All About Spearmint
Spearmint differs than peppermint in that it has a high carvone and limonene content in its essential oil. In addition to being a good herb for nausea and indigestion, it is has also been used to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce pain and inflammation topically, improve cognitive alertness, repel insects, in reduce respiratory complaints. It has also demonstrated impressive antimicrobial and anthelmintic potential.
Fun Fact
The taste of spearmint differs from peppermint because of its significantly lower menthol content, giving it a much sweeter and delicate flavor.
Spearmint Research
Over 50 research articles have been catalogued on spearmint. It has shown in human studies to have an anti-nausea effect and the potential to improve cognition. Human studies have also demonstrated it may improve menstrual irregularity. In vitro studies have demonstrated antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasite, antioxidant, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and insect repelling potential. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Spearmint Herb and Essential Oil
Latin Name: Mentha spicata
Family: Lamiaceae
Other Names
- Other common names: brook mint, bush mint, curly leaf mint, English mint, Indian mint, Morocan green mint, nana mint, our lady's mint, Scotch spearmint, spire mint, yerba buena, fish mint, garden mint, green mint, lamb mint, mackerel mint, pahari pudina, putiha, sage of Bethlehem
- Other Latin names: M. cardiaca, M. crispa, M. viridis
- Not to be confused with peppermint, which has a much higher menthol content
Plant Description
Spearmint is a mint-like herb with light green spear shaped leaves and light purple, pink, or white flowers; plant spreads rapidly and considered invasive in the Great Lakes region.
Herb Description
Leaves are prepared fresh or dried. For making a tea, steep 1 Tbsp of dried herb, or 2 Tbsp of fresh herb in 2 cups of boiled water for five minutes. Strain and drink.
Essential Oil Description
Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and tops. It is light, minty, and sweet.
Key Constituents
- Carvone
- d-Limonene / Limonene / Dipentene
- Dihydrocarvone
- Beta Myrcene
- 1,8-Cineole / Cineole / Eucalyptol / Cajeputol
