Spearmint Mentha spicata

Botanical Information

Common Names: Spearmint, Garden Mint

Botanical Name: Mentha spicata

Family: Lamiaceae

Description: A fragrant, bright green perennial mint with pointed leaves and soft spear-shaped flower spikes. Gentler than peppermint, spearmint is cooling, uplifting, and balancing to digestion and the nervous system.

History & Tradition

• An ancient culinary and medicinal herb used by Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.
• Traditionally used to ease nausea, freshen breath, and “gladden the heart.”
• A staple tea herb for soothing digestion and mild anxiety.

Cultivation & Parts Used

Parts Used: Leaf and flowering tops.

Growing Conditions: Moist soils, full to partial sun; spreads vigorously by runners.

Collection: Harvest during flowering for highest aromatic content.

Doctrine of Signatures

The bright green leaves and refreshing aroma signify clarity, lightness, cooling, and the ability to shift stagnant moods or digestion.

Medicinal & Energetic Properties

Constituents

Carvone, limonene, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids.

Actions

Carminative • Antispasmodic • Nervine • Digestive