Also known as- Mentha spicata and seldom, Mentha spicata var. crispa, Common Mint, Garden Mint, and Silver Mint.

Overview

Introduction

Spearmint has served as an important medicinal herb for millennia. The Bible records that the ancient Pharisees paid tithes to their Temple in anise, cumin and spearmint. The sixteenth century English herbalist Gerard quotes the Roman historian Pliny, "'The smell of Mint does stir up the minde and the taste to a greedy desire of meate." Beginning in about the fourteenth century, spearmint was used for whitening teeth, and its distilled oil is still used to flavor toothpaste and chewing gum.

Constituents

Very small amounts of essential oil containing about 50% carvone.

Parts Used

The leaf, dried and cut.

Typical Preparations

Taken as a tea and added to other herbal mixtures for flavor. Also used in some culinary creations.
The essential oil and hydrosol have also been used for both culinary and flavoring purposes.

Summary

Spearmint, like peppermint, is a digestive remedy. It relieves gas and stops gastrointestinal spasms. Unlike peppermint, spearmint is also diuretic.

Health Benefits of Spearmint

•     Antibacterial Property
•     Respiratory Health
•     Aids in Digestion
•     Hormonal Balance
•     Improves Circulation
•     Heart Health
•     Stress Relief
•     Antioxidant Properties

Precautions

Use peppermint, not spearmint, for gallbladder complaints.

This herb is sold by the Ounce