Spearmint Leaf organic
Also known as
Mentha spicata and seldom, Mentha spicata var. crispa, Common Mint, Garden Mint, and Silver Mint.
Introduction
A hardy perennial mint with bright green serrated leaves, spearmint has served as an important medicinal herb for millennia. Originally native to the Mediterranean countries, it is now common in many parts of the world. 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, although it is not as commonly used as peppermint.
Constituents
Volatile oil, menthol, menthone, d-limonene, neomenthol, tannins and 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 indigestion, is anti-inflammatory, and stops gastrointestinal spasms. Unlike peppermint, spearmint is also diuretic. It may also be helpful in reducing fevers and easing respiratory problems and chronic bronchitis. In aromatherapy, inhaling the essential oil can help relieve stress and lift the mood. In Ayurvedic medicine spearmint is considered a cold, pungent herb that increases mental alertness and is more effective than peppermint in relieving stress.
Precautions
Use peppermint, not spearmint, for gallbladder complaints.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
