Spearmint Herb

Spearmint Leaf (Mentha spicata), crushed, USA, a/k/a Green Mint, Lamb Mint, Garden Mint, Sage of Bethlehem, Hierbabuena. Spearmint is used extensively for culinary purposes. The properties of Spearmint resemble those of peppermint being stimulant, carminative and antispasmodic, but its effects are less powerful and it is less used than peppermint, though it is better adapted for children’s maladies. A distilled water of spearmint will relieve hiccups and flatulence, as well as the giddiness of indigestion. The sweetened infusion is an excellent remedy and a pleasant beverage in fevers, inflammatory diseases, etc. You can make an infusion by pouring a pint of boiling water over an ounce of the dried herb; the strained-off liquid is taken in doses of a wineglassful or less. It is considered a specific in alleviating indigestion, nausea and vomiting and will relieve the pain of colic. In soapmaking: Cut and sifted, spearmint lends color, texture and exfoliating properties to soap. This herb is also a very good ingredient for bath teas and sachets and is useful as a facial steam to help cleanse the pores.