Spearmint Uses and Plant Monograph

Spearmint is one of the best known and most beloved herbs. It is in everything from toothpaste, mouthwash, food, candy, and beverages—and of course, it is used for its herbal benefits in many cultures around the world!

Spearmint is thought to be the oldest known of all the mints.¹Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint (Mentha aquatica), so it’s not surprising that spearmint shares many of the same benefits as its more popular offspring.

However, there are a few differences between the two mints. Herbalist Michael Tierra states that peppermint’s and spearmint’s uses are essentially identical, but spearmint is a bit less stimulating.² Many herbalists, including Rosemary Gladstar, note that children seem to prefer spearmint’s sweeter and milder taste over peppermint.³ And there have been in vivo studies conducted on spearmint for hirsutism.^4,5

Let’s look at some of the ways spearmint can be used! 

Energetics

Many herbalists state that spearmint is only cooling, while others mention that it is both cooling and warming.^6,7,8,9,10 Just like peppermint, I think that spearmint is amphoteric: it has cooling and warming aspects.

Spearmint is very calming to the emotions and the nervous system. Yet it is a stimulant too. It is both revitalizing and soothing, which is why it is great for supporting the nervous and digestive systems.

Historic and Traditional Uses

A few hundred years ago, spearmint was the most widely used mint. During physician and herbalist Nicholas Culpeper’s (1616–1654) time, spearmint was used for many of the same uses as today. Culpeper mentioned that spearmint “stays the hiccough, vomiting, and allays the choler (bile)”, “it is good to repress the milk in women’s breasts”, “it eases the pains in the head”, and “the decoction hereof gargled in the mouth, cures the gums and mouth that are sore, and mends an ill-savored breath.”¹¹

Spearmint is a popular herbal tea in present day Morocco; many Moroccans drink spearmint tea daily. A couple ethnobotanical studies researched the cultural and traditional uses of various mints in Morocco and found that spearmint has historically been and continues to be used for many common health problems, including digestive issues, burns, headaches, pregnancy concerns, infections, and hypertension.¹² Spearmint is the most commonly used herb in Morocco for throat issues.¹³ In Morocco the infusion or decoction is also used for more complex health issues, including asthma, diabetes, bronchitis, and kidney issues.¹⁴

Digestive Aid

Spearmint is not only delicious but it is also well known as an effective digestive aid. There are few things better than taking spearmint when you have digestive complaints!

As an aromatic carminative, spearmint relieves dyspepsia, gas, and bloating. It settles upset stomachs, rebalancing normal function, especially in cases of nervous indigestion. Michael Tierra recommends a mix of spearmint and chamomile for flatulence and upset tummies.¹⁵

Spearmint is a strong antispasmodic. It eases painful stomach and intestinal cramps. The infusion and tincture alleviate abdominal spasms caused by gas, food poisoning, and stomach flu.

Spearmint’s calming nature helps soothe nausea and vomiting. I have found it helpful for nausea and puking caused by food intolerances, stomach flu, and menstruation. Many people drink spearmint tea to quell their queasiness from motion sickness or pregnancy. Its refreshing,  pleasant flavor washes away the awful taste left in your mouth after vomiting.

Spearmint can also relieve diarrhea and many of its associated symptoms, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramps, and pain.

Herbalist Kristen Brown recommends spearmint tea for colic in young children.¹⁶ It soothes their digestive system, and it comforts them emotionally. Children seem to like its taste.

Spearmint alleviates more than just common, everyday digestive issues! Ethnobotanist and herbalist James Duke noted that mints were historically used for gallstones. He stated that if he didn’t have access to medical attention, he would make his ‘stone tea’ and drink it. He suggested blending as many mints as possible — especially spearmint and peppermint — as well as cardamom, which is high in borneol (a chemical component which Duke mentioned is helpful for gallstones).¹⁷ If you have gallstones, please consult with your doctor to see whether a spearmint, peppermint, and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) infusion can support your health.

Cold, Flu, and Illness Care

When you have a cold or flu, there is nothing quite as soothing as a hot cup of spearmint tea! If you feel fussy when you are sick, its sedative nature helps settle you down so you can sleep.

Spearmint can also help reduce a fever. Although it is usually best to let a fever run its course, there are times when you want to lower a fever. Spearmint is a diaphoretic and it cools your body down by causing mild sweating. Rosemary Gladstar recommends a mixture of spearmint and catnip (Nepeta cataria) for fevers.¹⁸ While Michael Tierra blends spearmint with elder flowers (Sambucus nigra) for fevers, colds, and flu.¹⁹

Spearmint’s antispasmodic action quells coughs. If it is a hacking cough, spearmint honey or syrup can help quiet things down. Herbalist and aromatherapist Jeanne Rose mentions that spearmint is used for chronic bronchitis.²⁰

Spearmint’s gentle stimulating action may reduce congestion and stuffy noses. A spearmint herbal steam can clear the airways. As an analgesic, spearmint eases headaches and minor body pain. Apply spearmint-infused oil or salve to your forehead, neck, temples, or achy muscles.

