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