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 not as popular as peppermint, spearmint is still enjoyed by many. Spearmint plant has a creeping root. It is a herbaceous plant with erect, branching, quadrangular, smooth stems, growing to 2 ft. high. Leaves are unequally serrated and smooth. Only the leaves are used for herbal remedies or flavoring.

Spearmint is actually native to the Mediterranean region. It is mentioned in the Bible in Matthew. 23:23 and Luke 11:42, both speaking of religious leaders tithing the leaves. In the Middle Ages it was used as a strewing herb, and scattered on the floor to get rid of rodents, as well as to give health, and a beautiful scent to the room. In 1568, John Gerard wrote of spere mynte , that it “rejoiceth the heart…” Spearmint crossed to America during the Colonial period. Being untaxed by the English government, spearmint became a popular tea substitute during the American Revolution and later a significant cash crop in Connecticut. It really became popular during the American Civil War because the more popular black tea was very hard to get. It was used to purify water and as a cleansing tonic. A mixture of salt and mint applied directly to the skin was used to treat wounds, dog bites, and wasps and bee stings.

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.

Some women suffer from hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth in locations where hair normally does not grow. Spearmint’s anti-androgenic properties reduce the level of free testosterone in the blood, while leaving total testosterone and DHEA unaffected. Drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day for five days can reduce androgen levels in women with hirsutism. The dosage is 1 c. morning and evening during each of the 5 days of the follicular period (the five days leading up to ovulation) of each menstrual cycle.

What is the recommended dosage of spearmint leaves? For a decoction: mix 2 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. Steep 10 min. Do not boil. Strain.  For an infusion: mix 2 tsp dried leaf in one cup water. Steep for 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. For a bath decoction: mix 3 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water and follow the above directions. There are no known side effects to spearmint. It is safe and useful for children.  Use it for relief in colic and congestion for the gentle menthol content is warming and relaxing to the esophagus. Spearmint has a mild  anesthetic effect to the mucous membranes of the stomach and can thus ease motion sickness and help restore the appetite.