Mint Tea Leaves
Posted on Thursday, November 11th, 2010 at 2:22 am
Spearmint Leaf Is An Effective Antiseptic And More
When you think of spearmint leaves, you probably think of Wrigley’s gum that has been around since 1893. Indeed, it is flavored with spearmint oil. In fact, about half of all spearmint oil is used to flavor gum, another 45% for toothpastes. We are told that 13,000 sticks of chewing gum contain one pound of mint oil. So it goes a long way!
The scientific name for spearmint is Salvia sclarea. Other common names include Our Lady’s mint, spearmint, brown mint, mint, garden mint, sage of Bethlehem, silver mint, menthol mint, and spiremint. There are many different kinds of mint. The list includes catnip, peppermint, lavender mint, apple mint, orange mint, and Scotch spearmint. The US produces 70% of the world’s mint supply, with Washington and Oregon the leading producing states.
Though spearmint is not as popular as peppermint, it does have its own unique flavor. Spearmint plant has a creeping root and unequally serrated and smooth leaves. It is a herbaceous plant with branching, quadrangular, smooth stems, that grow to 2 ft. high. The leaves are the only part of the plant used.
Spearmint is native to the Mediterranean region and has a long history. Writing of spere mynte in 1568, herbalist John Gerard said it, “rejoiceth the heart…” Even before this, the Bible mentions mint in Matt. 23:23 and Luke 11:42, both speaking of religious leaders tithing the leaves. In the Middle Ages it was one of the strewing herbs. It was scattered on the floor to give health, a beautiful scent, and to get rid of rodents. Spearmint was shipped to America during the Colonial period. Because mint was untaxed by the English government, it became a popular tea substitute during the American Revolution. Spearmint then became a significant cash crop in Connecticut. Its popularity flourished during the American Civil War when imported black tea was hard to get. It was used as a cleansing tonic and to help purify drinking water. Dog bites, wasps and bee stings were treated with a mixture of salt and mint applied directly to the wound.
Spearmint is effective because it contains the flavonoid thymonin, caffeic acid, volatile oil, carvone, rosmaric acid, and limonene. The aromatic compounds work to increase blood circulation, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, relieve and smooth muscle spasms, relieve pain, promote sweating, and are antiseptic. Spearmint’s astringent compounds shrink inflamed tissues. Spearmint is effective in treating menstrual cramps, flatulence, indigestion, flu, morning sickness, nausea, muscle aches, and vomiting. The pain of canker sores can be soothed by placing ice cubes of mint tea in the mouth.
Spearmint can be inhaled to relieve tension headaches and to revive the memory. Externally the application of spearmint will heal chapped skin. Some dilute sugary juices with herbal teas such as mint.
Some women face a condition called hirsutism. This is excessive hair growth in areas where hair normally does not grow. Spearmint reduces the level of free testosterone in the blood through its anti-androgenic properties. At the same time it leaves total testosterone and DHEA unaffected. Women with hirsutism should drink a cup of spearmint tea in the morning and evening for the five days of the follicular period (the five days leading up to ovulation) of each menstrual cycle.
There is no known cautions about spearmint. The recommended dosages are as follows: To make a decoction for bath, mix 3 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup of water. For a decoction, mix 2 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. Steep 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. To make an infusion mix 2 tsp dried leaf in one cup water. Steep for 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. Spearmint benefits are safe and useful for children and can be used to provide relief from colic and congestion. The gentle menthol content is also relaxing and warming to the esophagus and a mild anesthetic to mucous membranes of the stomach. Try it to ease motion sickness and to help restore the appetite.
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