Spearmint (Mentha spicata, or Mentha viridis), also known as garden mint, common mint, lamb mint and mackerel mint, is a species of mint native to the Balkan Peninsula and Turkey. It is naturalised in much of Europe and Asia (Middle East, Himalayas, China etc.), in parts of northern and western Africa, North America, and South America, as well as various oceanic islands. Spearmint has two sub-species: Mentha spicata spicata and Mentha spicata condensata (Mediterranean region, and naturalised in New Zealand).
Spearmint has many uses including: as an aromatic oil, flavouring for toothpaste and confectionary, soaps and shampoos, medicinally for minor ailments such as fever and digestive disorders, as a larvicide against mosquitos, as a fumigant and insecticide against adult moths, as an anti-tumour inhibiting some tumour growth, an antioxidant, spearmint essential oil may display free radical scavenging activity, as a strong anti-microbial, and as an refreshing tea, offering some of the many benefits above, and it may provide relief to severe itching of the skin.
Enjoy the benefits of spearmint: in our Spearmint Essential oil, Mari-J-Majik Lip Balm and our Refreshing Face & Body Mist.
