Exploring the Soothing Benefits of Spearmint
Few aromatic herbs possess the enduring charm and versatility of mints. With a variety of captivating flavors and invigorating aromas, mints have been enchanting people for centuries. Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is probably the second most well-known mint, right behind peppermint. Unfortunately, spearmint is often relegated to gum and toothpaste flavoring. Despite being frequently overlooked, spearmint is a valuable addition to any garden and home apothecary.
Herbal Monograph
Latin Name: Mentha spicata
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Taste: Pungent, aromatic, minty
Medicinal Parts: Leaves and sometimes the flowers
Properties: Digestive support, reduces nausea, helpful with morning sickness, reduces gas and bloating, improves circulation, oral health, relaxing nervine
Preparations: Tea, sparkling water, infused honey, syrup, infused oil, infused vinegar, glycerite, tincture, capsule, soap
Precautions: Generally regarded as safe, but avoid or use caution if you have a mint sensitivity or allergy
History
Spearmint's cultural significance spans continents and centuries. Originating in Europe and Asia, it has journeyed across the globe, spreading its aromatic charm. The culinary heritage of spearmint dates back to ancient Greece, where its use in cooking became a tradition. From ancient remedies to modern culinary delights, spearmint's versatility has left an enduring impact on culinary and medicinal practices worldwide. Revered not only for its culinary appeal but also for its potential health benefits, spearmint remains a beloved herb that continues to inspire creativity in kitchens worldwide.
Culinary Versatility
Spearmint, with its sweet and cooling flavor, is a prized ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. From teas to candies, and savory lamb dishes to refreshing beverages; spearmint adds a burst of freshness that elevates any culinary creation. The fresh aromatic leaves, often added towards the end of cooking, enhance the flavor of many dishes. In Greek cuisine, spearmint is a staple in dishes featuring cheese, tomatoes, rice, and meats. Beyond home kitchens, spearmint is widely used in commercial food products and confections, prized for its aromatic essence and decorative appeal. Whether garnishing a cocktail, flavoring a dessert, or brewing a soothing tea, spearmint invites exploration and experimentation in the kitchen.
Medicinal Benefits and Uses
Beyond its culinary applications, spearmint boasts an array of medicinal properties.
Digestive Support: Spearmint offers gentle relief for digestive discomfort, making it suitable even for young children. Its soothing properties help calm upset stomachs and alleviate bloating and cramping, providing gentle yet effective digestion support. Spearmint's efficacy extends to managing conditions like IBS, offering comfort and relief to those in need.
Fluid Regulation: Exhibits gentle diuretic properties, aiding in fluid balance within the body.
Relaxing Nervine: Calms the nervous system, promoting relaxation while also bringing energy where needed.
Respiratory Aid: Spearmint tea brings relief to a taxed respiratory system, soothing sore throats, alleviating chest tightness, and easing congestion. Its aromatics clears the sinuses and sharpens mental clarity, offering relief from respiratory woes.
Memory Aid: There are a few studies that show that spearmint has a positive effect on learning and improving memory.
Fever Reducer: spearmint is a relaxing diaphoretic herb that allows body heat to leave by relaxing the muscles
Antioxidant: Spearmint is rich in antioxidant compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, which helps it prevent damage from free radicals, which helps to prevent damage.
Anti-inflammatory: In addition to the antioxidant properties, spearmint has anti-inflammatory properties, helping with arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions.
Topical Application: Spearmint offers a refreshing cooling sensation through vasodilation when applied topically, promoting improved blood circulation. This enhanced circulation not only invigorates the skin but also aids in its healing process.
Spearmint tincture can be used medicinally to help calm the nerves, especially when blending with chamomile and lemon balm, but spearmint tincture can be used in the kitchen as well. You may know spearmint tincture by its more common moniker: mint extract. Spearmint tincture (mint extract) is quite easy to make. Using fresh, clean, dry mint leaves, roughly chop and bruise them and place them into a small mason jar so that they fill the jar by about 1/3-1/2 full. Cover the spearmint leaves with vodka. Put the lid on, and give it a swirl or shake to ensure the leaves are well immersed in alcohol. As the herbs soak up the vodka, you may need to add more. Let the spearmint macerate in the vodka for 4-8 weeks, giving it an occasional swirl or shake. Strain out the herbs and bottle up your tincture/extract in cute bottles with labels.
Essential oil
The essential oil of spearmint is minty fresh, invigorating, and full of joy. This oil is a great option to reach for when you need to calm down and focus. This versatile oil boasts antimicrobial properties, soothes unsettled stomachs, reduces pain and inflammation, clears respiratory congestion, and is a perfect addition to DIY cleaners. However, exercise caution when using it around young children and small pets, and always dilute it properly with a carrier oil before applying topically.
Hydrosol
The hydrosol of spearmint is cool and invigorating and carries a fresh, minty scent that is revitalizing. It melts away tension and promotes a positive outlook. Use spearmint hydrosol to calm a queasy stomach or freshen your breath with a simple mouth spray. You can also create a refreshing room spray by using it as a base, bringing a revitalizing scent into your living space.
Working with Spearmint
Soothing Mint Balm
This balm can be used as a general skin balm for soothing inflamed skin, or as a nourishing lip balm.
1/2 oz (by weight) of spearmint-infused oil (avocado oil or jojoba oil work great)
1 oz (by weight) mango butter
1/2 oz (by weight) beeswax
optional: ~3 drops of spearmint essential oil
Using a double boiler setup, melt the beeswax in a heatproof jar or Pyrex.
Add the mango butter to the melted beeswax and allow it to melt as well.
Once melted, add the spearmint-infused oil to the mixture and mix everything well.
Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly, but not harden.
Once cooled a bit, add the optional spearmint essential oil and blend thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into small tins or lip gloss tubes.
Allow the balm to cool and solidify before use. Be sure to label and date the containers.
Mint-o-riffic Relaxation
Prepare a foot soak in a basin big enough for your feet using about 2 Tbsp of your preferred salt, whether it's Epsom, Himalayan, Dead Sea, or a blend. Add a tablespoon of your favorite carrier oil infused with lemon balm and spearmint, along with 1-2 drops of spearmint essential oil. Be sure to stir the water to disperse the essential oil along with the carrier oil, rather than letting the essential oil sit on top of the water. If you have fresh mint growing, feel free to throw in a few sprigs to infuse into the water.
Meanwhile, brew a calming tea using a blend of equal parts spearmint, catnip, and tulsi.
Set up your diffuser with a blend of one drop of spearmint, 3 drops of lemon, and 3 drops of balsam fir.
Settle into a cozy chair, dip your feet into the foot bath, and sip on your minty tea. Feel the stress and tension melt away as the refreshing aroma of spearmint envelops you, bringing relaxation to both body and mind. Allow your stress and worries to melt away while your tired muscles are refreshed and soothed.
From its ancient origins to its modern-day applications, spearmint continues to be a captivating and versatile aromatic herb. Whether refreshing our palates, soothing our digestive woes, or enveloping us in relaxation, spearmint is a delightful herb to work with. Go ahead, and embrace the minty freshness of spearmint. Incorporating it into your life. Here's to enriching our lives one leaf at a time.