When you think of spearmint leaf leaves, you probably think of Wrigley’s gum that has been around since 1893. Indeed, it is flavored with spearmint oil. In fact, about half of all spearmint oil is used to flavor gum, another 45% for toothpastes. We are told that 13,000 sticks of chewing gum contain one pound of mint oil. So it goes a long way!

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.

Though spearmint is not as popular as peppermint, it does have its own unique flavor. Spearmint plant has a creeping root and unequally serrated and smooth leaves. It is a herbaceous plant with branching, quadrangular, smooth stems, that grow to 2 ft. high. The leaves are the only part of the plant used.

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 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 benefits of spearmint? 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.