Evidence supporting the use of: Spearmint leaf
For the health condition: Cramps and Spasms

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Spearmint leaf (Mentha spicata) has a long history of traditional use for digestive complaints, including cramps and spasms. In traditional herbal medicine, particularly within Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and some Asian cultures, spearmint infusions have been used to soothe the stomach, relieve flatulence, and reduce mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as cramping. The believed mechanism is due to spearmint’s volatile oils—primarily carvone and limonene—which are thought to have mild antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle in the gut, similar to but milder than peppermint oil. However, compared to peppermint (Mentha piperita), which has stronger scientific backing for antispasmodic activity, spearmint's effects are less well studied. Clinical research specifically examining spearmint’s efficacy for cramps and spasms is limited. Some in vitro studies and small animal trials suggest mild muscle-relaxant properties, but there is a lack of robust human clinical trials. Thus, while traditional use is substantial and plausible based on the chemistry of the plant, scientific validation is weak. Most support for spearmint in this context remains anecdotal or based on historical usage rather than high-quality clinical evidence.

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