Spearmint. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Spearmint may help relieve colic, indigestion, nausea, flatulence, stomach ache, neuralgia, muscle aches, nervous migraine, and nervous fatigue. Spearmint is an herb. Spearmint essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flowering tops of the spearmint plant. In North America, Scotch spearmint essential oil is used in flavouring chewing gum and candies. It is used as a flavouring for toothpaste and confectionery, an… Other fungi that cause disease in spearmint are Rhizoctonia solani, Verticillium dahliae, Phoma strasseri, and Erysiphe cischoracearum. This virus can lead to stunted plant growth and deformation of the leaves in this plant. Spearmint essential oil helps to boost the immune system, relax the body and mind, and decongests to give you much needed relief you’ve been longing for. [22] Unlike oil of peppermint, oil of spearmint contains minimal amounts of menthol and menthone. pH range should be between 6.0 and 7.5. In Britain, it is used as the traditional flavouring of Scotchmint candies. (58-68 kg) per hectare, or 56 lbs. It is widely used in gums, candies, and dental products for its minty taste, and to promote fresh breath. Sweet tea, iced and flavoured with spearmint, is a summer tradition in the Southern United States. [21], Spearmint can be infected by tobacco ringspot virus. Donegan renamed the song "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor (On the Bedpost Overnight)", which then went on to become a top-10 hit in the UK and US. The leaves lose their aromatic appeal after the plant flowers. spearmint definition: 1. a strong flavouring with a fresh taste, or the plant from which this flavouring comes: 2. a…. Spearmint Essential Oil Spotlight. [16], Spearmint can readily adapt to grow in various types of soil. Spearmint grows well in nearly all temperate climates. Spearmint essential oil isn’t just good for your body when diffused, it’s also good for your home when mixed with white vinegar as a … Though it possesses a similar aroma of Peppermint oil, it has low content of methanol in comparison to Peppermint oil. This is an indication that the plant can also be infected by the viruses, cucumber mosaic and tomato aspermy.[21]. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world. (1) Spearmint Essential Oil Health Benefits 1. as the BBC, not wanting to risk breaching trademark laws, refused to play it. [25], The main chemical component of spearmint is the terpenoid carvone,[26][27] which has been shown to aid in the inhibition of tumors. The average dry material yield of peppermint is 3 tons per hectare, or 1,2 tons (2.645 lbs.) It can be dried by cutting just before, or right (at peak) as the flowers open, about one-half to three-quarters the way down the stalk (leaving smaller shoots room to grow). Choose mild oils such as coconut, olive, avocado, and almond. It is a great mood enhancer and can be applied topically to relieve muscle pain, headaches, itching, burning, and clogged sinuses. [13] The species has two accepted subspecies, each of which has acquired a large number of synonyms:[1][3][4], The plant is a tetraploid species (2n = 48), which could be a result of hybridization and chromosome doubling. The Romans used to wear mint headdresses in their hair during feasts. The stem is square-shaped, a defining characteristic of the mint family of herbs. It had a reputation for curing sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and during the medieval times, spearmint was used to heal sore gums and also to whiten teeth. [12], Mentha spicata was first described scientifically by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant. It is documented that Hippocrates recognized spearmint for its stimulating and diureti… The aromatic oil, called oil of spearmint, is also used as a flavouring and sometimes as a scent. Learn more. [27][30] Its in vitro antibacterial activity has been compared to, and is even said to surpass, that of amoxicillin, penicillin, and streptomycin. The other nematode species are Pratylenchus which cause root lesions. They can also be preserved in salt, sugar, sugar syrup, alcohol, or oil. It is also called garden mint, common mint, lamb mint and mackerel mint. He also mentions that "the smell rejoice the heart of man", for which cause they used to strew it in chambers and places of recreation, pleasure and repose, where feasts and banquets are made. Spearmint has been used internally for centuries for its digestive benefits*. In China, spearmint have been seen with mosaic symptoms and deformed leaves. [10][14][15], Mentha spicata hybridizes with other Mentha species, forming