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SPEARMINT (Mentha spicata L.) +++Synonyms: M. aquatica var. crispa (L.) Benth., M. cordifolia Opiz ex Fresen., M. crispa L., M. spicata
var. ciliata Druce, M. spicata var. crispa (Benth.) Danert, M. spicata var. viridis L., Mentha viridis (L.) L.
Activities (Spearmint) — Allergenic (1; APA); Analgesic (1; DEM; EFS); Antipyretic (f; DEM;
FEL); Antiseptic (1; FAD; PH2); Antispasmodic (1; FAD; JFM; PHR; PH2); Carminative (1; APA;
FAD; JFM; PHR; PH2); Decongestant (1; APA); Deodorant (f; JFM); Dermatitigenic (1; FAD);
Diaphoretic (f; JFM); Digestive (1; APA; PH2); Diuretic (f; CEB; FEL); Emetic (f; DEM); Expec-
torant (f; DEP); Insecticide (f; PH2); Neurodepressant (1; PH2); Sedative (1; DEM; PH2); Stimulant
(1; PHR; PH2); Stomachic (1; FAD); Vermifuge (f; DEM; JFM).
Indications (Spearmint) — Aphtha (f; DEP); Bronchosis (f; DEP); Cancer (f; FAD; JLH); Cancer,
breast (f; JLH); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; JLH); Cancer, stomach (f; JLH); Cold (1;
FAD); Colic (f; DEM); Congestion (1; APA); Cough (f; APA); Cramp (1; DEM; FAD; JFM; PHR;
PH2); Depression (f; APA); Diarrhea (f; DEM; FAD; JFM); Dyspepsia (1; APA); Dysuria (f; CEB;
FEL); Enterosis (1; APA; DEM; JFM); Fever (f; DEM; DEP; FAD; FEL; JFM); Gas (1; APA; DEM;
FAD; JFM; PHR; PH2); Gastrosis (1; APA; JLH; JFM); Gonorrhea (f; FEL); Gravel (f; DEM; FEL);
Hay Fever (f; DEM); Headache (1; DEM; FAD; JFM); Hemorrhoid (f; DEM; FEL); Hepatosis (f;
JLH); Hysteria (f; DEM); Induration (f; JLH); Insomnia (1; DEM; PH2); Mastosis (f; JLH); Nausea
(f; APA; JFM); Nephrosis (f; CEB); Nervousness (1; DEM; PH2); Pain (1; DEM; EFS); Palpitation
(f; JFM); Rheumatism (f; FEL; JFM); Sore (f; JFM); Splenosis (f; JLH); Stomachache (1; DEM;
FAD; JFM); Water Retention (f; CEB; DEM; FEL); Worm (f; CEB; DEM; JFM); Wound (f; DEM).
Dosages (Spearmint) — 1–2 tbsp herb (0.7–1.5 g)/cup water several ×/day(APA); 0.3–1 ml concentrated
spearmint water (PNC); 1 wineglass gin tincture 3–4 ×/day as diuretic (CEB); 0.5–2 ml EO (PNC).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Spearmint) — Class 1 (AHP). None reported at
proper dosing (PH2). Estimated lethal dose for menthol in humans may be as low as 2 g. Survival after
doses of 8–9 g have been reported. Menthol reactions include reported cases of urticaria, allergic
cheilitis, stomatosis, and rarely, shaking chills from use of topical menthol products. GI complaints
due to use of peppermint preparations include stomatosis, severe esophagitis, gastrosis, unexplained