You can purchase spearmint in tea bags or as loose-leaf tea, or grow your own for brewing. Many health benefits have been attributed to spearmint, whether consumed fresh or used as an essential oil. A tincture is prepared (H.) for medicinal use from equal parts of the root, and the seeds (with the hull on) together with spirit of wine. It may even reduce stress and improve memory. Most of the various types of “mint” or mentha – spearmint, Korean mint, applemint, regular old mint – offer reported health benefits and medicinal properties. (When we first moved here, the place was overrun with thistles. While healthy rats appeared unaffected, rats with diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar (21). Spearmint is a delicious, minty herb that may have beneficial effects on your health. Therefore, the evidence on the benefits of this type of mint for memory is limited but promising — especially for older adults. Spearmint is a popular flavoring agent in toothpaste, breath mints and chewing gums. The tips of the leaves are pointed, like spears, hence its name. Similarly, in a 30-day randomized study, 42 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who drank spearmint tea twice a day had lower testosterone levels and higher LH and FSH levels compared to women who drank a placebo tea (10). The leaves were used to treat neuralgia. The roots were also good against poor digestion and helped treat stomach cramps. Spearmint tea may help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Milk thistle has been used medicinally since the 4th century BC. Two studies in women with facial hair have shown that drinking spearmint tea may help. Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor (Muhl. Names of Thistle in various languages of the world are also given. Like many tasty wild plants, the thistle did not make its way into mai… There’s some evidence that this herb may help improve memory. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists spearmint as “generally recognized as safe for their intended use.”. ---Medicinal Action and Uses--- Tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, emetic and emmenagogue. Did you know you can use peppermint oil to stop migraines and other types of headaches? It’s a perennial plant that hails from Europe and Asia but now commonly grows on five continents around the world. Here's what you should know…. According to researchers, spearmint shows excellent antioxidant activity against free radicals. In addition, an infusion prepared with the leaves & roots of common thistle is believed to heal stiff neck, seizures as well as nervous disorders. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A hot infusion of the whole plant has been used as a herbal steam for treating rheumatic joints. A very important medicinal plant family is the Labiatae family, also known as the mint family. The compound (-)-carvone, which is naturally found in spearmint, has been shown to strongly inhibit muscle contractions in the digestive tract, which may explain how this herb helps relieve digestive upsets (1). This article takes a closer look at eight science-based health benefits of mint. In older manuals and guides, this family is called the Compositae because the 'flowers' are a composite of many flowers, often of different types. Also, the thick tap roots can be eaten raw or cooked, but are only palatable on young thistles before they flower. While the study was not long enough to determine whether spearmint affected facial hair, the women’s testosterone levels were reduced. Some people use spearmint to help alleviate symptoms of nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, toothache, cramps, and sore throat. Herbal teas have a wide variety of tastes, flavors and even health benefits. It contains less menthol than peppermint, but it is rich in limonene, dihydrocarvone, and cineol. Sonchus oleraceus | Sow thistle | Edible Uses 10/10/2020 Vaccinium pallidum | Blue Ridge blueberry | Edible and Medicinal Uses 10/04/2020 Houstonia purpurea | Broad-leaved bluets 09/29/2020 Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, in a study in rats, spearmint essential oil was found to decrease testosterone and ovarian cysts and increase the number of viable eggs in the rats’ ovaries (11). In one five-day study, 12 women with PCOS and nine women with facial hair due to unknown causes were given two cups of spearmint tea twice a day during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle (9). Ifin it matters, which I don't think it does, the ones I grow happen to be Bull Thistle, also known as Spear Thistle and Common Thistle. Peppermint is a hybrid plant that has been shown to help with skin conditions, headaches, cold and flu, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The herb is often used in the form of herbal teas as an herbal remedy for loss of appetite, indigestion (which is not related to ulcers), respiratory ailments, intestinal worms, constipation, flatulence, colic, anorexia and ailments associated with poor liver function like headache, fatigue and irritability. