Evidence supporting the use of: Spearmint leaf
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Spearmint leaf (Mentha spicata) has a long history of traditional use for respiratory complaints, including cough, particularly in folk and herbal medicine systems. In many cultures, spearmint is used as a soothing agent for the throat, and its aromatic qualities are believed to help clear airways. The plant contains volatile oils, such as carvone and limonene, which may impart mild antispasmodic and soothing effects. While it is commonly used in teas and infusions for the relief of cough and respiratory discomfort, the evidence supporting its efficacy is largely anecdotal and based on traditional practices. There is a lack of robust scientific studies specifically evaluating spearmint leaf for the treatment of spastic (dry or irritating) cough in humans. Most available data are extrapolated from studies on related mints or from in vitro experiments showing mild anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties. Therefore, while spearmint leaf is traditionally used for cough, especially to soothe irritation, the scientific evidence is limited and weak. Its primary benefit may be from the comfort and hydration provided by warm herbal teas, along with possible mild local effects from its essential oils.
Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
pear
platycodon root
plum fruit
pomegranate
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
prickly ash
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
juniper berries
dodder
sweet flag
eucalyptus
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
acacia
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bayleaf
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cnidium
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by spearmint leaf
Acid IndigestionAnxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps and Spasms
Digestion (poor)
Gas and Bloating
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Nausea and Vomiting
Stress