When you think of spearmint leaf, Wrigley’s gum probably comes to mind. It has been around since 1893. It is actually flavored with spearmint oil. Half of all spearmint oil is used to flavor gum and most of the rest is used in toothpastes. Did you know that 13,000 sticks of chewing gum contain one pound of mint oil? Obviously, a little goes a long way!
Spearmint is also called Our Lady’s mint, sage of Bethlehem, menthol mint, silver mint, spiremint, mint, brown mint, and garden mint. The official name is Salvia sclarea. Mint itself includes several species: apple mint, catnip, peppermint, lavender mint orange mint, and Scotch spearmint. Seventy per cent of the world’s mint supply comes from the US with most coming from Washington and Oregon.
Though spearmint is not as popular as peppermint, it does have its own unique flavor. Spearmint plant has a creeping root and unequally serrated and smooth leaves. It is a herbaceous plant with branching, quadrangular, smooth stems, that grow to 2 ft. high. The leaves are the only part of the plant used.
Spearmint is native to the Mediterranean region. Its history goes back thousands of years. In 1568, herbalist John Gerard Writing wrote of ‘spere mynte’, it “rejoiceth the heart…” The Bible mentions mint twice, in Matt. 23:23 and Luke 11:42. Both spoke of religious people tithing the tiniest of leaves. In the Middle Ages spearmint is mentioned as a strewing herb. It was scattered on the floor to get rid of rodents, to give health to those in the house, and to add a beautiful scent. Spearmint made its way to America during the Colonial period. Because mint was not taxed by the English government, it soon became a popular tea substitute during the American Revolution. After the war, spearmint became a significant cash crop in Connecticut. During the American Civil War when imported black tea was hard to get, spearmint’s popularity flourished. It was used to help purify drinking water and as a cleansing tonic. They used spearmint to treat dog bites and wasps and bee stings by mixing salt and mint and applying it directly to the wound.
Spearmint contains volatile oil, the flavonoid thymonin, caffeic acid, rosmaric acid, carvone, and limonene. It also contains aromatic compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, relieve smooth muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, promote sweating, relieve pain and are antiseptic. Spearmint contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues. It has been used to treat indigestion, morning sickness, nausea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, muscle aches, flu, and vomiting. Ice cubes of mint tea are useful to promote healing and to soothe the pain of canker sores.
Externally the application of a strong mixture of spearmint will heal chapped skin. Try inhaling spearmint to relieve tension headaches and to revive memory. You can also dilute sugary drinks with mint tea.
Hirsutism is a condition where women grow excessive hair in areas where hair normally does not grow. Spearmint can help with this because its anti-androgenic properties reduce the level of free testosterone in the blood, while at the same time leaving total testosterone and DHEA unchanged. The recommended dosage is a cup of spearmint tea in the morning and again at night during the five days leading up to ovulation in the menstrual cycle.
There is no known cautions about spearmint. The recommended dosages are as follows: To make a decoction for bath, mix 3 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup of water. For a decoction, mix 2 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. Steep 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. To make an infusion mix 2 tsp dried leaf in one cup water. Steep for 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. Spearmint benefits are safe and useful for children and can be used to provide relief from colic and congestion. The gentle menthol content is also relaxing and warming to the esophagus and a mild anesthetic to mucous membranes of the stomach. Try it to ease motion sickness and to help restore the appetite.
