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Spearmint has uses in food and beverages, as a flavoring and in recipes like pesto and mint sauce. It is also used in traditional medicine for digestive issues, and in modern applications for potential hormonal balance, pain relief, and improved memory. Spearmint oil is used for skin and oral health, but must be diluted for topical use.
Culinary uses
Flavoring: Fresh spearmint or extract can be used to flavor many dishes and drinks.
Teas: Brew spearmint leaves into a caffeine-free tea.
Salads and dips: Chop fresh spearmint and add it to salads, dips, or pesto.
Sauces: Make a mint sauce with vinegar and sugar, or mix with sour cream or yogurt for a sauce for falafel or potatoes.
Cocktails and drinks: Use spearmint to make drinks like mojitos or mint lemonade, often by first making a mint simple syrup.
Medicinal and health uses
Digestive problems: Traditionally used for digestive issues like indigestion, gas, and spasms.
Hormonal balance: Some research suggests spearmint tea may help balance hormones, potentially lowering testosterone in women with PCOS.
Pain and inflammation: The essential oil is used topically (after dilution with a carrier oil) to ease local muscle and nerve pain and skin conditions.
Oral health: Essential oil mixed with water can be used as a mouthwash, but do not swallow the oil. It's also an ingredient in toothpaste.
Memory: Some research suggests spearmint may help improve memory.
Other uses
Pest deterrent:
Boiling spearmint leaves and using the liquid can act as a natural pest deterrent.
Attracts pollinators:
Spearmint attracts beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Precautions
Skin contact:
Always dilute spearmint essential oil with a carrier oil before applying to the skin, as it can cause irritation.
Oral consumption:
Spearmint is possibly unsafe in large amounts during pregnancy and there isn't enough information to know if it's safe during breastfeeding.
Kidney disorders:
Spearmint tea may increase kidney damage in individuals with kidney disorders.