Spearmint: Health benefits and more. Spearmint, or Mentha spicata is a pleasant-smelling species of mint found in health-food products, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and cosmetics. It is often used in medicine for its claimed therapeutic properties.
What is spearmint used for medicinally?
Overview. Spearmint is an herb. The leaves and oil are used to make medicine. Spearmint is used for digestive disorders including gas, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, upper gastrointestinal tract spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bile duct and gallbladder swelling (inflammation), and gallstones.
Can humans eat spearmint?
Fresh spearmint also contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals iron and calcium. Mint is safe for most people and consuming it doesn’t typically cause side effects. Allergies to mint are uncommon.
Is mint is a medicinal plant?
Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains. There are several uses in traditional medicine and preliminary research for possible use in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Menthol from mint essential oil (40–90%) is an ingredient of many cosmetics and some perfumes.
Can you chew spearmint leaves?
Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation. Menthol oil is contraindicated in children to use topically as it may cause breathing difficulties.
What can I use spearmint leaves for?
Uses for Mint Leaves
- Make your own mint syrup. Mint syrup can be used to flavor your summer drinks, snow cones, desserts and more.
- Perk up your pesto.
- Utilize as an insect repellent.
- Chew for fresh breath.
- Give your potatoes some pop.
- Fancy up your beverages.
- Spice up your salads.
- Give your butter a boost.
What can I use fresh spearmint for?
It’s an incredibly versatile, tasty herb.
- Add Fresh Mint to Greek Yogurt with Berries.
- Make Tea from Fresh Mint Leaves.
- Change Up Your Protein Smoothie.
- Mix Up Your Salad Game.
- Mint Sauce and Mint Jelly.
- Make a Mint Lime Fizzler.
- Cool Off This Summer with Watermelon Mint Popsicles.
Can I drink spearmint tea everyday?
Spearmint extract has most often been used by adults at a dose of 900 mg by mouth daily for up to 90 days. Spearmint tea has most often been used as two cups daily for up to 16 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
What are the benefits of drinking spearmint tea?
Potential Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea
- Lower Blood Pressure. Spearmint contains the compound (-)-carvone.
- Help with Digestive Issues. Spearmint may also contribute to a healthier stomach and alleviate symptoms like nausea.
- Improved Memory.
- Lower Blood Sugar.
- Antioxidant-Related Benefits.
What’s the difference between spearmint and mint?
1. Menthol: Both spearmint and peppermint contain menthol, but spearmint has 0.5 percent menthol while peppermint has forty percent menthol, giving peppermint its signature numbing flavor. 2. Taste: Spearmint has a subtler, lighter flavor, vaguely sweet flavor.
Does spearmint settle your stomach?
Spearmint may help to relieve symptoms of digestive problems, by relaxing the stomach muscles, reducing symptoms of nausea, and other digestive problems.
Are any mint plants poisonous to humans?
There is at least one poisonous doppelganger, and it can even hybridize with edible mints, making unknown breeds of mint-like plants unsafe: Pennyroyal. So, it sounds like, for safety reasons, you should not eat unknown mint-like plants.
Is chewing mint leaves healthy?
Mint’s health benefits range from improving brain function and digestive symptoms to relieving breastfeeding pain, cold symptoms and even bad breath. You really can’t go wrong adding some mint to your diet.
Is spearmint good for skin?
Used topically and cosmetically, the antioxidant quality of Spearmint Essential Oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections, such as discoloration. It is believed to help reveal a new layer of skin, thus increasing skin’s resilience and elasticity.
Does spearmint plant repel mosquitoes?
Spearmint and peppermint are reputed to work well against insects like mosquitoes, flies, and spiders, making them ideal for the backyard garden.
When should I drink spearmint tea?
Spearmint oil is also very important in inhibiting the growth of various bacterial strains in the body, thus improving the immunity of the body. Drink a cup of spearmint tea every morning to avoid getting a cold and prevent symptoms of viral fever.
Is spearmint tea good diabetes?
Blood Sugar
If you are looking to avoid sugar crashing or if you are dealing with diabetes, spearmint tea can be an awesome choice in helping you to maintain your health balance. Studies have shown that spearmint is significantly effective at lowering blood sugar levels.
Is it OK to boil mint leaves?
Steep mint leaves in boiling water for a few minutes and add lemon and honey for extra flavor and health benefits. See my instagram post HERE for a fun recipe! Make a mint syrup that’s easy to grab and use anytime to add flavor to drinks, desserts, and more.
Which is better peppermint or spearmint tea?
Peppermint or spearmint, whichever mint you use, you will be able to enjoy delicious refreshing and cooling flavor. However, for a lighter and sweeter flavor, opt for spearmint leaves, and for the cooler and sharper taste, peppermint will be the best.
Can we drink mint water daily?
You can drink refreshing mint water all day to stay healthy and hydrated. You may also notice improvements in your digestive system if you favor mint water over other higher calorie beverages.
How do you make spearmint oil?
Place half of the mint leaves in the jar of a blender with enough oil to cover; blend for 2 minutes. Add remaining leaves and oil and blend for 2 minutes more. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight. Strain mint oil through cheesecloth and discard solids.