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Spearmint

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	Spearmint
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	Topics Spearmint Topic Home *Mentha spicata* (Spear Mint or Spearmint; syn. K. burkhardtis) is a species of mintMentha *Mentha* is a genus of about 25-30 species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, with a subcosmopolitan distributi... native to much of EuropeEurope Europe is one of the seven traditional continents of the Earth.... and southwest AsiaAsia Asia is the largest and most populous continent or region, depending on the definition.... , though its exact natural range is uncertain due to extensive early cultivation. It grows in wet soils. It is a herbaceousHerbaceous Overview In botany, herbs are plants that do not produce a woody stem, and in temperate climates usually die, either completely or ba... rhizomatous perennial plantFacts About Perennial plant A perennial plant or perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years.... growing 30–100 cm tall, with variably hairless to hairy stems and foliage, and a wide-spreading fleshy underground rhizomeRhizome A rhizome is, in botany, a usually underground, horizontal stem of a plant that often sends out roots and shoots from its no... . The leavesLeaf Overview In botany, a leaf is an above-ground plant organ specialized for photosynthesis.... are 5–9 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, with a serrated margin. Spearmint produces flowerFlower Summary A flower,rflorem<flos), also known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found i... s in slender spikes, each flower pink or white, 2.5–3 mm long and broad. Hybrids involving spearmint include Mentha × piperita (Peppermint; hybrid with Mentha aquatica), Mentha × gracilis (Ginger Mint, syn. M. cardiaca; hybrid with Mentha arvensisMentha arvensis *Mentha arvensis* is a species of mint native to most of Europe and Asia.... ), and Mentha × villosa (Large Apple Mint, hybrid with Mentha suaveolens). The name 'spear' mint derives from the pointed leaf tips. Cultivation and uses Spearmint is grown for its aromatic and carminativeCarminative A carminative, also known as carminativum, is a medicinal drug with antispasmodic activity that is used against cramps... oil, referred to as oil of spearmint. It grows well in nearly all temperate climates. Gardeners often grow it in pots or planters due to its invasive spreading roots. The plant prefers partial shade, but can flourish in full sun to mostly shade. Spearmint is best suited to loamy soils with plenty of organic material. Spearmint leaves can be used whole, chopped, dried and ground, frozen, preserved in salt, sugar, sugar syrup, alcohol, oil, or dried. The leaves lose their aromatic appeal after the plant flowers. Dry it by cutting just before, or right (at peak) as the flowers open, about 1/2 to 3/4ths the way down the sock (leaving smaller shoots room to grow). There is some dispute as to what drying method works best; some prefer different materials (such as plastic or cloth) and different lighting conditions (such as darkness or sunlight). The cultivarCultivar A cultivar is a cultivated plant that has received a name under the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plan... Mentha spicata 'Nana', the Nana mint of MoroccoMorocco The Kingdom of Morocco is a country in North Africa.... , possesses a clear, pungent, but mild aroma and is an essential ingredient of Touareg TeaTouareg tea Mint Tea is kind of flavoured tea prepared in northern Africa and in Arabian countries.... . Spearmint is an ingredient of mojitoMojito Mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail which became quite popular in the United States during the late 1980s, but has recen... , the traditional Cuban cocktail. It is used as a flavoring for toothpasteToothpaste Toothpaste is a paste or gel used to clean and improve the aesthetic appearance and health of teeth.... and confectioneryConfectionery The term confectionery refers to food items that are rich in sugar.... , and is sometimes added to shampoos and soaps. In herbalismHerbalism Herbalism, also known as Herbal medicine and phytotherapy, is folk and traditional medicinal practice based on t... , spearmint is steeped as tea for the treatment of stomach ache. Recent research has shown that spearmint tea may be used as a treatment for mild hirsutismHirsutism Hirsutism is defined as excessive and increased hair growth in women in locations where the occurrence of terminal hair norm... in women. Its anti-androgenic properties reduce the level of free testosterone in the blood, while leaving total testosterone and DHEA unaffected. Chemistry A major component of the oil is R-CarvoneCarvone \| CAS number\|[6485-40-1]-Carvone)[2244-16-8]-Carvone)... ; pure R-Carvone is sufficient to produce a smell which people identify as a spearmint smell. Gallery