Organic Spearmint Leaf (Mentha spicata)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Spearmint Leaf (Mentha spicata)

Family:

Lamiaceae

Common Names:

Garden Mint, Common Mint, Lamb Mint, Green Mint

Origin:

Native to Europe and Asia, now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.

Parts Used:

Leaves

Habitat:

Spearmint thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is commonly grown in gardens, and due to its hardy nature, it can spread rapidly, sometimes becoming invasive. It is often found in USDA zones 4-9.

History and Folklore:

Spearmint has been used for centuries in culinary and medicinal contexts. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it to scent their bathwater and as a room freshener. In folklore, spearmint was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring about protection and healing. It has long been a symbol of hospitality, often used to welcome guests.

Metaphysical Properties:

Spearmint is associated with clarity, communication, and healing. It is often used in rituals to enhance mental clarity, attract positive energy, and promote healing and protection.

Botany:

Spearmint is a perennial herb that grows up to 2-3 feet tall. It has bright green, lance-shaped leaves with a serrated edge and a strong, fresh aroma. The plant produces small, light purple or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. The leaves contain essential oils, particularly carvone, which gives spearmint its characteristic sweet and minty flavor.

Growing and Harvesting:

Spearmint is easy to grow from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. It prefers a location with partial shade and moist, fertile soil. To prevent it from spreading uncontrollably, spearmint is often grown in containers. The leaves can be harvested as needed throughout the growing season, with the best flavor achieved before the plant flowers. Leaves can be used fresh or dried for various applications.

Constituents:

• Carvone: A terpene that gives spearmint its distinctive aroma and flavor, and has digestive and antimicrobial properties.
• Menthol: Present in smaller amounts than in peppermint, providing a cooling effect.
• Rosmarinic Acid: An antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Flavonoids: Contribute to the plant’s antioxidant effects and support overall health.
• Tannins: Provide astringent properties, which can help tone tissues.

Energetics:

• Temperature: Cooling
• Taste: Sweet, Aromatic, Slightly Bitter

Medicinal Actions:

• Digestive Aid: Eases indigestion, gas, and bloating, and stimulates appetite.
• Carminative: Helps expel gas from the intestines, reducing discomfort.
• Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports overall health.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the digestive system and other areas.
• Nervine: Calms the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

System Affinities:

• Digestive System: Supports digestion, alleviates nausea, and soothes the stomach.
• Nervous System: Helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue.
• Respiratory System: Clears congestion and soothes irritated airways, making it useful for colds and respiratory infections.
• Skin: Can be used topically to soothe itching and irritation, though this is more common with other mints.

Uses:

• Tea: Spearmint tea is commonly used to soothe digestive issues, reduce stress, and support respiratory health.
• Essential Oil: Used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and mental clarity; also used in natural cleaning products.
• Culinary: Widely used in cooking, particularly in desserts, salads, and beverages like mint juleps and mojitos.
• Tincture: Used to support digestion, relieve nausea, and calm the mind.
• Topical Application: Spearmint-infused oils or compresses can be applied to the skin to soothe itching and irritation.

Cautions:

• Pregnancy: Generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using any herb during pregnancy.
• Medication Interactions: Spearmint may interact with certain medications, especially those affecting the digestive system. Consult a healthcare provider if you are taking any medications.
• Overuse: In large amounts, spearmint may irritate the stomach or exacerbate acid reflux.

Scientific Studies:

1. A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that spearmint has significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in supporting overall health and treating infections.
2. Research in Journal of Medicinal Food demonstrated that spearmint tea can reduce symptoms of hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women, likely due to its mild anti-androgenic effects.
3. A study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine highlighted the digestive benefits of spearmint, particularly in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).