FolkKB

Bush Mint

Mentha spicata

Mentha spicata is a member of the Lamiaceae family used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied as a carminative, stimulant, and stomachic to address nausea, diarrhea, spasms, and various stomach complaints, as well as for bronchitis, fever, and neuralgia. Scientific evidence is limited but suggests that the essential oil demonstrates measurable in vitro antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and antifungal activity against Candida albicans isolates, though this effect may be less potent than that of Zingiber officinale. The plant contains carvone as a key volatile component. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
carminative · nausea
Traditions
traditional · Western phytotherapy
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • Mentha spicata essential oil demonstrated measurable in vitro antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa. D PMID
  • Mentha spicata essential oil showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans isolates from denture stomatitis patients, though not as strong as Zingiber officinale. D PMID
  • This study identified 74 volatile compounds in twelve Lamiaceae plants, with Mentha spicata containing carvone as a key component. D PMID
  • The study found varying essential oil compositions and significant in-vitro anti-cancer activity among selected Lamiaceae and Verbenaceae species. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Bush Mint?

Bush Mint (Mentha spicata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Bush Mint traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Bush Mint for: carminative, nausea, stimulant, stomachic, antidote, astringent. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Bush Mint?

Bush Mint appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy.

What does the scientific evidence say about Bush Mint?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Bush Mint; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Mentha spicata essential oil demonstrated measurable in vitro antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa.

How strong is the evidence for Bush Mint?

The strongest finding for Bush Mint carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Bush Mint safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Bush Mint in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Bush Mint interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Bush Mint in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Bush Mint?

Bush Mint is also known as: Мята колосистая.

Is Bush Mint a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Comparative Antifungal Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts and Essential Oils Against Clinical Isolates of Candida albicans from Denture Stomatitis Patients. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Integrating morphological and phytochemical studies on some selected taxa of Lamiaceae Lindl. and Verbenaceae Juss. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 GC-MS characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oils from selected Lamiaceae species collected in Kashan, Iran. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Comparison of Volatile Compounds of Some Medicinal Plants from Lamiaceae Family by HS-SPME Method. literature abstract metadata

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