Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Mentha spicata
|
| 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
|
| Sister Plants: |
Mentha piperita, Mentha aquatica, Thymus vulgaris
|
| Comments: |
Perennial herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in moist, sunny areas
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Lamiales |
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
Genus |
Mentha |
| Species |
spicata |
NCBI Tax ID |
29719
|
| Organism |
|
|
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
|
| 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
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| Root: |
Rhizomatous root system, spreads aggressively
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| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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Distribution |
| 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 |
| 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
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| 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 |
| 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
|
| 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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