Spearmint |
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Basic Information
Biological name (genus and species):
Mentha spicata
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Leaves
Petals/flower
Chemicals this herb contains:
Carvone
Resin (See Glossary)
Volatile oils (See Glossary)
KNOWN EFFECTS
Stimulates muscular action of gastrointestinal tract.
Miscellaneous information:
Spearment is used as a flavoring agent in many foods.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Aids in expelling gas from intestinal tract.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in
the near future.
Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as
stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux
esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis,
diverticulosis, diverticulitis.
Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in
2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments.
Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives,
cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription
drugs.
Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have
not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't
use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking
small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of
problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal
preparation is hazardous.
Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically
healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed
manufacturer's recommended dosage.
Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from
children.
Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.
TOXICITY
Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE
EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS section below.
ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms: |
What to do: |
Convulsions and coma in |
Seek emergency treatment. |
children |
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Diarrhea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
Nausea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
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