Spearmint: Health benefits and side effects

Spearmint, also known as pudina, is one of the best known varieties of mint that is used in cuisines and medicinal systems all over the world. The fruit-like flavor of spearmint is not as pronounced as that of peppermint and this makes it a popular ingredient of herbal tea.

Health benefits: All over the world, spearmint has been used to provide relief from flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite and morning sickness. Externally, the paste of spearmint leaves may be used to give relief from burns, blemishes and acne. This herb has a stimulant action and helps to overcome exhaustion and depression. Studies have found this herb to have antioxidant and anti-cancer effects.

How to use: Mint leaves are chewed as such or steeped in boiling water to prepare a soothing tea.

Active ingredients: Spearmint is rich in volatile oil that contains carvone, limonene, cineole and dihydrocarvone; it also contains a little menthone and menthol along with vitamins thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.

Side effects:Spearmint is safe for general use; however, some persons have reported allergic reactions. It must not be given to pregnant women because of its property of stimulating menstruation. (Read: 10 natural remedies to reduce pain during your menstrual periods)

Photo source: Getty images

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References

1 Hajighasemi F, Hashemi V, Khoshzaban F. Cytotoxic effect of Menthaspicata aqueous extract on cancerous cell lines in vitro.Journal of medicinal Plants Research. 5. 20 (2011): 5142 5147

2 Kanatt SR, Chander R, Sharma A. Antioxidant potential of mint (Menthaspicata L.) in radiation-processed lamb meat. Food Chemistry 100.2 (2007): 451-458. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.09.066