Mentha spicata is a fragrant herb from the basil family (Lamiaceae). A popular kitchen herb known for its cooling and refreshing flavour, is a key spice in many cuisines, ranging from teas, salads, sauces and desserts. The mint flavor is tasty and freshens breath.
Spearmint is also commonly used in infusion products like chewing gum, essential oil, after-mint, mouthwash, perfumes, and aromatherapy. Besides its culinary uses, it also has many health benefits and has been a herb in traditional medicines since ages.
🌷ETYMOLOGY
The genus name “Mentha” comes from a Greek myth about a nymph named “Minthe” (also known as Menthe) who became Pluto’s mistress. Pluto’s jealous wife transformed Minthe into a mint plant.
🌷THE PLANT
Spearmint is a perennial herb produced from a creeping rhizome and has an upright growth habit. It has squarish stems, cuttings of which are used for its propagation. The simple ovate leaves have serrated margins and are oppositely placed. They have short or no petioles and give off a minty aroma when crushed. Touching the leaves may irritate the skin for some people.
The small tubular white flowers are arranged in a spike inflorescence. Fruits are one seeded nutlets.
🌷GROWING SPEARMINT
The plant is tolerant of many types of soil, but keep soil moist and well drained at all times. It loves full to partial sunlight. Every 3 years, replace plants with new ones. Harvest leaves before or soon after flowering for optimal flavor. After flowering, cut back the plants to promote new growth.
🌷HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPEARMINT
Mentha spicata has numerous outstanding health advantages
🌷RICH IN NUTRIENTS
Mentha spicata is a rich source of vitamin A, iron, folate, manganese and dietary fibre. Though due to its sharp taste it is not consumed in large quantities for us to take advantage of this aspect, still some addition is always helpful.
🌷MASKS BAD BREATH
Mint-flavored chewing gum and breath mints are some of the first things people reach for when trying to get rid of bad breath. However, they only cover up bad breath for a while and don’t reduce the bacteria or other compounds causing bad breath in the first place. On the other hand, drinking peppermint tea and chewing on fresh mint leaves may be able to both mask bad breath and kill bacteria, as test-tube studies have highlighted the antibacterial effects of peppermint oil.
🌷HELPS RELIEVE INDIGESTION
Indigestion may occur when food sits in the stomach for too long before passing into the rest of the digestive tract. Multiple studies have shown that food passes through the stomach quicker when people take peppermint oil with meals, which could relieve symptoms from this type of indigestio.
🌷ALLEVIATES IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive tract disorder characterized by symptoms like stomach pain, gas, bloating and changes in bowel habits.
Peppermint oil contains a compound called menthol, which is thought to help alleviate IBS symptoms through its relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive tract.
🌷IMPROVES MEMORY AND BRAIN FUNCTION
Some studies show that smelling the aroma of peppermint oil may improve memory and alertness, while other studies show no effect. More research is needed to further understand the effects of mint on brain function.
🌷SUBJECTIVELY RELIEVES COLD SYMPTOMS
Many over-the-counter cold and flu treatments contain menthol, a primary compound in peppermint oil. However, multiple studies show that menthol has no decongestant function. That being said, research also shows that menthol can subjectively improve nasal breathing This means that although menthol doesn’t work as a decongestant, it can make people feel like they are breathing through their nose easier. This is likely to provide at least some relief to those affected by a cold or the flu.
🌷DECREASES BREASTFEEDING PAIN
Breastfeeding mothers commonly experience sore and cracked nipples, which can make breastfeeding painful and difficult. Studies have shown that applying peppermint water to the affected skin can help prevent cracked nipples and relieve pain associated with breastfeeding.
🌷EASY TO ADD TO YOUR DIET
You can easily add mint to green salads, desserts, smoothies and even water. Peppermint tea is another popular way to incorporate it into your diet.
🌷Eating fresh leaves: Used to treat bad breath.
🌷Inhaling essential oils: May improve brain function and cold symptoms.
🌷Applying it to the skin: Used to reduce nipple pain from breastfeeding.
🌷Taking capsules with food: May help treat IBS and indigestion.
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