Spearmint

Mentha is a genus of herbaceous plants of the Lamiaceae family. There are several species with differences in composition and properties.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and Scottish spearmint (Mentha cardiaca, Mentha gracilis) are very aromatic varieties, used in gastronomy, perfumery and traditional medicine. The dried leaves and flowering tops that contain essential oil, very rich in carvone, are used. It also contains more limonene, much less 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) and barely traces of menthol and menthone, unlike Menta Piperita ^{(Wu 2019, de Groot 2016)}. It has carminative properties and is used as flavoring and insecticide.

In folk medicine, spearmint has been used for gastrointestinal upset, respiratory problems, and as a sedative, abortifacient, and emmenagogue (menstruation promoter). (Ulbricht 2010)

At the date of the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Plant widely used in many cultures (Mehrnia 2021, Ulbricht 2010) and with practically no toxicity or clinical effects or hormonal or other analytical parameters. (Lasrado 2017, Ulbricht 2010)

Given its lack of toxicity at correct doses, moderate consumption would be compatible with breastfeeding. Culinary and flavoring uses are compatible with breastfeeding.

There is little solid scientific evidence for its traditional medicinal properties. (Mahendran 2021, Ulbricht 2010)

Antiandrogenic properties have been observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (Grant 2010, Akdoğan 2007), but the evidence is insufficient. (Poswal 2019, Ulbricht 2010)

Precautions when taking plant preparations ^{(Anderson 2017, Powers 2015, Posadzki 2013, Efferth 2011, Kopec 1999, Hsu 1995)}:

• Make sure they are from a reliable source: poisonings have occurred due to confusion of one plant with another with toxic properties ^{(Hsu 1995)}, poisonings due to containing heavy metals extracted from the soil, and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi. ^{(Anderson 2017)}
• Do not take in excess; follow the recommendations of expert phytotherapy professionals. “Natural” products are not good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can cause poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if consumed in quantity or for an exaggerated time because they contain phytoestrogens. ^{(Powers 2015, Zava 1998)}

See below the information of these related products:

• Pennyroyal (Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.)
• Peppermint (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)