Spearmint (Mentha Spicata)
Spearmint (Mentha Spicata) is a cooling dry herb with a very distinctive taste and scent which is distinct from peppermint by the lack of a cooling sensation after chewing that is common with peppermint.
Spearmint has very similar properties and uses to peppermint but is much milder and is therefore more suitable for use in remedies for children. It is wonderful to use for bladder and kidney infections due to it’s gentle diaphoretic and diuretic properties not to mention being great for calming nerves and upset stomachs.
Spearmint can be used in cosmetics and shampoo and can help to freshen the breath either by chewing the leaves or making an infusion and using it as a mouthwash. Spearmint can also be used to soothe insect bite and makes an effective insect repellent keeping mosquitoes and ants at bay.
Spearmint can also be used as a mild decongestant for illnesses such as the common cold. Spearmint is often added to herbal remedies due to it’s pleasant taste.
BENEFITS
Spearmint is a cooling dry herb that can be effective when used for a number of conditions.
Therapeutic action
Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Stimulant, Carminative, Anti-spasmodic, Aromatic, Nervine (sedative), Condiment, Nephritic and Anti-emetic.
Can be used for the following issues:
Colic, Flatulence, Dyspepsia, Spasms, Nausea, Vomiting, Urinary Problems, Haemorrhoids, Inflammation of Kidneys and Bladder, Calming Nerves and Stomach Conditions
Digestive issues- Spearmint is a sedative herb with carminative properties and like its more commonly known counterpart Peppermint, Spearmint an be used to relieve stomach cramping, bloating and gas as well as relieving feelings of nausea, as it is slightly milder than Peppermint it can be preferred by children.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Spearmint can be effective in soothing bladder and kidney infections due to its diuretic and stimulant properties.
Calms Nerves/Anxiety – Due to its sedative properties Spearmint is excellent is helping to calm nerves and help with feelings of anxiety and stress.
Nausea/Travel Sickness/Morning Sickness – Spearmint is an anti-emetic which means it is effective in relieving feelings of nausea and can be effective as a travel sickness remedy.
Insect Repellent - Spearmint is effective in keeping mosquitoes and ants at bay, it can also soothe insect bits.
Freshens Breath - Spearmint can be chewed or gargled to help freshen breath.
Decongestant - Spearmint is an effective decongestant due to it’s menthol properties.
HOW TO USE SPEARMINT
Spearmint can be taken in a number of forms such as fluid extract, infusion and tincture. However, boiling is not advised as the volatile oils, possessing most of the therapeutic value will dissipate into the air and the remaining fluid will not be as effective.
DOSAGES
The basic dosages are as follows:
Tincture - ½ - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
Infusion - 1 tablespoon as needed.
Powdered - 1 - 4 grams 2 - 3 times per day.
Oil - 1 - 3 drops as needed.
Fluid Extract - ¼ - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
A hot infusion is made by steeping the herb in boiling water for between 15 – 20 minutes, many herbal teas are made in this way.
A cold Infusion is made by soaking the herb in cold water or milk for between 6 – 8 hours.
You can make a batch of both hot and cold infusions and store for several days in the fridge.
Poultices are made from ground or chopped herbs that are mixed with boiled water until they form a paste which can then be applied to muslin and then applied to the skin. Applied cold they draw out heat, infection and inflammation when applied hot they soothe pain and spasms.
WAYS TO USE
ORALLY
Digestion
Drinking a warm infusion of Spearmint tea can be effective in relieving digestive issues particularly upset stomachs. Can be used as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of warm Spearmint tea 3 times a day, smaller doses may be used if the stomach is particularly sensitive or for children, increasing as needed.
Tincture - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
Urinary Tract Infections
Drinking a cold infusion of Spearmint can help relieve kidney and bladder infections. Can be used as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of cold Spearmint tea 3 times a day or as needed until infection clears.
Tincture - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
Calm Nerves
Drinking a warm infusion of Spearmint tea can be effective in calming frayed nerves and relieving stress and anxiety. Can be used as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of warm Spearmint tea 3 times a day or as needed.
Tincture - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
Nausea
A warm infusion of Spearmint tea is effective at relieving nausea, travel sickness and morning sickness. Can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of warm Spearmint tea 3 times a day for as long as needed or as needed
Tincture - Take 1 tea 3 times per day.
Breath Freshener
Gargling with a cold infusion of Spearmint tea can be used to freshen breath. Chewing a leaf of Spearmint will also freshen breath.
Make a warm infusion and allow it to cool, gargle as needed.
Chew 1 - 2 leaves as needed.
WASHES/POULTICES
Bites and Stings
An infusion of Spearmint can be used as an effective antiseptic wash to clean and soothe bites and stings.
Using a cold infusion of Spearmint soak a clean cloth and gently clean apply over the affected area 2 - 3 times per day.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all herbs there is the slight possibility of allergic reactions, although this is rare. Spearmint is generally considered safe to use.