ENGLISH NAME: Spearmint
LATIN NAME: Mentha spicata
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Máta klasnatá
Turkey: Nane
Bulgaria: Градинска мента / Лютива мента (Gradinska menta / Lyutiva menta)
Georgia: პიტნა (Pitna)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Cultivated widely across Central Bohemia (Czechia), Aegean and Mediterranean regions (Turkey), Upper Thracian Plain (Bulgaria), and Kakheti (Georgia)
Elevation: 0–1000 meters
Terrain: Gardens, fields, edges of irrigation canals, and moist cultivated soils
DESCRIPTION:
A hardy, aromatic perennial herb with square stems, bright green lance-shaped leaves with finely serrated edges, and spikes of small pale purple flowers. Less pungent than peppermint, spearmint has a sweeter, milder scent due to its high carvone content and low menthol content.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves and flowering tops
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Used traditionally for digestive discomfort, nausea, flatulence, and colic. Also mildly calming and cooling, useful in teas for fever and minor headaches. Known for its antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and carminative properties.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Generally very safe. Excessive use of concentrated oils can irritate mucous membranes. Use caution in young children and during pregnancy (avoid concentrated essential oil internally).
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
Commonly blended with chamomile, fennel, lemon balm, or licorice in soothing teas. Enhances palatability of bitter herbs like wormwood or gentian.
PREPARATION:
Fresh or dried leaves are used in infusions, culinary dishes, syrups, and tinctures. Leaves may also be crushed for topical poultices or added to steam inhalations.
HARVEST TIME:
Mid to late summer, during early flowering (June–August)
HARVEST METHOD:
Clip leafy stems just before flowering for best aroma and oil content. Harvest on a dry morning when dew has evaporated.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Dry in bunches in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Store in airtight containers away from moisture and light. Use within 1 year for best flavor and potency.
✅ Note: Spearmint is widely used in both culinary and medicinal traditions across all four countries, and is a common garden herb in Southeastern and Central Europe.