Not spider mites, probably thrips. In my estimation there is nothing you can that will make the herb more edible, besides spray the plant with water, getting under the leaves and hope beneficial predators will come round and balance out the bug population.

At least your herb is a perennial. I would still use the herb, just wash it well. They are doing a number on my potted spinach, which is hopeless at this point in the growing season. My spinach in the ground has less bug damage probably because it has a healthier more balanced ecosystem.

I've had mites, they love dry sheltered conditions and are smaller than thrips but equally if not more devious.

I agree that the white spots are caused by thrips and they can be difficult to control in herbs. Insecticidal soap can help if the infestation is severe. I've used neem oil with success, but I'd be afraid that the foliage might pick up the flavor. Both insecticidal soaps and neem oil can be used on edibles.

You might also investigate what other horticultural oil sprays are available.

I appreciate your help on this, Do these Thrips fly? I have found a large amount of tiny little flies in the peppermint plants or what look like little flies. When I shake the leaves all the little flies come flying out.

Yes your potted mint probably has gnats as you suspect. This is a common issue when the top of soil in pots is moist for prolonged periods. Let the soil dry between waterings and the gnats will move on eventually. Mint is a tough plant and can handle it.

You could try getting one of those sticky trip traps. They attract thrips and the thrips get stuck to them and die. Try planetnatural.com I think they have them.

Are the little flies white or dark, like a gnat?

Dark, like a gnat

How do I get the plant to where I can consume the leaves?

Crafty, the plant is fine to eat even if it has cosmetic issues. Eating the bugs won't kill you either, but you will probably want to wash the leaves before consuming them (the leaves, not the bugs). If you want better looking leaves, you'll have to wait until new ones grow, and figure out a way to keep the thrips away. I'm not sure why but I have oregano near spinach, and the thrips are devouring the spinach and ignoring the oregano. Maybe they are saving that for dessert.

Are thrips little white flies?

Yes, they can be white and they fly. Doesn't look too severe on your plants. My mint is plagued with them and the damage is much worse.

I've tried eco-oil, but it never did much good and I find that on mint oil products can encourage rust to develop. I'd prefer the thrips over that.

I'd give the sticky thrip trap suggestion a go.

In the first photo, is there a large grub in a cocoon or something on the back of the leaf? Might just be my eyes.

Sophie,
I'm new to gardening and don't know what that is on that plant. Which, reminds me I have to water my plants, but I just can't seem to get rid of those bugs! I put out a bowl of apple cider vinager to see if anything was attracted to it, NOTHING! It evaporated and nothing was in my bowl.! I will try the thrip strips and see what happens.

Crafty,

I just bought some and hung them out today. First time giving that a go for me as well, so hopefully it works.