Spearmint has been an important herb for centuries. Records show that the ancient Pharisees paid tithes to their Temple in anise, cumin and spearmint. Known as the herb of hospitality, spearmint leaves were strewn lavishly around banquet halls in ancient Rome and Greece. The Romans believed eating spearmint increased intelligence and they weren't far off - recent studies show that the smell of spearmint increases concentration. With its antiseptic properties, spearmint leaf oil has a long history of cleansing and healing. In the Middle Ages spearmint was a staple of monastery gardens and was used to cure mouth sores, whiten teeth, heal dog bites, and wasp stings and treat stomach aches. Its refreshing, cooling qualities energize the spirit, while its detoxifying properties help relieve muscle aches and pains.