The spearmint Herb

The spearmint herb is an herb of the mint species that originates from Europe and southwest Asia. The name spearmint comes from the fact that this herb has leaves that are pointed. Spearmint is very well known for its great aroma. The herb grows up to 100 cm tall and the stems and foliage can be either hairy or hairless. The herb produces pink or white flowers that look like slender spikes. This tree grows in areas with wet soils. The ideal place to plant this herb is in pots of growers because of its roots that spread very fast. 

The leaves of the spearmint can be used when fresh or when dried up. They can also be used when frozen. Spearmint is usually used mostly for its mint aroma and the carminative oil that it produces.

Uses

1.      On the body

v  Spearmint contains menthol, antioxidants, vitamin A and iron.

v  A decoction of the herb is used to relieve headaches, stress, straining of the nerves and fatigue.

v  The herb also helps with respiratory problems such as bronchitis, catarrh and asthma.

v  The herb is known to relax stomach muscles. It calms down nausea, flatulence and also hiccups.

v  The menthol that is found in the spearmint herb is used as a local anesthetic and it also has counterirritant properties.

v  The oil from the spearmint herb can be used in aromatic therapy for massages.

v  The herb is used in toothpaste and mouth fresheners because of its mint properties.

2.      On the hair

v  The oil helps reduce unwanted hair with its anti-androgenic properties. It is made in to a tea that individuals take when they want to reduce facial hair and hair and unwanted hair in other parts of the body.

3.      On the skin

v  Spearmint is used to make facial creams that make the skin of the face soft and smooth.

v  Spearmint helps to fight off dry skin and always keeps the skin hydrated when it is used.

v  Spearmint has been known to contain properties that fight off acne on all types of skins.

v  Spearmint is also used to get rid of blackheads.

v  It is also used as a moisturizer in places where the skin is tough such as palms and feet.

v  Spearmint is also used to get rid of irritation that is caused by insect bites.

Mixes

v  Spearmint can be mixed with fresh lime juice, sugar, argula leaves, white rum and green tea to make a healthy cocktail.

v  Spearmint can also be mixed with raspberry to make an iced tea that is also very healthy.

v  It can also be mixed with water, green tea leaves and sugar to make a tea.

Precaution

Spearmint is safe to use for all people. It can even be used by pregnant women without them having to worry about anything. It is important however that individuals take precaution when using spearmint so that they can be sure that they are using it in the right way.