Spearmint

Mentha spicata

Other names: Spearmint

Edible plant

European

Photo credit: Simon Eugster -- Simon 13:07, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

Toxicity: None known at culinary doses; benign aromatic.

Contraindications: None specified by source.

Interactions: None specified by source.

Evidence level

Traditional (systematized)

Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.

culinary herb (mint sauce/jelly), infusion/tea, distilled mint water, spirit of spearmint, essential oil, homeopathic tincture · herb/oil

Part used: herb/oil

Traditional use: hiccough, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, colic (infusion/water); pleasant febrifuge beverage; mild diuretic

Proposed mechanism: stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic (milder than peppermint, better adapted for children)

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

Edible parts: leaves widely culinary (sauce, jelly, with peas/potatoes, drinks)

Distinguish garden mints from Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) (toxic/abortifacient oil) and from non-mint square-stemmed plants when foraging.

Culinary flavouring; aids digestion; minor nutritional value.

European

Sources (1)