Spearmint
Mentha Spicata, is a type of mint similar to peppermint. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives from year to year. It has a pleasant sweet taste. Companies use it frequently in flavoring mouthwash, toothpaste, chewing gum and candy. You can enjoy this herb as a tea, since you can brew the fresh or dried leaves.
Benefits
This mint is not only tasty, but also has so many benefits.
- It is good for the digestive system, it helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting and gas
- High in antioxidants that protect against and repair damage done by free radicals which are harmful molecules that can lead to oxidative stress linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes
- Can help women with hormonal imbalances by decreasing the male hormone testosterone and increasing hormones necessary for ovulation like LH and FSH (luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormones)
- May help reduce facial hair in women since it helps decrease the male hormone responsible for facial hair
- It can improve memory in older adults. however, more research is needed. Evidence is limited but promising
- Fights bacterial infection since it has high antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that spearmint essential oil is effective against bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses including E. Coli and Listeria
- May lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Studies done on animals have shown promising results. Rate of 20mg/kg and 300mg/kg of spearmint extract has been used on rats and have shown a significant drop in blood sugar
- Help reduce stress and promote relaxation
- May improve arthritis pain. It has shown beneficial effects in people with arthritis in both human and animal studies. Additionally, regular spearmint tea consumption reduces stiffness and disability caused by arthritis. Essential oils of spearmint had pain-relieving effects.
- Can help lower blood pressure. While evidence is still limited, studies have shown that it works similarly as blood pressure medication
Instructions:
Easy to incorporate in your diet. You can use both fresh and dried leaves. Dry the leaves to use them when off season. Boil 2 cups of water and remove from heat. Add a handful of the spearmint leaves to the water and keep them to brew for 5 minutes. Strain and drink.
It is delicious hot and cold and it is caffeine and calorie free, making it a naturally sweet treat you can enjoy at any time of the day.