Spearmint Leaf

History and Uses:
Spearmint is native to the Mediterranean region and was cultivated throughout the Roman Empire. The Spearmint plant grows to about two feet in height, with short, bright green leaves and small, compactly-arranged flowers. Spearmint is easy to cultivate and grows well in most types of soil and is, in fact, sometimes considered a weed in America. Today, Spearmint is used for culinary purposes by people across the world. The leaf is used as a flavoring in many dishes, candies and beverages, and it is also an ingredient in cosmetics. Medicinally, Spearmint Leaf is similar to Peppermint in action, though it is considered to be milder. For this reason, Spearmint Leaf has traditionally been used in treating stomachaches in children. A decoction of Spearmint Leaf was formerly gargled to prevent gum disease and whiten the teeth, and it is still used in many toothpastes. Spearmint Leaf is primarily used to relieve ailments of the digestive tract, including indigestion, flatulence, vomiting, colic and hiccoughs. It has also been used as a mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and as a fever reducer.