Hi, I’m Jo, the owner and founder of Ginger Mint. I live in the beautiful New Forest in Hampshire, UK with my partner, our teenage son and a fun-loving whippet.
My parents introduced me to plants, gardening and nature from a very early age, and I went on to study plant biology at university, and then as a researcher. Environmental issues (and social justice!) are at the heart of my family life and we’re always trying to do more to lessen the negative impact we have on our environment. I have been a vegetarian/vegan for over 40 years with a passion for cooking organic food and healthy eating. I’m a great believer in plants for healing and it’s the family joke that I’ll have a herbal balm, a tea or a sprinkling of fresh herbs for whatever ailment they may have!
A few years ago, our young son became chronically ill with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or CFS/ME and Lyme disease. Complications included: electrical sensitivity (including Wi-Fi and electronic gadgets); severe and extensive allergies to foods, additives, preservatives, environmental factors such as dust, diesel, petrol and plastics; and sensitivities to perfumes, pesticides, essential oils, etc. Look up 'mast cell activation syndrome' and ‘multiple chemical sensitivities’ – horrendous! I've written a blog post about it if you'd like to know more: 'Living clean in a toxic world'.
It is because of this experience and my love of plants that I created Ginger Mint in March 2020. I want to share my knowledge about environmental and chemical toxicity with others, and how to maintain a healthy mind and body free from plastics, pesticides and harmful chemicals.
You can read more about Ginger Mint's ethics and core values here.
Take care and stay safe!
Jo X
