Spearmint Leaf | Mentha Spicata | Certified Organic

Description

Fresh and fragrant USDA certified organic Spearmint Leaf.

Originating in the Mediterranean, Spearmint has a history of being used in Greece as an aphrodisiac, perfume and to sent bath water.

As more resent history suggests it may be used to relieve, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues, including common colds. Everyone is familiar with Spearmint as the main ingredient in oral hygiene products and candies that leave a cool, tingling sensation and freshen breath. More scientific study and research is needed.

Botanical Name: Mentha Spicata
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Also Called: Brown Mint, mackerel mint, Our Lady’s Mint, Sage of Bethlehem, Garden Mint, Common Mint, Lamb Mint, Fish Mint, Pea Mint and Mackerel Mint.

Identification

Spearmint has green rounded leaves that are lanced and oblong in shape with opposite sided, paired square stems and lax, tapering spikes of lilac, pink, or white flowers.

Habitat

Spearmint is native to much of Europe and Asia but is now growing in many regions of the world including, Africa, the Americans and several oceanic islands. The herb prefers partial shade and loamy highly mulched soils, but can flourish in full sun to mostly shade as it will grow in almost any temperate climate.

Uses

Tea

Spearmint makes a great tea and is also used in tea blends. A small amount goes a long way.

Try starting out with 1gm of Spearmint per 16 oz of water. Boil the leaf in the water for at least 3 minutes, allow it to cool, and strain out the remaining material. If you would like a stronger or weaker tea you can increase/decrease the amount of leaf used and the amount of time it is boiled in small increments.

Smoking

Spearmint is a smoking herb and has a distinct flavor and aroma but it does not smell or taste like spearmint. Most herbs and flowers do not keep their fragrance when burned. Spearmint does contain Menthol but it is in a much lower concentration that its relative Peppermint.

Smudge

Spearmint is used in Smudging but unfortunately looses much of its flavor and aroma when burned.

Herbal Supplement

Spearmint is used in herbal medicine. Please see above for more details.

This material is meticulously processed and cleaned by hand. Please have a look on our Hand Processing Herbs Page for more information.