Spearmint - Mentha Spicata
Spearmint is the original mint. It can be found growing wild throughout the world in almost every country that has been civilized. It propagates itself through creeping root stocks and can easily take over any garden. Planting in potted containers is a great way to keep your Spearmint under control. Getting cuttings to start is a snap. Virtually every piece of Spearmint that shows a joint will grow. Simply keep moist until it takes off.
Spearmint likes moist soil in partly shaded areas, but can survive in most any condition. If the plant is protected from the elements it will begin producing early in the spring, otherwise harvest in August when plant begins to bloom, preferably in the morning when dew is still on the leaves. This will insure the volatile oils will be at their peak.
Bound the stocks together and hang upside down to dry. Keep all the cuttings to the same size, they make a beautiful and fragrant sprague. When ready to use, simply strip the leaves from the stock. You can store these dried leaves in an airtight container away from direct heat and sunlight until ready to use. It is estimated that 350 lb. of Spearmint will yield 1 lb. of Spearmint essential oil.
Spearmint has many culinary uses. Use it to enhance all sorts of meats, poultry, fish, salads and beverages. Add it to peas, steamed carrots or new potatoes when cooking. Tuck mint leaves with garlic cloves under the skin of a lamb before roasting it or use it in a marinade.
Spearmint tea is great for children. It is mild in flavor and helps easy gassy stomachs.
In the fourteenth century, mint was used for whitening the teeth, and its distilled oil is still widely used today to flavor tooth-paste, mouth washes and more. In America it is widely used to flavor desserts, chewing gums, and also to perfume soap.
Spearmint has a variety of uses, however it healing properties are mild compared to its offspring Peppermint. The pleasant taste, less harsh than that of Peppermint, makes Spearmint great for children and the elderly. It is included in the FDA's list of herbs that are generally regarded as safe.
Mice hate the smell of mint so scatter it or grow it in an area that is plagued by mice. It also detours ants and fleas. Great to use in an herbal flea color for your pet.
There is no other aromatic better to use to overcome the smell of tobacco. Use the oil in a car diffuser if you have a family member that continues to smoke in the car.
Spearmint has been use throughout history in herbal baths. This is great for skin conditions like breakouts, scrapes and rashes. Perfect addition to the kids bath water. It comforts and strengthens the nerves.
You can rub the fresh leaves or essential oil directly on the
skin for bee stings.
Using the essential oil directly on the forehead or temples to
help relieve headaches.
An infusion of Spearmint leaves is great for a mouth gargle, especially to heal gums or any mouth sores. This also can be used for hiccups, indigestion, nausea, fevers and inflammatory diseases.
Spearmint's Medicinal Properties include: anesthetic (local), antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, decongestant, digestive diuretic expectorant, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic.
It blends well with Lavender, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Basil, Rosemary and is often used with Peppermint.
Spearmint Aromatherapy Usage
Inhalation - Calms nausea and stimulates the mind. Good for
sinusitis.
Skin Care - Acne, dermatitis, congested skin and any rashes or
irritations.
Respiratory system - Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis.
Digestive system - Colic dypepsia, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
Immune system - Colds, flu fever.
Nervous system - Fatigue, headache, migraine, nervous strain,
stress.
Tea - Drink for nausea, colds, flu, fever, PMS, cramping and stress.
Bath - Soothe skin irritations and inflammation and calms the
nerves.
Massage - Stimulating to the skin follicles, Antiseptic and stringent
properties heal skin irritations. Helps reduce inflammation.
Spearmint may not be the most popular of the mint family, but it has its place and it gentle flavor make it a great addition to your family's aromatherapy kit.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Recipes
Herbal Pet Pillow
Crush Equal Parts in a Morter :
Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Cedarwood and Rosemary.
Put in a muslin bag, store bought sachet, or make your own. Tuck
in your pet's bedding area or favorite napping spot.
Mint Tea For Nausea
Steep 1 teaspoon dried Spearmint leaves in 8 -12 oz hot water.
Drink after dinner or at first sign of nausea. Also good for PMS
symptoms and gas.
Nausea Spray
20 drops Spearmint
15 drops Lemon Essential oil
5 drops Sweet Orange Essential oil
Add to four ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle.
Shake well and mist air when feeling nauseated.
Breath Freshener
1 part Distilled Water
1 part 100 proof Vodka
1 drop Spearmint essential oil per teaspoon of liquid
Place ingredients in a small bottle or atomizer. Shake well.
Use one drop on your tongue.
Spearmint Cookies
1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon Spearmint essential oil
2 tablespoons crushed dried Spearmint leaves
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream butter and sugar; add extract, mint leaves, flour, and
salt. Mix
thoroughly. Chill dough. Form 1" balls and roll in sugar.
Press with your thumb. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
Makes 3 dozen large, or 6 dozen small cookies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
||
P.O. Box 3106 Florence, OR 97439 (888) 445-5051 |
||
Email Always Welcome:)