Evidence supporting the use of: Spearmint leaf
For the health condition: Nausea and Vomiting

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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 alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and vomiting. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys indicate that spearmint teas and extracts have been used in various cultures, particularly in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, as remedies for digestive disturbances. The aromatic oils in spearmint, especially carvone and limonene, are believed to have soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract, potentially reducing the urge to vomit and lessening queasiness. However, compared to its close relative peppermint (Mentha piperita), which has more robust modern clinical evidence particularly for irritable bowel syndrome and some antiemetic effects, spearmint’s use for nausea and vomiting remains primarily supported by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.

Some small studies and case reports suggest mild antiemetic effects of spearmint, especially in settings like postoperative nausea, but these are limited in number, sample size, and methodological rigor. Systematic reviews generally focus on peppermint or general “mint” preparations, making it difficult to isolate evidence specific to spearmint. Thus, while spearmint leaf continues to be used in traditional herbalism for nausea and vomiting, the scientific evidence base supporting this use is modest at best, warranting a rating of 2 out of 5 for evidence strength.

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