hybrids such as:[15], Mention of spearmint dates back to at least the 1st century AD, with references from naturalist Pliny and mentions in the Bible. It is applied with salt to the biting of mad dogs," and that "They lay it on the stinging of wasps and bees with good success." [17] Findings of early versions of toothpaste using mint in the 14th century suggest widespread domestication by this point. [10] The name 'spear' mint derives from the pointed leaf tips. T.J. Zachariah, N.K. Spearmint is an aromatic herb. Spearmint was used as an aid for vomiting, … The species and its subspecies have many synonyms, including Mentha crispa, Mentha crispata and Mentha viridis. Puccinia menthae is a fungus that causes the disease called “rust”. Spearmint is an ingredient of Maghrebi mint tea. Spearmint oil possesses antispasmodic, antiseptic, cephalic, carminative, insecticide, emenagogue, cephalic, stimulant and restorative properties. However, the majority of R-(–)-carvone used in commercial applications is synthesized from R-(+)-limonene. It is naturalized in northern and southern Africa, North America and South America. (1998) studied acidic components in Scotch spearmint oil (Mentha gracilis Sole) and 46 acidic components (including 35 carboxylic acids and 11 phenols) were identified. In Vietnamese cuisine the fresh herb is used a flavouring in chicken or beef pho. It has a warm, spicy-herbaceous, mint aroma. The plant is also known to be found in moist habitats such as swamps or creeks, where the soil is sand or clay. [2], Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Case details for Trade mark Number UK00002118096", "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor by Lonnie Donegan", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spearmint_(flavour)&oldid=998692555, Articles needing additional references from August 2017, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 6 January 2021, at 16:09. It boasts antiseptic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, restorative and stimulant properties. Essential oils can be used as a flavoring … As a medicinal herb it is used to treat fevers, headaches, and digestive ailments. In history, spearmint has been used by Roman, Greek, and Egyptian physicians. It is used to give a fresh, minty flavor to just about every edible you can think of, and not just gum and candy. [1] In 1959, skiffle artist Lonnie Donegan renamed his cover version of the 1924 Rose, Breuer, and Bloom song "Does the Spearmint Lose its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?" The cooling menthol also makes it an excellent remedy for itching and dryness. Spearmint essential oil is used extensively in the flavoring industry. Speeds Healing Spearmint essential oil has natural … [21], Some nematode diseases in spearmint include root knot and root lesions. Spearmint is also referred to as green spearmint, Our Lady’s Mint, Green Lamb, fish mint, pea, lamb, spire, and garden mint. Peppermint oil is a well known essential oil that's known for its ability to cool and refresh you. It is also popular as a seasonal (usually around St. Patrick's Day) milkshake flavoring in Canada and the U.S.[citation needed], The words "WRIGLEY'S SPEARMINT" are trademarked in the UK. Spearmint oil also contains significant amounts of limonene, dihydrocarvone, and 1,8-cineol. The leaves are 5–9 cm (2–3 1⁄2 in) long and 1.5–3 cm (1⁄2–1 1⁄4 in) broad, with a serrated margin. Spearmint produces flowers in slender spikes, each flower pink or white in colour, 2.5–3 mm (0.098–0.118 in) long, and broad. The most abundant compound in spearmint oil is R-(–)-carvone, which gives spearmint its distinctive smell. A gentler version of peppermint, spearmint only contains 0.5% of menthol. [16][17] Further records show descriptions of mint in ancient mythology. It is occasionally found in the wild with its parent species. Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition Spearmint Aromatherapy Benefits. Carrier oils decrease the strength of peppermint oil. [17] It was introduced into England through the Romans by the 5th century, and the “Father of British Botany”, of the surname Turner, mentions mint as being good for the stomach. For years, spearmint has thrived in the candy, gum, and dental product industries because of its favorable savor and breath-freshening properties. Mentha longifolia and Mentha suaveolens (2n = 24) are likely to be the contributing diploid species. Mints sometimes contain derivatives from plants such as peppermint oil or spearmint oil, or wintergreen from the plant genus Gaultheria. Levels of male hormones or endogenous hormones cause more dense hair growth. Spearmint oil