Pure Spearmint

Story

Origin

Spearmint is indigenous to the Middle-East, Asia and Europe; but as it grows well in any temperate climate it has now been naturalised throughout the world and is one of the most common plants found in gardens and the wild as well as plantations the world over.

It is thought that the Romans popularised the use and growing of spearmint in the West and Europe after discovering it growing in North Africa or the Middle-East, and Tea Palace looks to these traditional areas when sourcing our own mint. Usually sourced from Iran, Morocco or Egypt, we find Middle-Eastern mints to be the most flavourful and complex of all!

History

Whilst mint has been used throughout the world wherever it was grown for medicine and flavouring, spearmint is a comparatively recent introduction to the UK where it was introduced and popularised by the Romans in the first centuries of the first millennium AD. 

Spearmint is highly prized for its essential oil which is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and other compounds with a slightly sweeter aroma and flavour than peppermint. It has been used to invigorate the mind, soothe the digestion and relieve swelling and infection for millenia.

As an infusion, spearmint is naturally caffeine-free, fragrant and refreshing. As it is so strongly flavoured, it lends itself well to blending in teas and herbal blends with strong flavours. Perhaps the most famous Middle-Eastern mint and green tea blend sometimes known as Moroccan Mint, but going by other names in other regions.

At Tea Palace, spearmint is our number 1 best-selling infusion and far outstrips the popularity of peppermint; perhaps because it is a softer and slightly sweeter infusion but retains all of the same health benefits.

To Enjoy

Place 1-2 teaspoons per cup into an infuser, filter or teapot. Add freshly boiled water and infuse  for 4 minutes. May be enjoyed with honey or lemon to taste.

Health Benefits

Spearmint is used to counter indigestion, gastrointestinal spasms, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, respiratory congestion.

Stomach-settling and cramp-easing, Spearmint has a well-earnt reputation for quelling nausea. It is also a good choice if your nausea comes with a headache or cold, since Spearmint is a traditional remedy for both those ailments.

Spearmint calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. As a result, food passes through the stomach more quickly.