Health Benefits of Spearmint

The medicinal benefits of spearmint are particularly impressive, many of which can be enjoyed in any form. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of this powerful variety of mint.

Antibacterial Property

The most common association of spearmint is with fresh breath, but its role in mouthwashes and toothpaste are not solely to keep your breath smelling good. The natural antibacterial and antimicrobial nature of menthol and other organic compounds in spearmint help protect your mouth and throat from infections, including those that can damage dental and gum health. Bad breath is actually called halitosis, which is caused by bacteria below the gums, so spearmint keeps you healthy and smelling great.

Respiratory Health

Spearmint tea has a significant impact on the health of your respiratory system due to its naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can help relieve sore throats and tightness in the chest, alleviating congestion and irritation. According to experts, spearmint’s powerful aroma can also help clear up sinuses and even increase mental clarity.

Aids in Digestion

Spearmint has a number of roles to play in the digestive system, particularly as a gentle tonic to ease an upset stomach. It is popular during pregnancy to prevent morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting, but can also be used by others suffering from such gastrointestinal issues as excess flatulence, cramping, or bloating.  IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) seems to be increasing in recent years, and spearmint tea or chewing directly on spearmint leaves is often recommended to treat or manage the condition more effectively.

Hormonal Balance

For those suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome or some other form of hormonal imbalance, spearmint has been shown to treat the condition. The powerful organic compounds in spearmint can inhibit and stimulate the endocrine system in different ways, helping optimize your hormonal balance and preventing the complicated metabolic side effects, including hirsutism, by reducing excessive testosterone levels in females. 

Improves Circulation

The iron content in a single serving of spearmint is more than 100% of the daily recommended amount, which can stimulate the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. This not only prevents anemia but also increases circulation to the body’s extremities, boosting energy levels and wound healing.

Heart Health

The high potassium levels found in spearmint are crucial to maintaining healthy blood pressure; potassium is a vasodilator, meaning that it relieves the stress on blood vessels and arteries, therefore helping prevent atherosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks. 

Stress Relief

Menthol, one of the most powerful active ingredients in spearmint, has a soothing and sedative effect on the body, which has been known to produce a calm, relaxed state. If you suffer from chronic stress or anxiety, a cup of spearmint tea can help ease your mind and eliminate the negative effects of chronic stress hormones on your body’s systems.

[스피아 민트]

스피아 민트는 꽃이 마치 스피아(어)(spear-창)을 닮았다 하여 붙여진 이름이다. 페퍼민트와 더불어 사용양이 가장 많은 민트중 하나이다. 스피아 민트는 페퍼 민트와는 조금 다른 달콤하면서도 톡 쏘는 향미를 가지고 있고, 목욕제로 사용하면 근육의 통증을 풀어주는 효과가 뛰어나 목욕제로서 인기도 높은 편이다. 또한 옷장이나 서랍장에 넣어두면 해충의 침입을 방지 하는 효과가 있다고 알려져 있다.

스피아민트는 기본적으로 ‘따뜻한 성질’을 가지고 있다. 그렇기 때문에 기운순환을 촉진하고 ‘풍사’를 없애면서, 통증을 완화시키는 작용을 하게된다. 그래서 감기나 두통, 복부팽만이나 생리통에 약재로 사용하고, 기침에도 사용한다고 한다. 놀랍게도, 스피아민트는 타박상이나 어혈에도 사용할 만큼 그 적용 범위가 굉장히 넓다.