Mentha spicata
Record ID:86Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Mentha spicata |
| Common Names: | Garden Mint, Lamb Mint, Our Lady's Mint |
| Key Name: | Spearmint |
| Parts Used: | Leaves, flowers, stems |
| Sister Plants: | Mentha piperita, Mentha aquatica, Thymus vulgaris |
| Comments: | Perennial herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in moist, sunny areas |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Perennial (1-2 ft), square erect stem, lance-shaped serrated leaves, small purple or pink flower spikes (0.5 in), blooming summer |
| Stem: | Erect, 1-2 ft, square, green |
| Leaves: | Lance-shaped, 1-3 inches, serrated, bright green |
| Flowers: | Small purple or pink flower spikes, 0.5 in, in whorls, blooming June-August |
| Fruit: | Small nutlets, 1-2 mm, brown |
| Taste: | Minty (leaves), mild (flowers) |
| Odour: | Strong, minty scent from leaves |
| Root: | Rhizomatous root system, spreads aggressively |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.zVq-4sxSjQHknAc7nG0GyAHaFc%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=0b2d3c9e137f68643cadd3f7cffab8fbe457f73a06cad64b445934c688438a94&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to Europe, naturalized in North America and elsewhere |
| Cultivation: | Plant in full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil; propagate by division or cuttings in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water regularly, control spread |
| Harvest: | Leaves/Flowers: Summer (June-August); Roots: Fall |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Carminative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, antiseptic |
| Medical Uses: | Used for digestive issues, nausea, headaches, colds, and as a mild antiseptic; leaves for tea or poultices |
| Constituents: | Menthol, carvone, limonene, rosmarinic acid |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), oil (distillation) |
| Dosage: | Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: 1-2 drops in water |
| Administration: | Internal: Infusion or oil; External: Poultice or oil |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause heartburn; avoid in large doses during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water 10 min; Oil: Steam distill leaves |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for digestive support or calming effects in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, late-season pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, essential oil, pest repellent |
| Culinary Uses: | Leaves in teas, salads, sauces, or desserts |
| History: | Used in European herbal medicine since ancient times; valued in culinary traditions |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mentha+spicata |
| Share: | Private |