By Stephanie Singer
When someone mentions spearmint leaf, most people probably think of Wrigley’s gum. It was first made in 1893. Real spearmint oil is used in its favoring. In fact, almost half of the spearmint oil produced in the US each year is used to flavor gum. Most of the rest is used to flavor toothpastes. The answer is 13,000. The question is, how many sticks of chewing gum can be made from one pound of mint oil?
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.
Spearmint is not as popular as peppermint but is still enjoyed by many. The spearmint plant has a creeping root and erect, branching, quadrangular, smooth stems. The plant grows to about 2 ft. high. Leaves, the only part of the plant used, are unequally serrated and smooth.
Spearmint is native to the Mediterranean region and has a long history. Writing of spere mynte in 1568, herbalist John Gerard said it, “rejoiceth the heart…” Even before this, the Bible mentions mint in Matt. 23:23 and Luke 11:42, both speaking of religious leaders tithing the leaves. In the Middle Ages it was one of the strewing herbs. It was scattered on the floor to give health, a beautiful scent, and to get rid of rodents. Spearmint was shipped to America during the Colonial period. Because mint was untaxed by the English government, it became a popular tea substitute during the American Revolution. Spearmint then became a significant cash crop in Connecticut. Its popularity flourished during the American Civil War when imported black tea was hard to get. It was used as a cleansing tonic and to help purify drinking water. Dog bites, wasps and bee stings were treated with a mixture of salt and mint applied 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 decoction of spearmint will heal chapped skin. Spearmint can be inhaled to relieve tension headache and to revive memory. Sugary juices can be diluted with herbal teas such as mint.
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.
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.
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Spearmint Herb
provides relief from muscle spams, increased blood circulation, treated indigestion and more health boosting benefits to those who use it regularly. To find out more about this and other
bulk herbs
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