Results for: Spearmint

Answered

In Food & Cooking

What is spearmint?

Spearmint ( Mentha spicata ) is a branching perennial herb of Mediterranean origin. Mint belongs to the family of Lamiaceae , along with basil, rosemary, sage, savory, marjor… (MORE)

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In Uncategorized

What is spearmint made out of?

Spearmint is made from the species of mint Mentha spicata which can be found in southwest Asia and Europe.

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In Food & Cooking

How can you tell spearmint from peppermint?

You can tell Spearmint from Peppermint by the smell. Spearmint is kind of a sharp smell, While Peppermint is kind of a thin smell.

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In Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

How is essential oil of spearmint prepared?

Essential oil: obtained by steam distillation of the fresh, flowering tops of the mint. A few drops of oil added to water and applied will treat skin irritations. May also be … (MORE)

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In Botany or Plant Biology

What is the Latin name of the spearmint plant?

Mentha spicata (sometimes referred to as M. viridis and M. crispa) and is one of at least thirty species in the extensive Lamiaceae or mint family.

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In Uncategorized

What are the precautions associated with using spearmint?

Generally considered safe. Not to be taken by those with hiatal hernia, acute gallstone attack and some herbalists counsel against giving to young children or pregnant women.

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In Travel & Places

How long does it take spearmint to grow?

If you have a sprig of spearmint with roots on it and put it in the ground it will cover a flowerbed in one season.... It is very invasive . I guess where you live has somethi… (MORE)

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In Herb Gardening

What is the history of spearmint?

Mint folklore began in ancient mythology. Mint or Mintha, is named after the Greek nymph Minthes, who was turned into a mint plant by Proserpine, the jealous wife of Pluto, fo…r casting covetous eyes on the philandering god of the underworld. Proserpine gained her revenge by turning Minthes into an herb where she would be forever trampled under people's feet. To keep people treading on her forever, Proserpine gave Minthes eternal freshness and fragrance. Both the Latin, Metha, and the Greek, Minthe, have come to be associated with metamorphosed beauty. In ancient Athens, where it was common to scent different parts of the body with different herbs, mint was the scent most commonly used on the arms. Mint has been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 1000 BC and has been part of Chinese medicine even longer. The early Romans believed eating mint would increase intelligence. Biblical references to mint suggest it was of such high value as to be used as tithes by the Pharisees along with anise and cumin. (Matthew xxiii, 23) Mint was introduced to England by the Romans. The scent of mint was supposed to stop people from losing their tempers, and royal ambassadors carried mint sprigs in their pockets. It was also used to sweeten the smell of medieval buildings. In the 14th century, early versions of mint toothpaste were used for whitening teeth. Mint is mentioned by John Gardiner in Feate of Gardening in 1440. Feate is perhaps the earliest horticultural work in the English language and was written in verse. William Turner (1508 - 1568), who was known as the Father of British Botany, believed that mint was good for 'ye stomack' and was pleasant in sauces. John Gerarde (1545 - 1611/12) wrote that mint's "smelle rejoyceth the heart of man." Nicholas Culpeper (1616 - 1654), a physician-astrologer who fought in the English Civil War, used mint to treat over 40 different ailments, but warned that mint should never be given to a wounded man because it will prevent his wound from healing. John Josselyn (fl. 1638 - 1675), who traveled from England to New England, identified the Pilgrims as the people most likely responsible for bringing mint to the New World. Spearmint was recommended for use by people with delicate constitutions or young children with 'feeble digestive powers'. It was however, not recommended for use when a fever was present. Used externally, oil of spearmint was thought to heal 'chaps and indolent eruptions.' (MORE)

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In Food & Cooking

How do you select spearmint?

Fresh spearmint leaves are available all year. Choose spearmint leaves that are fresh, and bright green with a spearmint scent. Avoid wilted, yellow leaves or stems that have … (MORE)

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In Uncategorized

What are some of the uses of spearmint?

Spearmint is an edible plant that you can use in either raw or cooked form in many dishes. Spearmint is also a home remedy for many with fevers, headaches, and minor ailments … (MORE)