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What are spearmint plants good for?
Some people use spearmint to help alleviate symptoms of nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, toothache, cramps, and sore throat. It is also applied topically, to the skin, to help reduce swelling due to nerve or muscle pain.
What does spearmint leaves look like?
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)and peppermint (Mentha × piperita) are the mint varieties most likely to appear in your backyard. Both have fuzzy leaves with jaggedly toothed edges that smell strongly minty when crushed. A strong menthol aftertaste means peppermint, while a sweet, light flavor means spearmint.
Which is stronger peppermint or spearmint?
Peppermint’s flavor is similar to spearmint, but it contains the ingredient menthol, making its flavor stronger and more pronounced. Both spearmint and peppermint have menthol in them but peppermint contains a higher menthol content (40% versus . 05% in spearmint).
Can I eat spearmint leaves?
When taken by mouth: Spearmint and spearmint oil are LIKELY SAFE when eaten in amount commonly found in food. Spearmint is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, short-term. Side effects are very uncommon. Some people might have an allergic reaction to spearmint.
Can you eat spearmint leaves?
Fresh spearmint also contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals iron and calcium. Mint is safe for most people and consuming it doesn’t typically cause side effects. Allergies to mint are uncommon. In people who are allergic to mint, an interaction with the herb can trigger asthma symptoms.
How tall does a spearmint plant grow to be?
Spearmint has lax, tapering spikes of lilac, pink, or white flowers. This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello, Assistant Editor. Spearmint ( Mentha spicata) grows to about 90 cm (3 feet) high, with open spikes of pink or lilac flowers and stalkless leaves; it has the characteristic mint fragrance.
What’s the difference between peppermint and spearmint leaves?
Spearmint and peppermint are not the same and differ for their 1) leaves shape, stem hairiness, and color 2) peppermint has a way stronger taste than the spearmint 3) peppermint has a higher vitamin A and menthol than spearmint 4) peppermint is better for baking while spearmint for cooking and tea
Where does the Spearmint come from in the world?
Spearmint, also known as garden mint, common mint, lamb mint and mackerel mint, is a species of mint, Mentha spicata, native to Europe and southern temperate Asia, extending from Ireland in the west to southern China in the east.
Why are the leaves on my spearmint plant turning yellow?
Rust: If your spearmint plant starts to develop yellow spots on its leaves with brown or black spots on the leaf undersides, your plants have a fungal infection and need to be destroyed and replaced. Prevent this from happening by watering your plants at the soil level.