Spirulina is one of hundreds of blue green algae species. Algae are organisms, found throughout the world, that usually grow on inland waters. It resembles a blue-green scum. Algaes are usually divided by color. Some examples are green, blue-green, yellow-green, red, and brown. There are 8000 species of green algae in the world. Spirulina is the easiest of the three main types of algae to digest.
When you think of spearmint leaves, you probably think of Wrigley’s gum that has been around since 1893. Indeed, it is flavored with spearmint oil. In fact, about half of all spearmint oil is used to flavor gum, another 45% for toothpastes. We are told that 13,000 sticks of chewing gum contain one pound of mint oil. So it goes a long way!
Spearmint is also called Our Lady's mint, sage of Bethlehem, menthol mint, silver mint, spiremint, mint, brown mint, and garden mint. The official name is Salvia sclarea. Mint itself includes several species: apple mint, catnip, peppermint, lavender mint orange mint, and Scotch spearmint. Seventy per cent of the world’s mint supply comes from the US with most coming from Washington and Oregon.
Though spearmint is not as popular as peppermint, it does have its own unique flavor. Spearmint plant has a creeping root and unequally serrated and smooth leaves. It is a herbaceous plant with branching, quadrangular, smooth stems, that grow to 2 ft. high. The leaves are the only part of the plant used.
Spearmint is native to the Mediterranean region. Its history goes back thousands of years. In 1568, herbalist John Gerard Writing wrote of ‘spere mynte’, it "rejoiceth the heart..." The Bible mentions mint twice, in Matt. 23:23 and Luke 11:42. Both spoke of religious people tithing the tiniest of leaves. In the Middle Ages spearmint is mentioned as a strewing herb. It was scattered on the floor to get rid of rodents, to give health to those in the house, and to add a beautiful scent. Spearmint made its way to America during the Colonial period. Because mint was not taxed by the English government, it soon became a popular tea substitute during the American Revolution. After the war, spearmint became a significant cash crop in Connecticut. During the American Civil War when imported black tea was hard to get, spearmint’s popularity flourished. It was used to help purify drinking water and as a cleansing tonic. They used spearmint to treat dog bites and wasps and bee stings by mixing salt and mint and applying it directly to the wound.
Spearmint is effective because it contains the flavonoid thymonin, caffeic acid, volatile oil, carvone, rosmaric acid, and limonene. The aromatic compounds work to increase blood circulation, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, relieve and smooth muscle spasms, relieve pain, promote sweating, and are antiseptic. Spearmint’s astringent compounds shrink inflamed tissues. Spearmint is effective in treating menstrual cramps, flatulence, indigestion, flu, morning sickness, nausea, muscle aches, and vomiting. The pain of canker sores can be soothed by placing ice cubes of mint tea in the mouth.
Externally the application of a strong mixture of spearmint will heal chapped skin. Try inhaling spearmint to relieve tension headaches and to revive memory. You can also dilute sugary drinks with mint tea.
Some women face a condition called hirsutism. This is excessive hair growth in areas where hair normally does not grow. Spearmint reduces the level of free testosterone in the blood through its anti-androgenic properties. At the same time it leaves total testosterone and DHEA unaffected. Women with hirsutism should drink a cup of spearmint tea in the morning and evening for the five days of the follicular period (the five days leading up to ovulation) of each menstrual cycle.
What is the recommended dosage of spearmint leaves? For a decoction: mix 2 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. Steep 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. For an infusion: mix 2 tsp dried leaf in one cup water. Steep for 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. For a bath decoction: mix 3 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water and follow the above directions. There are no known side effects to spearmint. It is safe and useful for children. Use it for relief in colic and congestion for the gentle menthol content is warming and relaxing to the esophagus. Spearmint has a mild anesthetic effect to the mucous membranes of the stomach and can thus ease motion sickness and help restore the appetite.
Sage Leaves Benefit Problems With Fevers
Medicinal herb is a popular choice in providing medical solutions these days. Although many manufactured medicines are flourishing, still, most people go for what is natural. Most of these natural herbs have healing properties as well as benefits beyond healing. There are proven ways of making sage leaves an essential element in some culinary dishes and concoctions.
Burdock Herb Is Vitamin Rich And More
How many of us can recall times of walking through an open field, only to be annoyed by the burrs we collected on our socks or pant legs? Those burrs might well be the only unwanted part of the burdock plant. It grows wild in Asia, Europe, and North America. If you eat the root, it tastes sweet and feels gummy. The stalks taste like celery, and the leaves are bitter like dandelion.
Comfrey Herbs Help Those With Colitis
Comfrey has also been called boneset, nipbone, knitbone, and healing herb and for good reason. It has a long history of effectiveness as a healer plant, especially for being able to knit bones.