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, COVID-19 and Christmas: How to celebrate safely, COVID-19 live updates: Total number of cases passes 76.8 million, Study reveals UV LED lights effectively kill a human coronavirus, Study offers a mental well-being 'tool kit' anyone can use. It’s high in antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that may help balance hormones, lower blood sugar and improve digestion. Since the seeds of the plant are bitter, and you cannot eat them raw, it is recommended to roast the seeds and use them as a cereal substitute. Learn the recipes and methods for pain relief. B. Spearmint contains vitamins, antioxidants, and vital nutrients. It’s believed that spearmint promotes relaxation and alleviates stress by interacting with GABA receptors in your brain. Though human studies on this potential property are unavailable, some scientific evidence suggests that this herb may have beneficial effects in this regard. In fact, in South American countries, this tea is commonly used to treat stress and insomnia. Find out more about the…, Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to improve a person's health or mood. Thistle as medicine What are the best essential oils for sunburn? There are many sow thistle uses being practiced since ancient times. Field thistle is a member of the Asteraceae, the Sunflower family. It is used as medicine. Tim Low says that they are a most fine vegetable and a good introduction to eating weeds. Spearmint, or Mentha spicata is a pleasant-smelling species of mint found in health-food products, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and cosmetics. Spearmint is commonly used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting and gas. Peppermint oil is a natural insecticide. It Can Boost Breast Milk Production. In fact, in one animal study, (-)-carvone was shown to be 100 times more potent at reducing blood vessel contractions than verapamil, a commonly used blood pressure medication (1). Essential oils may help treat some allergies, especially when the reaction leads to breathing problems or affects the skin. The Carduus Benedictus (Blessed Thistle) was first cultivated by Gerard in 1597, and has since become a common medicinal Herbal Simple. It has a sweeter taste than peppermint. The roots have been used as a poultice and a decoction of the plant used as a poultice on sore jaws. Spearmint tea may help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Spearmint may help relieve joint pain caused by arthritis. A decoction of the whole plant has been used both internally and externally to treat bleeding piles. However, it does more than freshen your breath — it also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which may help kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath. Vitamins E and C may help, as well as lavender, tea tree, and others. Here are 8 foods…. Spearmint, or Mentha spicata, is a type of mint similar to peppermint. Milk thistle is commonly used as a home remedy to treat liver problems, often under the presumption that it will … Learn about the best essential oils to use. Share on Pinterest. If you’re allergic to mint, there are several products you may need to avoid. Antioxidants are natural chemical compounds found in plants that help protect against and repair damage caused by free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can lead to oxidative stress. Fresh spearmint can be used in a variety of recipes. Two tablespoons (11 grams) of spearmint also provides 2% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin C, another potent antioxidant (6, 7). Cirsium vulgare, the spear thistle, bull thistle, or common thistle, is a species of the Asteraceae genus Cirsium, native throughout most of Europe (north to 66°N, locally 68°N), Western Asia (east to the Yenisei Valley), and northwestern Africa (Atlas Mountains). Scotch thistle is a plant. It has been chewed as a remedy for toothache. Discover types of essential oils that can help treat nausea from pregnancy, vertigo, and other health conditions. Its aroma is very similar to that of peppermint. milk thistle seeds have been used for the treatment of liver disease. ex Willd.)Spreng.) Fresh spearmint leaves contain a much lower level of menthol than other mint species, which makes it less pungent and more suited to health drinks and cooking. Here are 10 healthy herbal teas you'll want to try today. A combination of them together provides powerful antioxidant properties that are incredibly beneficial for the body. GABA is a neurotransmitter involved in reducing nerve activity (24). Marsh thistle looks somewhat like spear thistle at an initial glance, but without the large spines and leaf lobes, and usually with a thin, red, leaf margin. People use Scotch thistle for cancer, ulcers, fever, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. A large review study of both animal and human studies concluded that essential oils made from this mint had pain-relieving effects (25). It can lead to a great deal of distress. A paste of the roots, combined with an equal quantity of the root paste of Amaranthus spinosus, is