Herb library

Spearmint

Mentha spicata

Spearmint, with its bright, cooling scent and gentle flavor, is a long-standing household herb used for digestion, freshening breath, and light aromatic care. It is easy to grow or buy and works well as a simple tea, steam, or rinse.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a gentle digestive tea after meals to soothe mild indigestion and bloating.
• •Traditionally used as a mouth rinse or chewable leaf to freshen breath and ease minor throat irritation.
• •Traditionally used as a warm steam or compress for mild head-based congestion and to lift a heavy, tired feeling.
• •A long-standing household remedy for a calming cup before bed for those who prefer a mild, cooling tea over stronger sedatives.

Simple preparations.

• •Spearmint tea: steep 1 tablespoon fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon dried leaves in 1 cup just-off-boil water for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and sip as needed, up to three cups daily.
• •Steam inhalation for head congestion: pour 2 cups very hot water into a heatproof bowl, add a handful of fresh spearmint leaves, lean over the bowl with a towel over your head, and inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, once or twice a day.
• •Mouth rinse or gargle: steep 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, cool, strain and use as a rinse or gentle gargle up to three times daily (do not swallow large amounts).

Cautions.

• !May cause mild heartburn or worsen reflux in people prone to gastroesophageal reflux, avoid if it seems to aggravate symptoms.
• !Some people can be sensitive and develop skin irritation from concentrated preparations; test a small patch first before using as a compress.
• !Contains menthol-like compounds that can be strong in children; do not give concentrated or large doses to infants, and honey preparations are not for children under one year.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications, check with your doctor before using spearmint regularly.

Often kept beside.