three feet high.  The leaves are simple and narrow with a prominent midvein.  This shrub produces many stems that have a dense covering of short grey hairs, that gives this plant its' name. Whorled tubular clusters of up to six purplish flowers bloom in the summer from May-August. The center of the flower has delicate purple flecks.  It is native to California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Texas. 

Photo credit National Park Service

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Frosted mint is eaten fresh or dried or used as a flavoring by Native American groups, particularly the Tewa and the Hopi. 

The plant has also been used, primarily by the Comanche. Hopi, Navajo and Tewa externally in the treatment of sores, rheumatism and ear problems.  The Comanche chewed the leaves to sweeten the taste when taking other drugs. The leaves have been used to increase the potency of other medicinal herbs.

Did  You Know...

Other names of this shrub are Hoary Rosemary-mint and Mintbush.

This species was first named Hedeoma incana by John Torrey in 1858.

Asa Gray renamed the plant in 1870 to Poliomintha Incana. Polio is Greek for grey and the name change was due to the thick covering of grey hairs on its stems and the undersides of its' leaves.

The stems on the lower part of this shrub are so dense that they catch blowing sand which stabilizes the soil where they grow.

Winter Games, Stories, and Crafts Institute for American Indian Studies December 22, 28 and December 29

Recognizing art and crafts, as an intrinsic and essential element of Native American life, the Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a series of programs December 22, 28, and 29 designed to foster a better understanding of the artistic and oral history of  Native American culture.

If you have kids and are looking for an engaging activity in December, head to the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington CT to participate in this series of programs that are sure to entertain and educate. Best of all, these programs are free with the price of admission; $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children.

On Sunday, December 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Institute’s Educational Department has organized an afternoon of craft programs that will encourage self-expression. At this workshop kids will express their creativity by learning about the world that surrounds them and connecting to Native American culture that has thousands of years of history right in their own backyard. A highlight of this program will be to make a Native American themed holiday ornament.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, on December 28 and 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on each day the Institute has organized a special program that will feature traditional Native American games such as snow snake, snow boar, hoop and pole, keeper of the fire, and eagle eye. A special series of craft activities sure to help instill a sense of achievement and pride in children include creating items such as cornhusk dolls, bussers, or beading that kids can take home. One of the most looked forward to activities is storytime. Native American stories recount the history of indigenous people and are told to educate children about cultural morals and values. These stories offer valuable life lessons that are multigenerational, multicultural, and timeless.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Native American Arts and Crafts Market

Litchfield Hills is dotted with many holiday fairs and festivals. For those that are looking for something really unusual, take a trip to the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut to shop for authentic Native American Arts and Crafts.

At the Institute’s annual Native American Holiday Arts and Crafts Market you will find a wide array of unusual holiday gifts from local Native American crafters. Visitors can shop for a wide variety of Native American crafts, jewelry, and artwork. Among the more one-of-kind items are beautifully handwoven baskets from colorful reeds and bark, hand-painted decorative gourds, authentically made Native American pottery, rattles, and elegant handcrafted flutes.

All the items found here are offered at a variety of price points so no matter what your budget is, you might very well find that perfect gift item.  In addition to finding something truly unusual, visitors will have the opportunity to chat with Native American crafters as they create these unique and beautiful items and learn about items they have purchased from Native American crafters throughout the country. Many artisans put an emphasis on using natural materials such as reeds, bark, gourds, stone, feathers, quills and antique trade beads and using traditional techniques.

The Native American Holiday Arts and Crafts Market are taking place at the Institute on November 30 and December 1; December 7 and 8, and December 14 and 15. This special Native American Holiday Market will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 pm to 5 p.m. The entrance to the Holiday Market is free!

 About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.