Spearmint

Spearmint is addressed as one of the finest mints among its relatives. This perennial herbaceous is marked by the exceedingly aromatic leaves on tall stems. The leaves are adequately big enough to be seen with wavy margins. Spearmint plant can attain a height of 40 inches.

Spearmint has a rich history that dates back to the 1st century, markedly in the Bible. It was used in toothpaste to impart the signature taste and aroma. They have relatively a little less proportion of less menthol that makes it a perfect match for sauces and drinks. Anciently, they were also used to heal the bites of a mad dog.

Its leaves are of immense medicinal importance as they are used fervently for fever, gastrointestinal disorders, spasms, vomiting, urinary disorders, and many other minor ailments. In folk remedies, spearmint is famous for treating cancer as it prolifically reduces cell proliferation. Spearmints are also cheered to provide anti-tumor, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Spearmint is brimmed with extraordinarily amazing phytochemicals carvone, limonene, 1,8-cineole, pinene, dihydrocarveol, and cis-dihydrocarvone.

Spearmint can be started in spring as it requires full sun to flourish. Spearmint grown in full sun are liable to produce more essential oils that are responsible for its signature taste, aroma, and medicinal benefits.

Spearmint can be started indoors or outdoors by making use of seeds or cuttings. All they need is a good quality soil that drains quickly but does not remain completely dry.

Spearmint seeds germinate within 7 to 14 days. The rest of the growth is quite rapid as spearmint gives out true leaves very quickly.

Spearmint enters the blooming phase in August and continues to produce blossoms till September. The plant undergoes pollination and produces seeds that spread like a weed if given favorable conditions.

Spearmint leaves can be harvested once the plant is of about 4 to 5 inches. For a flavorful harvest, the leaves are collected before the plant goes into flowering.

Spearmint leaves and stems are harvested by a sharp pair of shears.

 Spearmint is usually used fresh so mostly they are refrigerated after their harvest. Also, spearmint leaves can be dried in an oven until they are brittle to touch.

Spearmints are used passionately all around the world to celebrate its medicinal benefits.

• Tincture - Infuse freshly chopped spearmint leaves in grain alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the liquid and place it in a dark and dry place.
• Tea - Fresh or dried spearmint leaves are simmered in water for 10 to 15 minutes to form a minty tea.
• Decoction - Dried spearmint leaves are decocted for 20 to 40 minutes and strained to yield a rich decoction.
• Salve - Spearmint oil is used to formulate the salve.
• Syrup - Fresh spearmint leaves are rolled to boil with white granulated sugar and water to form spearmint syrup.
• Infused oil - Spearmint leaves are heated with a carrier oil for an hour to form spearmint oil.

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