Spearmint for Memory?

Article by Ann Walker

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a parent species of peppermint or black mint (Mentha x piperita), which was discovered in England only a few centuries ago, as a hybrid cross between spearmint and watermint (M. aquatica). Spearmint is considered by herbal practitioners as being a milder version of peppermint, but - not surprisingly considering its origin - many of the traditional health benefits which have been attributed to peppermint are also ascribed to spearmint: including its use for symptoms of nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, etc. However, in the last few years spearmint itself has been the subject of at least three clinical studies.

This year, following on from promising results in the laboratory, a water-based extract of spearmint in tablet form was tested in a randomised, placebo-controlled, clinical trial (Kelli L. et al. J Alt & Comp Med 2018, 24, 37) of 90 otherwise healthy men and women aged 50-70 years. These subjects who consumed 900 mg per day of the spearmint extract for three months showed marked improvements in memory compared to those taking placebo.

The second study (PMID: 25058311) conducted recently was on spearmint tea, which was shown to reduce pain and stiffness in knee osteoarthritis compared with placebo. However, the numbers of people of this trial were regarded as too small to be certain of the effect. An earlier clinical study (PMID: 19585478) of spearmint tea showed reductions in testosterone levels compared with placebo in women with excess facial hair due to polycystic ovarian syndrome. Unfortunately, the short time of the study did not allow for any noticeable changes in hair growth. Nevertheless, these studies, although small, show potential new applications in healthcare for a tasty culinary herb which warrant more attention.

PMID = PubMed identifier

Ann Walker PhD FCPP MNIMH RNutr
Course Director DHM
Herbal Practitioner

The Many Uses of Lavender

Article by Ann Walker

I am currently writing a monograph on lavender as part of an up-date addition to the Discovering Herbal Medicine course. Delving into the literature for this monograph, even as a herbal practitioner, I have found it astonishing how numerous and diverse are the documented applications of lavender, which extend from actions on the nervous and digestive systems to skin problems and more.

Traditionally, lavender has been used (mainly as a tea) for various psychological conditions, including anxiety, stress and insomnia. Tradition also speaks of its use for somatic conditions, including digestive problems and migraines. Topically, lavender has been used for a variety of skin ailments, ear infections and painful muscles. In more recent times, research has cast new light on the herb’s healthcare potential, as well as supporting some of its traditional uses, including its antimicrobial and anxiolytic properties and its positive effects on mental function (including in Alzheimer’s disease), insomnia and the stress response. It also has a proven role in midwifery, which was not documented in earlier times. Indeed, there are several clinical trials showing benefit of external application of lavender oil to post-natal vaginal and perineal wounds for pain reduction, speeding healing and lowering the risk of infection.

Lavender has a unique mix of calming, balancing and uplifting properties on the human body and is, therefore, well indicated for alleviation of all types of stress and emotional situations. Lavender oil is gentler on the skin than most other essential oils and can be safely applied direct (without dilution) to the skin in small quantities. Less commonly, but increasingly, the oil is used as an oral remedy and capsules of high-quality lavender oil are now available over-the-counter in the UK and EU for relief of symptoms of mild anxiety such as stress and nervousness (see advice from the British Herbal Medicine Association). Despite undoubted medicinal uses, lavender oil is still mainly used for its fine aroma, which, although having therapeutic properties, is also a delightful addition to the bath-water! It is not often that herbs with strong medicinal properties smell good too!

Ann Walker PhD FCPP MNIMH RNutr
Course Director DHM
Herbal Practitioner