The most likely parent of peppermint, spearmint is thought to be the oldest of all mints. It is probably the mint mentioned in the Bible.

Spearmint is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments. The leaves should be harvested when the plant is just coming into flower, and can be dried for later use. The stems are macerated and used as a poultice on bruises. Both the essential oil and the stems are used in folk remedies for cancer.

A poultice prepared from the leaves is said to remedy tumors. Spearmint is still listed in the Hungarian Pharmacopoeia as a medicine.

Culinary Uses:

Leaves - raw or cooked. A strong spearmint flavor, they are used as a flavoring in salads or cooked foods. The leaves are often used in 'mint sauce', which is used as a flavoring in meals. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. It has a very pleasant and refreshing taste of spearmint, leaving the mouth and digestive system feeling clean. An essential oil from the leaves and flowers is used as a flavoring in sweets, ice cream, drinks etc.

Other Uses:

The plant repels insects and was formerly used as an strewing herb. Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. The plant was therefore used in homes as a strewing herb and has also been spread in granaries to keep the rodents off the grain.

Properties:

Antiemetic; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Cancer; Carminative; Diuretic; Poultice; Restorative; Stimulant; Stomachic.