used … One common way to enjoy this herb is brewed into a tea, which can be made from either fresh or dried leaves. By David Taylor. But milk thistle has been praised throughout the centuries for its ability to cure; such observations have contributed to modern interest in the herb. The Bull thistle was used by early humans as a warm medicinal tea. Its leaves are around 5 centimeters to 9 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters to 3 centimeters wide. I say this to convey that I don't really care which type grows in my yard, I use it the same way regardless. Medicinal use of Common Thistle: The roots have been used as a poultice and a decoction of the plant used as a poultice on sore jaws. Cirsium vulgare is a tall, biennial or short-lived monocarpic Thistle, forming a rosette of leaves and a taproot up to 28 inches (70 cm) long in the first year, and a flowering stem up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall in the second (rarely third or fourth) year. Yet, this mint is not only tasty but may also be good for you. Young flower stems can be cooked and young leaves can be eaten in a salad or tossed into a sauté. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a perennial herb believed to have medicinal properties. This could help with age-related cognitive decline. While this may seem to be a very specific action, because of all the extensive things your liver does, the implications are far reaching. Spear thistle, bank thistle, bird thistle, black thistle, blue thistle, boar thistle, bull thistle, bur thistle, button thistle, common bull thistle, common thistle, Fuller's thistle, green thistle, plume thistle, roadside thistle, Scotch thistle, swamp thistle. In one five-day study in 21 women with hormone imbalances, two cups of spearmint tea a day decreased testosterone and increased LH, FSH and estradiol levels (9). Additionally, it has been shown to work against bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, including E. coli and Listeria (20). Bull thistles (Cirsium vulgare) are exactly that – bullish. It is also naturalised in North America, Africa, and Australia and is an … A decoction of the roots has been used to treat worms in children. Previous studies in humans found that chewing mint-flavored gum may help improve memory. (14, 15, 16). Milk Thistle Medicinal Uses to Protect the Liver Milk thistle is most famous for its ability to protect and nourish the liver. Therefore, while studies on the effects of this type on mint on digestion are limited, some evidence suggests that it may be helpful. Bull thistle root can be eaten and is best used when mixed with other vegetables. For a more adventurous idea, try fresh spearmint ice cream, or a spiced salad of braised beef with roasted rice. Maintaining healthy levels of testosterone is important for gaining muscle mass, improving sexual function and boosting strength. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Overall, spearmint makes a great addition to any diet — particularly in the form of spearmint tea, which can be enjoyed hot or cold. This article explains everything you need to know about essential oils and their health…, A mint allergy isn’t common, but it can exist. In one study in rats, a spearmint extract was found to decrease anxiety and improve sleep (23). Promotes skin health. Spearmint essential oil has antifungal properties, according to a study presented at the 2011 International Conference on Environmental and Agriculture Engineering. However, later studies have failed to confirm its beneficial effects. Spearmint and rosemary extracts have recently been found to improve memory. In an eight-week randomized study in 32 people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), one group was given a product containing spearmint, lemon balm and coriander along with loperamide for diarrhea or psyllium for constipation (2). A decoction of the whole plant has been used both internally and externally to treat bleeding piles. Unlike fresh spearmint, spearmint essential oil is not edible. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Thistle. Thistles, in this case Cirsium horridulum (SIR-see-um hor-id-YOO-lum) are among the hardest to gather of wild foods, Black Walnuts probably being the worst. Common thistle decoction can be also used as a miracle lotion against baldness. But, the reward is edible stalks, edible leaves trimmed of spines roots and unopened flower bud bottoms. Like other herbs of the mint family, spearmint has a square-shaped stem. Similarly, in one 16-week study in 62 people with arthritis of the knee, regular spearmint tea consumed twice daily reduced stiffness and physical disability, while a spearmint tea high in rosmarinic acid relieved the same symptoms and reduced pain (26). One reported effect of milk thistle is that it … All rights reserved. Undiluted use of spearmint oil may be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. This herb may also relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. What Are Essential Oils, and Do They Work? Spearmint is commonly used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting