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!

The scientific name for spearmint is Salvia sclarea. Other common names include Our Lady’s mint, spearmint, brown mint, mint, garden mint, sage of Bethlehem, silver mint, menthol mint, and spiremint. There are many different kinds of mint. The list includes catnip, peppermint, lavender mint, apple mint, orange mint, and Scotch spearmint. The US produces 70% of the world’s mint supply, with Washington and Oregon the leading producing states.

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 is effective because it contains the flavonoid thymonin, caffeic acid, volatile oil, carvone, rosmaric acid, and limonene. The aromatic compounds work to increase blood circulation, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, relieve and smooth muscle spasms, relieve pain, promote sweating, and are antiseptic. Spearmint’s astringent compounds shrink inflamed tissues. Spearmint is effective in treating menstrual cramps, flatulence, indigestion, flu, morning sickness, nausea, muscle aches, and vomiting. The pain of canker sores can be soothed by placing ice cubes of mint tea in the mouth.

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.

Some women face a condition called hirsutism. This is excessive hair growth in areas where hair normally does not grow. Spearmint reduces the level of free testosterone in the blood through its anti-androgenic properties. At the same time it leaves total testosterone and DHEA unaffected. Women with hirsutism should drink a cup of spearmint tea in the morning and evening for the five days of the follicular period (the five days leading up to ovulation) of each menstrual cycle.

The recommended dosage is as follows: To make an infusion mix 2 tsp dried leaf in one cup water. Steep for 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. For a decoction, mix 2 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. Steep 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. To make a decoction for bath, mix 3 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. There is no known negative safety information available so feel free to enjoy the Spearmint benefits. Safe and useful for children, spearmint provides relief in colic and congestion. The gentle menthol content is warming and relaxing to the esophagus. Spearmint is mildly anesthetizing to the mucous membranes of the stomach. It also eases motion sickness and will help restore the appetite.

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