Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/845.html

Spearmint

What is it?

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a species of mint plant. It's grown for its leaves and essential oil, which is used as a flavoring in foods and cosmetics.

Spearmint oil contains chemicals that reduce swelling and affect hormone levels in the body, including testosterone. Some chemicals might also harm cancer cells and kill bacteria.

People use spearmint for memory, digestion, osteoarthritis, nausea and vomiting after surgery, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse spearmint with other plants known as mint, including English horsemint, Japanese mint, peppermint, perilla, salvia divinorum, or wild mint. These are not the same.

How effective is it?

There is interest in using spearmint for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it safe?

When taken by mouth: Spearmint and spearmint oil are commonly consumed in foods. Spearmint is possibly safe when used as a medicine, short-term. It's usually well tolerated.

When applied to the skin: Spearmint is possibly safe. It might cause an allergic reaction in some people, but this is rare.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy: Spearmint and spearmint oil are commonly consumed in foods. But spearmint is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in large amounts during pregnancy. Very large doses of spearmint tea might damage the uterus. Avoid using large amounts of spearmint during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: Spearmint and spearmint oil are commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if larger amounts of spearmint are safe when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Kidney disorders: Spearmint tea might increase kidney damage. Using large amounts of spearmint tea might make kidney disorders worse.

Liver disease: Spearmint tea might increase liver damage. Using large amounts of spearmint tea might make liver disease worse.

Are there interactions with medications?

Moderate
Be cautious with this combination.
Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs)
Spearmint might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking spearmint along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants)
Spearmint might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking spearmint with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?

Herbs and supplements that might harm the liver
Spearmint might harm the liver. Taking it with other supplements that can also harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Examples of supplements with this effect include garcinia, greater celandine, green tea extract, kava, and kratom.
Herbs and supplements with sedative properties
Spearmint might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might cause too much sleepiness and/or slowed breathing in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include hops, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian.

Are there interactions with foods?

There are no known interactions with foods.

How is it typically used?

Spearmint extract has most often been used by adults at a dose of 900 mg by mouth daily for up to 90 days. Spearmint tea has most often been used as two cups daily for up to 16 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Other names

Curled Mint, Fish Mint, Garden Mint, Green Mint, Hierbabuena, Huile Essentielle de Menthe Verte, Lamb Mint, Mackerel Mint, Menta Verde, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha crispa, Mentha spicata, Mentha viridis, Menthe Verte, Menthe Crépue, Menthe Douce, Menthe à Épis, Menthe Frisée, Menthe des Jardins, Menthe Romaine, Native Spearmint, Oil of Spearmint, Our Lady's Mint, Pahari Pudina, Putiha, Sage of Bethlehem, Spearmint Essential Oil, Spire Mint, Yerba Buena, Yerbabuena.

Methodology

To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database methodology.

