Spearmint

SPEARMINT - Mentha spicata (Diosmos) - Mentha viridis (Menta) - Mint Family Common names: spear mint, bush mint, horse mint HISTORY OF USE These are forms of European Spearmint. They are native to the Mediterranean region and has a long history of use as a beverage tea. Spearmint is one of the most popular mints, as it is not as strong as peppermint. The first recorded use of Mentha spicata dates as far back as 400 BC. A native species to the Mediterranean region, spearmint was collected throughout the Roman empire and valued for its pleasant aroma. In ancient times, spearmint was used to clear unpleasant odors, freshen breath, and protect food stores from rodents, but there is little indication that it was used medicinally at this time. As the Roman empire grew, the spearmint was brought to Britain where its  medicinal properties became recognized. Its primary medicinal use was to treat indigestion, nausea and vomiting, as well as relieve the symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and the common cold. Administered in the form of tea made from dried spearmint leaves, its mild nature made it popular for use in young children. In the middle ages, spearmint was also used as treatment if you were bitten by a wild dog. The fresh herb was mixed with salt and applied directly to the wound to promote healing. Spearmint grows wild throughout North America thanks to British soldiers who transported it during the colonial era. Wrigley Inc. introduced a breath-freshening gum in 1893 which transformed spearmint into its most common use even today. However, despite spearmint’s breath-freshening properties, the medicinal benefits have not been overlooked. CULINARY USE Spearmint has traditionally been enjoyed as digestive aid tea, and is less harsh than peppermint, which some people find too spicy in flavor. Spearmint has wide culinary use, as a mint sauce for lamb. Traditional mint jelly is made from spearmint. An old-time digestive tonic is made with finely chopped spearmint and a raw apple cider vinegar. Can be cut finely and used on cooked new potatoes in place of chives. MEDICINAL USE Reproductive system: extremely helpful when used to alleviate nausea during pregnancy and not as harsh as peppermint. Respiratory system: Soothing to sore throats. Digestive system: Soothes queasy stomachs and nausea. HERBAL ACTIONS Diuretic, aromatic, digestive stimulant, antimicrobial, nervine, febrifuge. CONSTITUENTS Essential oil, including carvone. FLAVOR & ENERGETICS Aromatic, cooling. TEA BLENDS Makes an uplifting tea blend with lemon balm and St. John’s Wort. Soothing to sore throats. CAUTIONS People taking pharmaceutical blood thinners should not ingest spearmint. DISCLAIMER This information is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, heal, mitigate, or remedy disease. It is for educational purposes only and should not be implemented without the express consent of your healthcare practitioner.