Spearmint, also known as Fish Mint, Garden Mint,green mint or menthe verte. Mentha spicata syn. Mentha viridis. Plant Family: Lamiaceae. Mint is a hardy herbaceous perennial, native to Europe and southwest Asia and now found cultivated in North America and most temperate regions across the globe. Mint has a variety of uses in both sweet and savoury dishes; it is a common flavouring in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking where it is used in salads, teas, chutneys, relishes and sauces. Mint has a distinctive, refreshing flavour that is particularly pleasant in summer drinks, soups and salads, and classic mint sauce.
11 Surprising Benefits of Spearmint Tea and Essential Oil
- Good for Digestive Upsets. Spearmint is commonly used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting and gas
- High in Antioxidants
- May Aid Women With Hormone Imbalances
- May Reduce Facial Hair in Women
- May Improve Memory
- Fights Bacterial Infections
- May Lower Blood Sugar
- May Help Reduce Stress.
Spearmint has a pleasantly sweet taste and is frequently used to flavor toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum and candy. One common way to enjoy this herb is brewed into a tea, which can be made from either fresh or dried leaves. It has no caffeine but is naturally invigorating due to it’s flavor and natural “chill” from the menthol, making it perfect for a good start in the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. This lack of caffeine also makes it perfect for an evening or pre-bedtime tea. It’s also great for after meals to aid digestion. It helps to sooth upset tummies and calm nausea as well. Mint tea also helps many pregnant women, especially helping with morning sickness during the first trimester. Please, please ask your midwife or GP before using if pregnant or breast feeding. Measure about one tablespoon per cup (if the leaves are pretty much whole) or one teaspoon per cup (if the leaves are broken up a lot) and steep in freshly boiled water for five to ten minutes. Strain and if required add a teaspoon of honey and a slice of lemon. For a super relaxing tea, mix half a cup of mint leaves with 2-3 tablespoons lavender. Store in a clean, dry jar and use as above. ….and breathe!!!! aaahh. Moroccan Mint tea: mix 1/2 cup Gunpowder green tea, 1/3 cup dried mint and 1/4 cup lemon verbena. Serve with ample sugar or honey if desired. How about a lemony twist with masses of healthy properties: 1/2 cup dried mint, 1/2 cup dried lemon balm, 1/2 cup dried lemongrass, (optional) a dash of dried lemon zest. Try this tea with a wedge of fresh lemon for extra flavor. As a tummy soother: Mint is famed for its ability to soothe many a stomach ailment. In fact, along with fennel, ginger and other stomach-supporters, it’s one of the highest recommended herbs for digestion. Here’s how to get your own batch ready for any time you might need it:
1 cup dried mint, 1/4 cup fennel seeds, (optional) 1/8 cup finely chopped dried ginger. Add honey for extra yumminess and benefits. For a floral twist combine mint with rosehips and hibiscus–two especially sweet-tart flowers that balance out the fresh flavor of mint nicely.
1/2 cup dried mint leaves, 1/2 cup dried rosehips, 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers and (I know I’m a bore) a teaspoon of honey and a slice of lemon. Beautifully fruity and floral. Nettle leaf and raspberry leaf have both been shown to aid in deeply nourishing pregnant women and in reducing problems that can occur during pregnancy and labor. Mix 4 cups dried raspberry leaf, 1 cup dried nettle leaves, 1/2 cup dried mint. Enjoy with organic honey or other sweeteners if desired. Unless your herbalist says otherwise, drink this blend for three weeks, then switch to a variation without nettles for three weeks. (While safe for pregnancy, nettles are quite strong, and many herbalists recommend taking a break between extended uses.) Two mixes that are great for colds, sore throats, and fevers. Steep for longer than most brews–10 to 20 minutes is ideal: 1/2 cup dried mint and 1/2 cup dried sage leaf. OR: 1/2 cup dried mint, 1/4 cup dried yarrow leaves (or leaves and flowers), 1/4 cup dried elderflower blossoms. For sore throats and coughs, add a little honey (preferably organic, local honey). A slice of fresh lemon will help as well.
Always be sure to research thoroughly any new herbs you are going to take and if using prescribed drugs have a chat to your GP first.