From July 29 to August 2 2024, Country Foods will be at Osik Lake gathering wild mint, a precious resource for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN). While this mint will be available to the entire community, priority will be given to our elders and those who are unable to gather medicine themselves.
Mint has been a trusted remedy for many years, especially for symptoms associated with the flu or cold, such as a stuffy, runny nose, scratchy throat, and sore throat. Mints are used in teas or chewed on. Malcolm Hunter, the manager of Country Foods, shares, “In my experience, wild mint is mainly prepared as a tea and is traditionally used by First Nation people as a hot beverage and an herbal remedy. The tea was used to treat various ailments such as coughing and colds, and is a major ingredient in an ointment that can alleviate aches and pains.”
Mint grows abundantly around our community and resource area and is a staple in NCN’s traditional medicine for treating various ailments. While scientific research has primarily documented mint’s impact on digestion, our community’s trust in our traditional medicines goes beyond what is scientifically proven. As we await further scientific validation, we continue to rely on and use our traditional medicines for their known benefits.
Country Foods warmly invites all able community members to join them in hunting, fishing, harvesting medicine, or picking berries. Whether you’re experienced or eager to learn, everyone is welcome to participate in these essential and rewarding activities. Let’s come together, regardless of our differences, to preserve our traditions and support our community’s health.
Mints are available for pickups with the priority of our elders and those who are unable to gather medicine themselves at Country Foods!
