Spearmint

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Choose Spearmint for Restoration and Refreshment

by Mira Dessy

Mentha spicata, commonly referred to as spearmint, is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family that grows very well in most temperate climates. The plant is hardy, growing in full sun to mostly shade. It is usually grown in pots or containers due to its habit of invasively spreading through rhiozomatic roots.

Spearmint is both edible and medicinal, grown primarily for its carminative oil, extracted from the leaves, which lose their aroma after the plant flowers, and flowers. [Wikipedia, February 23 2008] There are currently no known contraindications on the use of spearmint.

Spearmint is a popular flavor, used in toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, gum and confectionery. There are many references in various older herbals for using mint as a scent in bath water believed to be both restorative and calming.

Another household use is a mint repellent. As popular as spearmint is with humans, it is unpopular with rodents who apparently dislike the smell so much that they will not touch any food near where the herb has been strewn, either in dried or fresh form. [botanical.com]

As a carminative spearmint is useful for treating intestinal spasms and for flatulence, however the list of uses as an alternative medicine is long and include: “treatment of fevers, bronchitis, chills, cramps, chronic gastritis, common cold, headache, indigestion, morning sickness, motion sickness, nasal congestion, nausea, and halitosis.†[Alternative Nature Online Herbal]

Spearmint is primarily used as a decoction, or tea, 1 teaspoon of dried leaves steeped in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and then strained. It can be consumed either hot or cold depending on personal preference.

Because of its known properties as a stomach soothing remedy it can be drunk anytime of day to relieve stomach aches or as a mild fever reducer. As a refreshing drink on a hot day use a couple of fresh leaves slightly crushed and added to a glass of cool water or iced tea.

A recent research study published in Phytotherapy Research revealed that drinking spearmint tea twice a day was effective at reducing excessive hair growth in women. Many women suffer from a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which causes, among other things, higher amounts of androgen, male sex hormones. This leads to a decrease in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and an increase in testosterone.

The decoction of spearmint appeared to reverse these two symptoms. Study leaders say that more research is needed and that women who have PCOS should not rely solely on spearmint tea for treatment, but it does appear to be a beneficial aid to treatment. [News-Medical.Net, February 21, 2007]

Another line of research reveals that spearmint may have uses as an anti-migraine remedy. Marjorie Nieh, Ph.D., an Organic Chemist, is responsible for this discovery. She believes that a component of spearmint known as terpenoids may be responsible for the efficacy of the treatment she found. She promotes further study as this could prove to be a low-cost, natural remedy.

Dosing is quite high with 6-7 cups within 90 minutes of the start of a migraine recommended. Further recommendations are to drink several glasses a day of a diluted decoction for prophylaxic treatment. [Wise Woman Ezine, November 2005]

Because of its many uses, distinct and delicious flavor, and easy growth, spearmint is a plant that should be considered, although contained, for any garden.

About the AuthorMira Dessy is the owner of Grains & More and teaches whole grain cooking and nutrition classes. She is currently studying Nutrition Education through Bauman College and is a member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals

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