References

  1. Ting S, Nguyen J, Palmer A, Rosemary Nixon AM. Contact sensitisation in oral lichen planus: An Australian perspective. Contact Dermatitis 2023. View abstract.
  2. Falcone PH, Tribby AC, Vogel RM, et al. Efficacy of a nootropic spearmint extract on reactive agility: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018;15:58. View abstract.
  3. Falcone PH, Nieman KM, Tribby AC, et al. The attention-enhancing effects of spearmint extract supplementation in healthy men and women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial. Nutr Res. 2019;64:24-38. View abstract.
  4. Herrlinger KA, Nieman KM, Sanoshy KD, et al. Spearmint extract improves working memory in men and women with age-associated memory impairment. J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24:37-47. View abstract.
  5. Bardaweel SK, Bakchiche B, ALSalamat HA, Rezzoug M, Gherib A, Flamini G. Chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of essential oil of Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae) from Algerian Saharan atlas. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018;18:201. View abstract.
  6. Lasrado JA, Nieman KM, Fonseca BA, et al. Safety and tolerability of a dried aqueous spearmint extract. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2017;86:167-176. View abstract.
  7. Gunatheesan S, Tam MM, Tate B, et al. Retrospective study of oral lichen planus and allergy to spearmint oil. Australas J Dermatol 2012;53:224-8. View abstract.
  8. Connelly AE, Tucker AJ, Tulk H, et al. High-rosmarinic acid spearmint tea in the management of knee osteoarthritis symptoms. J Med Food 2014;17:1361-7. View abstract.
  9. Damiani E, Aloia AM, Priore MG, et al. Allergy to mint (Mentha spicata). J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2012;22:309-10. View abstract.
  10. Hunt R, Dienemann J, Norton HJ, Hartley W, Hudgens A, Stern T, Divine G. Aromatherapy as treatment for postoperative nausea: a randomized trial. Anesth Analg 2013;117:597-604. View abstract.
  11. Arumugam, P. Priya N. Subathra M. Ramesh A. Environmental Toxicology & Pharmacology 2008;26:92-95.
  12. Pratap, S, Mithravinda, Mohan, YS, Rajoshi, C, and Reddy, PM. Antimicrobial activity and bioautography of essential oils from selected Indian medicinal plants (MAPS-P-410). International Pharmaceutical Federation World Congress 2002;62:133.
  13. Skrebova, N., Brocks, K., and Karlsmark, T. Allergic contact cheilitis from spearmint oil. Contact Dermatitis 1998;39:35. View abstract.
  14. Ormerod, A. D. and Main, R. A. Sensitisation to "sensitive teeth" toothpaste. Contact Dermatitis 1985;13:192-193. View abstract.
  15. Rasooli, I., Shayegh, S., and Astaneh, S. The effect of Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oils on dental biofilm. Int J Dent.Hyg. 2009;7:196-203. View abstract.
  16. Torney, L. K., Johnson, A. J., and Miles, C. Chewing gum and impasse-induced self-reported stress. Appetite 2009;53:414-417. View abstract.
  17. Zhao, C. Z., Wang, Y., Tang, F. D., Zhao, X. J., Xu, Q. P., Xia, J. F., and Zhu, Y. F. [Effect of Spearmint oil on inflammation, oxidative alteration and Nrf2 expression in lung tissue of COPD rats]. Zhejiang.Da.Xue.Xue.Bao.Yi.Xue.Ban. 2008;37:357-363. View abstract.
  18. Goncalves, J. C., Oliveira, Fde S., Benedito, R. B., de Sousa, D. P., de Almeida, R. N., and de Araujo, D. A. Antinociceptive activity of (-)-carvone: evidence of association with decreased peripheral nerve excitability. Biol Pharm Bull. 2008;31:1017-1020. View abstract.
  19. Johnson, A. J. and Miles, C. Chewing gum and context-dependent memory: the independent roles of chewing gum and mint flavour. Br.J Psychol. 2008;99(Pt 2):293-306. View abstract.
  20. Johnson, A. J. and Miles, C. Evidence against memorial facilitation and context-dependent memory effects through the chewing of gum. Appetite 2007;48:394-396. View abstract.
  21. Miles, C. and Johnson, A. J. Chewing gum and context-dependent memory effects: a re-examination. Appetite 2007;48:154-158. View abstract.
  22. Dal Sacco, D., Gibelli, D., and Gallo, R. Contact allergy in the burning mouth syndrome: a retrospective study on 38 patients. Acta Derm.Venereol. 2005;85:63-64. View abstract.
  23. Clayton, R. and Orton, D. Contact allergy to spearmint oil in a patient with oral lichen planus. Contact Dermatitis 2004;51(5-6):314-315. View abstract.
  24. Yu, T. W., Xu, M., and Dashwood, R. H. Antimutagenic activity of spearmint. Environ Mol.Mutagen. 2004;44:387-393. View abstract.
  25. Baker, J. R., Bezance, J. B., Zellaby, E., and Aggleton, J. P. Chewing gum can produce context-dependent effects upon memory. Appetite 2004;43:207-210. View abstract.
  26. Tomson, N., Murdoch, S., and Finch, T. M. The dangers of making mint sauce. Contact Dermatitis 2004;51:92-93. View abstract.
  27. Tucha, O., Mecklinger, L., Maier, K., Hammerl, M., and Lange, K. W. Chewing gum differentially affects aspects of attention in healthy subjects. Appetite 2004;42:327-329. View abstract.
  28. Wilkinson, L., Scholey, A., and Wesnes, K. Chewing gum selectively improves aspects of memory in healthy volunteers. Appetite 2002;38:235-236. View abstract.
