Spearmint or spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) is a perennial plant of the Lamiaceae (or Labiaceae, Labiaceae) family, grown as an aromatic plant. It is also referred to by vernacular names: Moroccan mint (naânaâ, نَعْناع), spearmint, sweet mint, or curly mint. Used in herbal tea and infusion, the spearmint leaf has a place of choice in the culture of the Maghreb. Indeed, the famous mint tea is concocted by infusing green tea with about 100 fresh mint leaves per liter and a lot of sugar. The Mentha spicata 'Nana' cultivar is generally used; it is characterized by a pungent but sweet aroma. This name is found in the Modern Standard Arabic name of mint tea 'chāï bil n'anā' (شاي بالنعناع). The leaves are used in drinks, such as Cuba's mojito cocktail, made with rum, lime and fresh mint. Spearmint leaves are also used in many culinary applications, such as with meat dishes, sauces for lamb or roast beef (in Britain), Asian dishes. The essential oil is used for the manufacture of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery, ice cream and to flavor chewing gum or toothpaste. Medicinal In herbalism, mints are tonic, stimulating and antispasmodic. Spearmint is traditionally used for its aromatic (tonic, fortifying), digestive (combats heaviness, bloating, gas) and antispasmodic (nervousness, palpitations, cramps) properties. Infused at 10−20 g per 1 liter of boiling water, mint exerts a significant action on the nervous system.