Spearmint has antimicrobial properties. In one study, spearmint extracts made with water, ethanol, and other solvents, were tested for their efficacy against a variety of bacteria and fungi species. Spearmint showed antibacterial potency against E. coli, MRSA, VRSA, and more. Spearmint showed good antifungal action against Fusarium oxyspourum, Aspergillus niger, and Verticillium spp.²¹

Support the Nervous System

Spearmint is a nervine, renowned for supporting and strengthening the nervous system. It is both a stimulant and a sedative that can nurture emotional well being. Jeanne Rose notes that its aroma can invoke happiness and joy, which is why she recommends it for relaxation and stress.²² I agree with Michael Tierra who says that spearmint isn’t as stimulating as peppermint!²³ Although spearmint is energizing, I find it a lot more calming than peppermint. Some of my friends can’t drink peppermint tea before bedtime since it is too invigorating for them. However, they have no issues with spearmint. They often drink a cup of spearmint tea at night to help them fall asleep.

Rosemary Gladstar states that spearmint is amphoteric, meaning that it works to bring balance to the body.²⁴ Spearmint has a profound calming effect. As an antispasmodic and calmative, it simultaneously relaxes the mind and body. At the same time, its aroma refreshes and revitalizes the mind so you feel focused. This makes spearmint especially beneficial for mental strain, nervous exhaustion, and tension. When I am stressed or anxious, spearmint helps unwind my tense muscles and soothes my racing thoughts. But when I’m experiencing mental or physical fatigue, it can revive my mind and gently energize my body so I feel renewed.

PCOS and Menstrual Issues

Spearmint may be helpful in cases of hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Studies have indicated that just 2 cups of spearmint infusion per day may reduce extra facial hair growth in women. There was also a reduction in testosterone levels. While the exact mechanism is not known, the results suggest that spearmint might diminish excessive hair growth and may have anti-androgen effects.^25,26

As an antispasmodic, spearmint can also help address menstrual cramps.²⁷ Some other common premenstrual symptoms it can reduce include emotional distress, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive upsets. Spearmint is so calming and relaxing that it reduces stress, anxiety, and depression during menstruation.

Constituents

Spearmint contains essential oil (carvone, limonene), polyphenols, flavonoids (apigenin), tannins, and rosmarinic acid.^28,29

Botanically Speaking

Spearmint is a perennial that is native to Europe and Asia. But it can now be found in many parts of the world, including North America. Like other mints, spearmint has tubular flowers, opposite leaves, a square stem, and it’s very aromatic. Spearmint grows 1 to 2 feet in height. It has serrated, ovate to lance-shaped leaves.

Its small tubular flowers grow in terminal spikes. Spearmint’s flowers range in color from light purple, pink, or white. Spearmint blooms during the summer and autumn. Spearmint prefers full sun to partial shade, and moist soil.³⁰

It is best to propagate spearmint by division or stem cuttings. It thrives in zones 4 to 9.³¹ Spearmint can be found in herb gardens, low open woodlands, water-garden borders, stream banks, and ditches.³² It also grows in mountain, piedmont, and coastal regions.³³ Spearmint can be invasive and it may quickly overtake a garden.

Plant Preparations and Dosage Suggestions

There are so many ways you can use spearmint! Spearmint is tasty on its own, but it’s also great to combine spearmint with other herbs since it improves their taste.

Add the fresh or dried leaves to beverages and savory or sweet foods. In western herbalism, it is usually made into an infusion or a tincture. Spearmint-infused honey and syrup are also delicious! The herb-infused honey and syrup can be added to foods and drinks, or they can be taken for their herbal benefits.

Spearmint-infused vinegar can be used in foods, skin care, and hair care. When using the herb-infused vinegar for skin or hair care, add a teaspoon of the vinegar into a cup of water, and use it immediately.

The herb-infused oil and salve are soothing for irritated skin. Spearmint- infused oil can be used as a face, body, or massage oil. The salve is an excellent lip or body balm.

• Tincture (dried herb): 1:5, 75% alcohol, 30–60 drops (1–2 droppersful), three to five times per day.³⁴
• Tincture (fresh herb): 1:2, 100% alcohol, 30–60 drops (1–2 droppersful), three to five times per day.³⁵
• Infusion: 1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon per cup of water. Steep for 10–20 minutes. Drink one to four cups daily.

 

 

Special Considerations

Spearmint is generally regarded as safe. The Botanical Safety Handbook states that spearmint has no known precautions, contraindications, drug, or supplement interactions.³⁶

Spearmint is used for many children’s ailments.^37,38 Rosemary Gladstar mentions that spearmint is usually more suitable for kids than peppermint.³⁹

Spearmint is safe in moderate amounts during pregnancy and when used for a short amount of time during breastfeeding.⁴⁰ However, it may decrease milk production in some individuals.^41,42