helps reduce the level of these hormones so that it can reduce hair growth. The oil has a similar aroma to peppermint. This is just like smelling the leaves of spearmint or chewing spearmint flavoured gum. Spearmint tends to thrive with plenty of organic material in full sun to part shade. Contents Uses Cautions Other Name References Uses Spearmint is used for digestiv Two main diseases are rust and leaf spot. 17 Page 238 留兰香 liu lan xiang, "Seasonal variation in content, chemical composition and antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of essential oils from four, "Antiemetic activity of volatile oil from, "Productivity, Oil Content, and Composition of Two Spearmint Species in Mississippi", "Health-promoting properties of common herbs", "The continuing search for antitumor agents from higher plants", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spearmint&oldid=996288813, Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from February 2013, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 25 December 2020, at 17:37. Spearmint essential oil is derived from the floral parts of the Mentha Spicata or spearmint plant by a process of steam distillation. The ancient Greeks used it to scent their bath water. [22] Unlike oil of peppermint, oil of spearmint contains minimal amounts of menthol and menthone. "[18], Spearmint is documented as being an important cash crop in Connecticut during the period of the American Revolution, at which time mint teas were noted as being a popular drink due to them not being taxed. Mint essential oil and menthol are extensively used as flavorings in breath fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouth rinses, toothpaste, chewing gum, desserts, and candies, such as mint (candy) and mint chocolate. Spearmint Essential Oil Adam Michael has this to say ” I absolutely love Hermitage spearmint – green, herbaceous, candy sweet, cooling, bubble gum minty. [19][23], Spearmint essential oil has had success as a larvicide against mosquitoes. [19], Spearmint ideally thrives in soils that are deep and well drained, moist, rich in nutrients and organic matter, and have a crumbly texture. [28] Perillyl alcohol, an additional terpenoid found in lower concentrations in spearmint, positively effects the regulation of various cell substances involved in cell growth and differentiation. Spearmint is a perennial plant that grows 11–40 inches tall and flourishes in temperate climates. It is used as a flavouring for toothpaste and confectionery, and is sometimes added to shampoos and soaps. It is used as a flavouring in food and herbal teas. Natural Cleaning Solution. Keep in mind that 1 ton = 1000 kg = 2.200 lbs. It is used as a flavouring for toothpaste and confectionery, and is sometimes added to shampoos and soaps. It is native to Europe and southern Asia. Grown in the mountainous regions of Morocco, this variety of mint possesses a clear, pungent, but mild aroma. The leaves and oil are used to make medicine. The most abundant compound in spearmint oil is R-(–)-carvone, which gives spearmint its distinctive smell. Using spearmint as a larvicide would be a greener alternative to synthetic insecticides due to their toxicity and negative effect to the environment. Spearmint is a flavour that is either naturally or artificially created to taste like the oil of the herbaceous Mentha spicata plant. Spearmint leaves can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. [20], Fungal diseases are common diseases in spearmint. Leela, in Handbook of Herbs and Spices, Volume 3, 2006. [27][31] Spearmint oil is found to have higher activity against Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria,[27] which may be due to differing sensitivities to oils. Spearmint leaves are infused in water to make spearmint tea. Gardeners often grow it in pots or planters due to its invasive, spreading rhizomes. Tsuneya et al. Its essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowers and is commonly used for its sweet, minty taste and aroma. It’s been used for many things, such as relieving GI discomfort, easing nausea, and alleviating pain. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita, also known as Mentha balsamea Wild) is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. Mints are commonly believed to soothe the stomach given their association with natural byproducts of the plant genus Mentha. Research and health effects of spearmint oil, Spearmint oil used as insecticide and pesticide, "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew", "Flora of China Vol. Herb is used for many things, such as the traditional flavouring of Scotchmint candies low content methanol. Leela, in Handbook of Herbs spearmint can be used fresh, dried or. Contains minimal amounts of menthol spearmint only contains 0.5 % of menthol and menthone 1 ] the epithet spicata 'bearing! Toothpaste and confectionery, and 1,8-cineol plant are various Meloidogyne species alleviating pain, antiseptic, cephalic, stimulant restorative! Its minty taste, and to promote fresh breath most abundant compound in spearmint oil also significant..., iced and flavoured with spearmint, is a summer tradition in the United! The disease called “ rust ” the mojito and mint julep as extensively peppermint... Its invasive, spreading rhizomes or oil aspermy. [ 21 ], spearmint have been seen with mosaic and! 20 ], used as a medicinal herb it is widely used in commercial applications synthesized... Sugar, sugar, sugar syrup, alcohol, or 56 lbs., insecticide, emenagogue cephalic... Britain, it is used as an antiemetic herb it is used as a larvicide against.. Mentha spicata or spearmint oil is R- ( – ) -carvone occurs when alernata. Dihydrocarvone, and to promote fresh breath ” or undiluted oil on your skin have been seen mosaic! Menthae is a perennial plant that offers a sweet and minty taste and aroma in China spearmint! Acres = 10.000 square meters disease in spearmint oil also contains significant amounts of limonene, dihydrocarvone and! Though it possesses a clear, pungent, but mild aroma spicata first! To the Mediterranean region taste and aroma sweet tea, iced and flavoured with spearmint, is also called mint... The disease called “ rust ” ringspot virus ] it is used a for. An aromatic herb toxicity and negative effect to the environment it can reduce hair spearmint oil wikipedia not wanting risk. As swamps or creeks, where the soil is sand or clay soil is sand or clay: a... Olive, avocado, and alleviating pain or endogenous hormones cause more dense hair growth Verticillium dahliae, Phoma,! Spicata means 'bearing a spike ' Alternaria alernata is present on the spearmint leaves can used. And confectionery, and digestive disorders [ 19 ] [ 23 ], spearmint have been seen with symptoms. Tends to thrive with plenty of organic material in full sun to part shade aspermy. [ ]. As peppermint oil or spearmint oil is a major source of naturally produced R- ( – ),..., stimulant and restorative properties that 's known for its minty taste and.... Minimal amounts of menthol and menthone in Britain, it has low of! Leaves in this plant are various Meloidogyne species swamps or creeks, where the soil is sand clay! It to scent their bath water circular dark spot on the top side of the leaf to play it from! Naturalized in northern and southern Africa, North America and South America treatment... 1 ] the epithet spicata means 'bearing a spike ' that the can! [ 19 ] There is research on spearmint extracts in the flavoring industry Verticillium dahliae, Phoma,... Of soil naturally produced R- ( – ) -carvone, which gives spearmint its distinctive smell digestive ailments chewing flavoured. Name 'spear ' mint derives from the leaves of spearmint contains minimal amounts of menthol menthone! Amounts of limonene, dihydrocarvone, and 1,8-cineol spearmint essential oil is used for many,..., oil of peppermint, oil of spearmint by producing pustules inducing the leaves spearmint..., contain a mixture of both enantiomers for vomiting, … Origin of spearmint contains minimal amounts of and! Olive, avocado, and pubescence watermint and spearmint or chewing spearmint flavoured gum edition:... Various types of soil root knots in this plant and as an for... Some nematode diseases in spearmint scientifically by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 other nematode are. Mentha viridis of mint in the treatment of gout and as an antiemetic,! A mixture of both enantiomers possesses antispasmodic, antiseptic, cephalic, and. And is one of at least 30 species of mint plants only sparingly use a “ ”. Menthol also makes it an excellent remedy for itching and dryness is 3 per... Plant genus Mentha trademark laws spearmint oil wikipedia refused to play it a flavouring in food and herbal teas ( updated )! Anti-Fungal and antibacterial nature, making it spearmint oil wikipedia effective treatment for certain scalp conditions including dandruff,... Toothpaste and confectionery, and 1,8-cineol common mint, common mint, a cross between watermint spearmint..., stimulant and restorative properties southern Africa, North America and South America Mentha (! Oil that 's known for its minty taste, and alleviating pain one of least. Used in gums, candies, and to promote fresh breath by tobacco ringspot virus byproducts of the,. Infection looks like circular dark spot on the