  29. Bonamonte, D., Mundo, L., Daddabbo, M., and Foti, C. Allergic contact dermatitis from Mentha spicata (spearmint). Contact Dermatitis 2001;45:298. View abstract.
  30. Francalanci, S., Sertoli, A., Giorgini, S., Pigatto, P., Santucci, B., and Valsecchi, R. Multicentre study of allergic contact cheilitis from toothpastes. Contact Dermatitis 2000;43:216-222. View abstract.
  31. Bulat, R., Fachnie, E., Chauhan, U., Chen, Y., and Tougas, G. Lack of effect of spearmint on lower oesophageal sphincter function and acid reflux in healthy volunteers. Aliment.Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13:805-812. View abstract.
  32. Masumoto, Y., Morinushi, T., Kawasaki, H., Ogura, T., and Takigawa, M. Effects of three principal constituents in chewing gum on electroencephalographic activity. Psychiatry Clin.Neurosci. 1999;53:17-23. View abstract.
  33. Grant, P. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial. Phytother.Res 2010;24:186-188. View abstract.
  34. Sokovic, M. D., Vukojevic, J., Marin, P. D., Brkic, D. D., Vajs, V., and van Griensven, L. J. Chemical composition of essential oils of Thymus and Mentha species and their antifungal activities. Molecules. 2009;14:238-249. View abstract.
  35. Kumar, V., Kural, M. R., Pereira, B. M., and Roy, P. Spearmint induced hypothalamic oxidative stress and testicular anti-androgenicity in male rats - altered levels of gene expression, enzymes and hormones. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008;46:3563-3570. View abstract.
  36. Akdogan, M., Tamer, M. N., Cure, E., Cure, M. C., Koroglu, B. K., and Delibas, N. Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism. Phytother.Res 2007;21:444-447. View abstract.
  37. Guney, M., Oral, B., Karahanli, N., Mungan, T., and Akdogan, M. The effect of Mentha spicata Labiatae on uterine tissue in rats. Toxicol.Ind.Health 2006;22:343-348. View abstract.
  38. Akdogan, M., Kilinc, I., Oncu, M., Karaoz, E., and Delibas, N. Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperita L. and Mentha spicata L. on kidney tissue in rats. Hum.Exp Toxicol. 2003;22:213-219. View abstract.
  39. Imai, H., Osawa, K., Yasuda, H., Hamashima, H., Arai, T., and Sasatsu, M. Inhibition by the essential oils of peppermint and spearmint of the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Microbios 2001;106 Suppl 1:31-39. View abstract.
  40. Abe, S., Maruyama, N., Hayama, K., Inouye, S., Oshima, H., and Yamaguchi, H. Suppression of neutrophil recruitment in mice by geranium essential oil. Mediators.Inflamm. 2004;13:21-24. View abstract.
  41. Abe, S., Maruyama, N., Hayama, K., Ishibashi, H., Inoue, S., Oshima, H., and Yamaguchi, H. Suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced neutrophil adherence responses by essential oils. Mediators.Inflamm. 2003;12:323-328. View abstract.
  42. Larsen, W., Nakayama, H., Fischer, T., Elsner, P., Frosch, P., Burrows, D., Jordan, W., Shaw, S., Wilkinson, J., Marks, J., Jr., Sugawara, M., Nethercott, M., and Nethercott, J. Fragrance contact dermatitis: a worldwide multicenter investigation (Part II). Contact Dermatitis 2001;44:344-346. View abstract.
  43. Rafii, F. and Shahverdi, A. R. Comparison of essential oils from three plants for enhancement of antimicrobial activity of nitrofurantoin against enterobacteria. Chemotherapy 2007;53:21-25. View abstract.
  44. de Sousa, D. P., Farias Nobrega, F. F., and de Almeida, R. N. Influence of the chirality of (R)-(-)- and (S)-(+)-carvone in the central nervous system: a comparative study. Chirality 5-5-2007;19:264-268. View abstract.
  45. Andersen, K. E. Contact allergy to toothpaste flavors. Contact Dermatitis 1978;4:195-198. View abstract.
  46. Poon, T. S. and Freeman, S. Cheilitis caused by contact allergy to anethole in spearmint flavoured toothpaste. Australas.J Dermatol. 2006;47:300-301. View abstract.
  47. Soliman, K. M. and Badeaa, R. I. Effect of oil extracted from some medicinal plants on different mycotoxigenic fungi. Food Chem.Toxicol 2002;40:1669-1675. View abstract.
  48. Vejdani R, Shalmani HR, Mir-Fattahi M, et al. The efficacy of an herbal medicine, Carmint, on the relief of abdominal pain and bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Dig Dis Sci. 2006 Aug;51:1501-7. View abstract.
  49. Akdogan M, Ozguner M, Kocak A, et al. Effects of peppermint teas on plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels and testicular tissue in rats. Urology 2004;64:394-8. View abstract.
  50. Akdogan M, Ozguner M, Aydin G, Gokalp O. Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperita Labiatae and Mentha spicata Labiatae on liver tissue in rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2004;23:21-8. View abstract.
  51. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  52. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  53. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  54. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  55. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994.
  56. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  57. Monographs on the medicinal uses of plant drugs. Exeter, UK: European Scientific Co-op Phytother, 1997.
Last reviewed - 01/04/2024