Spearmint is more than just a refreshing herb, it’s a natural powerhouse with health benefits, culinary uses, and soothing properties. Whether you grow it in your garden or pick up fresh bundles at the market, spearmint is an easy-to-use plant that can bring both flavor and wellness into your daily life.
I have been growing and harvesting Spearmint in my garden. Each year the plant gets bigger and more fragrant. We now have enough to start making products, add in cooking and start new seedlings.
Health Benefits of Spearmint
Spearmint has been cherished for centuries for its gentle yet effective healing properties. Some of its top benefits include:
- Aids Digestion – Spearmint tea can soothe indigestion, bloating, and nausea.
- Supports Hormonal Balance – Research suggests it may help reduce excess androgens, especially in women with PCOS.
- Freshens Breath – Its antibacterial qualities make it a natural breath freshener.
- Reduces Stress – A cup of spearmint tea or a whiff of its aroma can help calm the nervous system.
- Supports Respiratory Health – It may help clear congestion and soothe sore throats.
Healthy and Creative Uses for Spearmint
Once you have fresh or dried spearmint on hand, there are countless ways to enjoy it:
- Spearmint Tea: Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water for a soothing, caffeine-free tea.
- Infused Water: Add spearmint leaves with cucumber or lemon slices for a refreshing detox drink.
- Cooking: Chop fresh spearmint into salads, sauces, yogurt dips, or grain bowls.
- Smoothies: Blend with fruits like watermelon, pineapple, or berries for a cooling twist.
- Skincare: Create a DIY spearmint steam facial to open pores and refresh skin.
- Aromatherapy: Crush leaves and inhale the scent to relieve stress or stuffiness.
- Homemade Remedies: Use dried spearmint in herbal sachets for relaxation or to freshen drawers.
Enjoy this Recipe For A Calming Spearmint Tea To Help With Digestion & Stress Relief
Spearmint tea is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to enjoy the benefits of this fragrant herb. Known for its ability to soothe digestion, reduce bloating, calm stress, and support hormonal balance, this recipe can be enjoyed daily for gentle wellness support.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried spearmint leaves (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
- 1 cup boiling water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon raw honey or a squeeze of lemon
Directions
- Place the dried spearmint leaves in a tea infuser or directly into a mug.
- Pour boiling water over the leaves.
- Cover and let steep for 5–7 minutes to extract the oils and benefits.
- Strain, sweeten with honey or lemon if desired, and sip slowly.
Health Benefits
- Soothes Digestion: Helps relieve gas, bloating, and mild stomach discomfort.
- Reduces Stress: The aroma and natural compounds calm the nervous system.
- Supports Hormonal Balance: Drinking regularly may help reduce excess androgens in women.
- Caffeine-Free: A perfect evening tea that won’t interfere with sleep.
How to Start Growing Your Own Spearmint
If you’ve ever wanted a low-maintenance herb that’s both useful and delicious, spearmint is the perfect choice. This hardy plant is one of the easiest herbs to grow, even for beginners. With just a little sun, water, and space, spearmint will reward you with fresh, fragrant leaves all season long.
You can grow it in a backyard garden, a raised bed, or even a simple container on your windowsill. Once it takes root, you’ll have an endless supply of minty freshness to use in teas, cooking, and natural remedies.
Step 1: Choose the Right Spot
Spearmint loves full sun to partial shade. If you’re planting outdoors, find a spot that gets at least 4–6 hours of sunlight a day. Indoors, a sunny windowsill will work just fine.
Step 2: Pick Your Container or Garden Bed
Spearmint grows fast and can quickly take over a garden if left unchecked. To keep it contained, many gardeners plant it in pots, raised beds, or containers. A medium-sized pot with good drainage is all you need.
Step 3: Use the Right Soil
This herb thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil. A standard potting mix works well, but you can boost growth by mixing in a little compost.
Step 4: Planting Your Spearmint
- From seed: Sprinkle seeds on top of moist soil, lightly cover, and keep damp until seedlings sprout.
- From cuttings or starter plants: Plant directly into soil about 1–2 inches deep and water well.
Step 5: Water Regularly
Spearmint prefers soil that stays consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and make sure your pot or bed drains well.
Step 6: Harvest Often
Once your spearmint reaches 6–8 inches tall, you can start harvesting. Pick the top leaves regularly to encourage new, bushy growth. Avoid stripping the plant bare—always leave a few sets of leaves so it can keep thriving.
Step 7: Keep It Healthy
- Trim back overgrowth to prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- Pinch off flower buds when they appear to keep the leaves flavorful.
- In cooler climates, spearmint will die back in winter but return in spring.
How to Harvest Spearmint
Harvesting spearmint is simple and rewarding—and the more you harvest, the more your plant will grow!
When to Harvest
- You can start picking leaves once the plant is about 6–8 inches tall.
- For the strongest flavor, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.
How to Harvest
- Use clean scissors or garden shears to snip stems just above a leaf node (where the leaves grow out of the stem).
- Take no more than one-third of the plant at a time so it can keep producing.
- Pinch off any flower buds as soon as you see them—this keeps the leaves tender and flavorful.
How Often to Harvest
- Spearmint grows quickly, so you can harvest every few days during the growing season.
- Regular trimming encourages the plant to become bushier and prevents it from spreading too aggressively.
Storing Fresh Spearmint
- Place cut stems in a glass of water on your counter for short-term use.
- For longer storage, wrap leaves in a damp paper towel, place them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for up to a week.
How to Dry Spearmint
Drying spearmint allows you to preserve its flavor and benefits for year-round use.
Air Drying Method
- Gather small bundles of spearmint stems.
- Tie them together with twine and hang upside down in a dry, dark, well-ventilated area.
- Once the leaves are crisp (1–2 weeks), crumble them and store in airtight jars.
Oven or Dehydrator Method
- Place washed spearmint leaves in a single layer on a tray.
- Dry in an oven at the lowest temperature or in a dehydrator until crisp.
- Store in a cool, dark place in airtight containers.
Spearmint is a versatile, health-boosting herb that you can grow, harvest, and enjoy in many ways. Whether you sip it in tea, sprinkle it over food, or enjoy its soothing aroma, this little green plant has a lot to offer. By learning how to cultivate and preserve spearmint, you’ll always have a fresh supply of wellness right at your fingertips.
Presented by Coach Trina at Dragoyle.com