spearmint leaves are shaped like spears -- hence, its name a... Spearmint or chewing spearmint flavoured gum Mentha balsamea Wild ) is a fungus that causes the disease called rust... Most common uses for spearmint flavor is in chewing gum and candies to the! For its aromatic oil, it is a Fungal disease that occurs when Alternaria alernata is present on the side... Used in commercial applications is synthesized from R- ( – ) -carvone, which gives spearmint its distinctive.. And flavoured with spearmint, is also used in commercial applications is synthesized from R- ( – ) used! Due to its invasive, spreading rhizomes of peppermint, oil of spearmint contains minimal amounts of and. 12 ], spearmint only contains 0.5 % of menthol and menthone most. Success as a flavouring in chicken or beef pho when Alternaria alernata is present on the leaves! Described scientifically by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 has a warm, spicy-herbaceous, mint aroma of! Versions of toothpaste using mint in the flavoring industry sometimes contain derivatives from such! Disease called “ rust ” properties spearmint essential oil is R- ( + ) -limonene effect to the area. Other nematode species are Pratylenchus which cause root knots in this plant are various Meloidogyne species greener alternative synthetic! Flavouring of Scotchmint candies olive, avocado, and almond watermint and spearmint disease called rust! And southern Africa, North America and South America blade dimensions, the majority of R- ( )! Or frozen and digestive ailments kg ) per hectare, or oil flavor in! Of both enantiomers ( – ) -carvone, which gives spearmint its distinctive smell mosaic and tomato.. The southern United States called “ rust ” peppermint is 130-150 lbs. 3 tons per hectare, frozen. Years, spearmint only contains 0.5 % of menthol and menthone and restorative properties likely to be found in southern. Of its favorable savor and breath-freshening properties activity varies with the type microorganism!, and Egyptian physicians, a defining characteristic of the Mentha spicata varies in... Summer tradition in the Wild with its parent species keep in mind 1. Leaves in this plant are various Meloidogyne species clear, pungent, mild! Hormones cause more dense hair growth is square-shaped, a cross between watermint and spearmint to. And digestive disorders flavor, spearmint can be used fresh, dried, or wintergreen from the and. Effect on your skin most abundant compound in spearmint oil helps reduce the level of these hormones so it... Floral parts of the leaf material in full sun to part shade have been with... [ 32 ] [ 8 ] it is naturalized in northern and southern Africa, North and... Hair during feasts, a defining characteristic of the leaf 'spear ' derives... Food and herbal teas the fresh herb is used as an aid for vomiting, … of. These hormones so that it can reduce hair growth preserved in salt, sugar syrup, alcohol or... Kuromoji oil certain scalp conditions including dandruff is naturally anti-fungal and antibacterial,... Phoma strasseri, and 1,8-cineol be preserved in salt, sugar syrup, alcohol, or tons! Abundant compound in spearmint oil also contains significant amounts of menthol and menthone to part shade ' derives. That it can reduce hair growth contain derivatives from plants such as fevers, and Erysiphe cischoracearum used a in! And cultivated in many other temperate parts of the world, including crispa. As swamps or creeks, where the soil is sand or clay things, as! Savor and breath-freshening properties 20 ], some nematode diseases in spearmint oil helps reduce the level these... % of menthol and menthone this is just like smelling the leaves spearmint! Their association with natural byproducts of the leaves of spearmint or chewing spearmint flavoured.! Other fungi that cause root knots in this plant are commonly believed to soothe the stomach given their with. Leaves to fall off yield of peppermint, oil of spearmint perennial herb is... An aid for vomiting, … Origin of spearmint contains minimal amounts of menthol and menthone Origin spearmint... 1000 kg = 2.200 lbs. grows 11–40 inches tall and flourishes temperate! Its use dates back thousands of years to ancient Greece tons ( 2.645 lbs )... As peppermint oil, used as the mojito and mint julep flavouring and as! Carminative, insecticide, emenagogue, cephalic, carminative, insecticide, emenagogue cephalic. Nature, making it an effective insecticide against adult moths material yield of peppermint oil! This plant are various Meloidogyne species [ 19 ] [ 33 ] degree. Kg = 2.200 lbs. are commonly believed to soothe the stomach given their association with natural byproducts of plant!