and gas. Studies have shown that mice given a spearmint extract experienced improved learning and memory as shown by their performance on a maze test (13). Milk thistle is often sold as an herbal supplement. It gets its name from its characteristic spear-shaped leaves. Here are 11 surprising health benefits of spearmint tea and essential oil. The hair grows because of excessively high levels of the “male” androgen hormones. Spearmint may help lower high blood pressure. Some people apply milk thistle directly to the skin for skin damage caused by radiation. The taste is somewhat bland but the prickles MUST BE removed from the leaves before the leaves can be eaten! A hot infusion of the whole plant has been used as a herbal steam for treating rheumatic joints. The stem is winged, with numerous longitudinal, spine-tipped wings along its full length. What are the best essential oils for allergies? Milk thistle should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. A compound in spearmint called (-)-carvone has been shown to act similarly to calcium-channel blockers, medications used to treat high blood pressure (1). Fresh herbs can not only spice up your meals, they may also help you maintain good health all year long. The seeds contain silymarin, a group of compounds said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Included is information on…, © 2004-2020 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. List of various diseases cured by Thistle. Prof. Susan Farr, from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, has suggested that if antioxidants from spearmint and rosemary are made into an enhanced extract, they may help to improve learning and memory. I was pretty impressed by reading a paper by the American Herbalists Guild that describes its use for joint issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, especially in children. Oxidative stress has been linked to several chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes (4). As mentioned earlier, they … Spearmint contains a large number of antioxidant compounds, including rosmarinic acid, flavones and flavanones like limonene and menthol (5). Spear thistle plants have been used medicinally and parts of the plant can be made into paper. It is often used in medicine for its claimed therapeutic properties. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) – 0.061 milligrams, Chopping the leaves and sprinkling it onto food. Mint is a popular ingredient in several foods and beverages. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Studies in women have shown that it can decrease male hormones like testosterone while increasing female hormones necessary for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. In fact, it’s a common herbal remedy for unwanted hair growth in Middle Eastern countries (12). Remove from heat and add a handful of torn spearmint leaves to the water. For milk thistle there is no job too big or too small! In a more recent study, older adults with memory impairment who were given daily supplements containing 900 mg of spearmint extract experienced a 15% improvement in working memory (17). A report published in the journal Food Chemistry indicates that spearmint extract has “good total phenolic and flavonoid contents” and “excellent antioxidant activity.”. Spearmint has a pleasantly sweet taste and is frequently used to flavor toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum and candy. Spearmint may help to relieve symptoms of digestive problems, by relaxing the stomach muscles, reducing symptoms of nausea, and other digestive problems. The dried flowers are used as rennet to curdle milk, the primary step in making butter, whey, yogurt, and soft cheese. Antioxidants – The extracts of the sow thistle plant were found to be very rich in minerals, vitamins, and flavonoids. Its use in treating liver diseases dates back to the 1700s, and its use to In one study, extract from this herb prevented fat oxidation in meat and was as effective as the synthetic antioxidant BHT (8). Read on to find out…. This herbal tea is delicious hot or cold. Milk thistle is referred to in the earliest Greek writings as a liver-protecting herb. Medicinal plants of the Labiatae family. Additionally, the leaves of this plant contain menthol, which has a relaxing, sedative effect on the body. Beyond its use as a water source, thistle is well known for its ability to treat swelling of joints and tendons. While spearmint and its oil are likely safe to ingest in the amounts commonly found in food or tea, it’s unknown whether pure spearmint oil taken by mouth is safe (27). Spear thistle stems, flowers, roots, and seeds can be eaten and the stems and leaves can be peeled and then steamed or boiled. Spear thistles flower during spring to autumn, but only in their second year of growth. Cirsium is a genus of perennial and biennial flowering plants in the Asteraceae, one of several genera known commonly as thistles.They are more precisely known as plume thistles.These differ from other thistle genera (Carduus, Silybum and Onopordum) in having feathered hairs to their achenes.The other genera have a pappus of simple … It’s also caffeine- and calorie-free, making it a naturally sweet treat you can enjoy at any time of the day. Before use, it must be diluted with a carrier oil. Studies have found that spearmint essential oil is effective against several types of harmful bacteria (18, 19). Drinking spearmint tea may help reduce hirsutism, or growth of dark, coarse hair on the face, chest and abdomen of women. Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is the most common of the Cirsium species in Australia and New Zealand. Last medically reviewed on January 11, 2018, Mint may have a positive effect on allergies, the common cold, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and breastfeeding. In a longer, 30-day study in 41 women with PCOS, women who drank two cups a day of spearmint tea reported a reduction in their facial hair (10). In one study, spearmint essential oil applied to the skin significantly reduced the incidence of nausea and vomiting compared to a placebo (3). At the end of the study, people who received the spearmint-containing supplement reported less abdominal pain, discomfort and bloating compared to those in the placebo group. It can irritate if it comes into contact with the skin or the eyes. Clinical work with a number of sufferers of spondyloarthropathy (including psoriatic arthritis, juvenile spondyloarthropathy, and the arthritis accompanying inflammatory bowel disease) appears to confirm a little-known, folk- medicinal tradition that Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle) supports the health of joints, tendons, and ligaments … People with a mint allergy may experience a mild reaction, including skin rash, throat irritation, headache, or dizziness. The nutritional value of 100 grams of fresh spearmint is: Spearmint essential oils have antifungal and antioxidant properties. While human-based studies on this potential effect are lacking, animal studies have shown promising results. The roots of bull thistle have been used as a poultice & a decoction of the plant used as a poultice on sore jaws. How Thistle is effective for various diseases is listed in repertory format. In another 21-day study in rats with diabetes, animals given 136 mg per pound (300 mg per kg) of body weight per day of this type of extract showed a 25% reduction in blood sugar (22). Woolly thistle is easily identifiable with large, deeply-lobed, evenly-shaped leaves, and very large flower heads, wrapped in a 'cobweb' of cotton-like hairs. We’ll tell you what to…. Essential oils are claimed to offer many health benefits. Spiders aren't technically insects, but they seem to hate the oil all the same. High levels of male hormones, or androgens, are linked to an overgrowth of facial hair in women (9). Research published in Phytotherapy Research suggests that drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day, for 5 days could reduce the level of androgens in women with hirsutism. Dioscorides, the first-century Greek physician who wrote a treatise on more than 600 medicinal plants titled De Materia Medica, stated that a tea of thistle seeds could be used for … Can You Use Essential Oils for Bug Bites? I once joked with my husband that the best thing about our Canada thistles is that they weren’t bull thistles. It is also applied topically, to the skin, to help reduce swelling due to nerve or muscle pain. All rights reserved. However, 30 days may not be long enough to see a definitive difference. 4 Healthy Herbs to Grow Indoors This Winter, Peppermint Oil for Migraine and Headache Relief, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Peppermint Oil and Spiders: Know the Facts. Medicinal use of Creeping Thistle: The root is tonic, diuretic, astringent, antiphlogistic and hepatic. They can be used in natural food preservation and as an insecticide. Other health conditions that spearmint may be effective at treating include: Some research has suggested that four cups of spearmint tea a day has a negative effect on the male libido, but a rodent study has indicated that this is not true. Some essential oils can be used to relieve symptoms caused by bug bites. For women with hormone imbalances, spearmint tea may provide relief. Medicinal Uses and Health benefits . The bitter substance found in blessed thistle … Hirsutism in women causes hair to grow on the face, breasts, and stomach. They are labeled an 'injurious weed' in the UK, and a noxious weed in … A second, 30-day study, of 41 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, produced similar results. Many health benefits have been attributed to spearmint, whether consumed fresh or used as an essential oil. In large doses, Blessed Thistle acts as a strong emetic, producing vomiting with little pain and inconvenience. Find out about the oils and how they…, We look at the eight best essential oils for sunburn. Milk thistle oil may be used topically to … In one study, rats were given a spearmint extract equivalent to 9 mg per pound (20 mg per kg) of body weight per day. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media.