Spearmint Leaf (Mentha spicata) – Dried Herb, Organic

Spearmint is a resilient perennial herb with bright green leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean area but now is commonly grown worldwide. This herb is a member of the botanical family called Lamiaceae. Spearmint is very pleasant smelling and is full of vitamins, phytonutrients as well as antioxidants. Its leaves and stalk carry the essential oil of menthol but much less than peppermint, making it a milder, gentler herb and more subtly fragrant.

Spearmint has been an important medical herb for thousands of years and was used by the ancient Pharisees as a payment fee in the temples. This mint is commonly used as tea and makes an uplifting addition to herbal blends. An infusion of Spearmint leaves has long been used for stomach upsets.

Properties:

In Ayurvedic Medicine Spearmint is considered a pungent herb with a cooling temperature. It helps to move Kapha energy while calming Pitta and balancing Vata, meaning it helps circulation while cooling inflammation. It helps to release excessive energy in digestion as well as facilitating digestion.

Spearmint has an affinity for the bladder and urinary tract as a cool but gentle diuretic herb. It can cool the thoughts when emotionally driven and so is thought to be relaxing in all inflammatory conditions. In Traditional Chinese medicine Spearmint helps to move the liver meridians and encourages the bronchial passages to open while fighting off germs. 

Traditional Western Herbalists have long connected Spearmint with its ability to cool overheated states, like irritability and anger, which in turn can help ease  the heart with emotional blockages and irritations. Spearmint is most useful with digestion which includes nausea, flatulence and hiccups as it helps to relax the stomach muscles. In the same way it can help ease headache, fatigue and nervous strain.

Spearmint is useful when used in creams or lotions for itching and skin irritations. It is well known as flavouring toothpastes and mouthwashes as the menthol has refreshing and analgesic properties.

For digestion combine Spearmint with Ginger root, Lavender flowers and Fennel seed. For the nervous system combine Spearmint with Catnip, Lemon balm, Passion flower or Chamomile.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Spearmint to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink 1/2 cup when needed. Children may have teaspoon doses when fretful.

Enjoy Spearmint in the deliciously scented and visually beautiful pleasure tea known as Gaia Balancing tea.

Cautions & contraindications:

Consult your health practitioner to use Spearmint in pregnancy. When taken in limits, Spearmint tea can be used safely in pregnancy. Do not consume if you have kidney or liver disorders.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.