Evidence supporting the use of: Spearmint
For the health condition: Indigestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of indigestion and various gastrointestinal complaints. Historical texts and folk remedies from diverse cultures have utilized spearmint preparations, such as teas or extracts, to relieve symptoms such as bloating, gas, and mild stomach discomfort. The aromatic oils in spearmint, particularly carvone, are believed to have a soothing effect on the digestive tract, which may help alleviate some symptoms associated with indigestion.
However, the scientific evidence supporting spearmint's efficacy for indigestion is limited and not robust. Most clinical studies investigating mint for digestive complaints have focused on peppermint (Mentha piperita), which contains menthol and has demonstrated some efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia. In contrast, there are few high-quality clinical trials specifically examining spearmint for indigestion. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that spearmint oil may have mild antispasmodic and carminative effects, but these findings have not been consistently confirmed in humans.
In summary, the use of spearmint for indigestion is primarily supported by traditional use rather than strong scientific validation. While it is widely consumed and generally considered safe in moderate amounts, individuals seeking evidence-based therapies for indigestion may wish to consider other options or consult with a healthcare provider.
Other ingredients used for Indigestion
cutchacid protease
activated charcoal
allspice
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
amylase
green chiretta
apple
apricot
artichoke
bamboo
benegut perilla (proprietary)
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
radish
rice
calcium
cassia bark
chamomile
chen pi
chloride
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
melon
exo-peptidase
fennel
fenugreek
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gentian root
ginger
glucomannan
green banana
HCL
quassia
jujube
kudzu
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
licorice root
lipase
liquid liver fractions
lovage
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
orange
oregon grape
ox bile
pancreatin
papain
peppermint oil
pepsin
plum fruit
psyllium
quail egg
rhubarb root
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
watermelon
xylanase
bentonite
cascara sagrada
oryza
tangerine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
punarnava
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
blessed thistle
yarrow
bile salt
prickly ash
elecampane
root tuber
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
flowering quince
dogwood
dioscorea
sweetgums
queen of the meadow
caraway
anemarrhena asphodeloides
peach
wood betony
horehound
Sichuan pepper
alginic acid
sea salt
Alcohol
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Actinidin
Agastache
Acidity regulator
Ambergris
Angelica
Agrimony
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Agarwood
American Liverleaf
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Areca
Agrimonia pilosa
Antifoam agent
Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Betony
Buttermilk
Butter
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Bicarbonate
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Blackbrush
Bistort
Big Quaking Grass
Bougainvillea
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Black Gram
Bile
black salt
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
banana
Bassia scoparia
Belamcanda
Bottle gourd
Cumin
Centaury
Carqueja
Chervil
Coriander
Chive
Cape Aloe
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Cantaloupe
Chlorophytum
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Chenopodium
Colombo
Copalchi
Cubeb
Carob
Chirata
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Carlina
Calamus
Chestnut
Colocynth
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
Dense Fruit Dittany
Dextrin
Dragonhead
Dill
Dianthrone
Dolichos
Dichrostachys glomerata
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
Elephant's Head
Fig
Goldthread
Himalayan Salt
Molasses
Phosphate Salt
Prickly Pear Cactus
Potash
Quince
Rose
Rhubarb
Squash
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Vinegar
Other health conditions supported by Spearmint
AnxietyAppetite (deficient)
Belching
Colds (decongestant)
Congestion (sinus)
Digestion (poor)
Gas and Bloating
Headache (sinus)
Indigestion
Nausea and Vomiting
Stress
Worry