- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia
Europe · Herb · № 218
Mentha spicata
Herb · Europe
Spearmint
Mentha spicata
The classic culinary mint, with the milder carvone instead of menthol. It is drunk as tea for a full stomach and nausea; studies on concentration are small and inconclusive.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Seek advice in pregnancy.
Preparation
Fresh leaf as tea, in sauces and salads.
Use in traditions
Spearmint is the mint of Moroccan mint tea and of mint sauce with lamb in England. The Romans spread it across Europe, and it was a staple of monastery gardens. In herbal magic associated with health, protection, luck and peace (as tea).
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For headache, colds and hay fever.
Preparation and amount
Crush the herb in cold water and lay a cloth soaked in it on the forehead; as a tea.
Caution: Seek advice in pregnancy.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Health, protection, luck, peace (as tea).
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
Focus, concentration, memory, studying.
Preparation and amount
Concentration tea (1 part rosemary, ½ part spearmint: 1 tsp per cup, steep 5–7 min).
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Powder and kitchen