Description

Spearmint – the relative of a pepper mint

Scientific name – Mentha Spicata

Spearmint is a type of mint. The leaves are 3-5 cm long, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, deeply divided around, slightly hairy and with pointed edges. The flowers are lilac, small and arranged in a circle. All parts of the plant have an aromatic, peppery smell that differs from the smell of peppermint.

Spearmint has been known since antiquity where it was rubbed on the body as a perfume. Dioscorides, Hippocrates and Pliny often mentioned it as a plant with great medicinal value and a beautiful aroma. But also, the Chinese and the Arabs, attributed to it many healing properties and perfumed their bath water with it.

Some of the healing properties

• has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunoregulatory action
• is extremely diuretic, antispasmodic and antiperspirant
• lowers triglycerides
• has excellent antifungal properties (e.g. eradicates the fungus Candida albicans as well as fungi that occur during the decomposition of food)
• is calming and enhances memory
• against hiccups
• for bladder and bile stones, urinary retention and inflammation of the kidneys
• effective against hemorrhoids
• has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and is good for headaches, migraines, palpitations, tremors, insomnia and convulsions
• its oil acts as a shield against harmful radiation and chemotherapy

Some ways to use

• Decoction: Boil for a few minutes a few leaves in a pot of water, strain it and drink it hot.
• Infusion: Put a teaspoon in a pot of hot water and leave it for half an hour.
• External use: Rubbing with spearmint leaves on affected areas, soothes the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.
• Gargle: Pour a few drops of essential oil in lukewarm water, in cases of tonsillitis, gingivitis and inflammation of the nasopharynx.
• For foot massage: Mix 50 ml of almond oil with 30 drops of spearmint essential oil and gently massage it into the calves and soles. In this way, you will fight foot odor and fungal growth.

Precautions

Care must be taken in the use of spearmint essential oil, because in large doses it is toxic. Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as children.

In general, spearmint needs moderation in its consumption, as it has been shown that in high doses it can cause liver and kidney problems.

CAUTION!!!

The presentation of herbs is for informational purposes only. Herbs should be consumed with caution and with the consent of the doctor, especially for those who are receiving medical treatment, but also for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.

Herbs are not drugs, nor should we consume them recklessly. They cannot cure all diseases. Plants should be used in moderation and always on the advice of experts who know better. Before using any herb, it is essential to make sure it is the right one. Misidentification of herbs is often the cause of many side effects.