Spearmint Oil

Spearmint Essential Oil

Spearmint is a species of mint (Mentha spicata) known under a few different names, including garden mint, common mint, lamb mint, and mackerel mint. It is native to Europe and southern Asia, and the plant is widely used in culinary applications and often added to herbal teas. Spearmint essential oil is also a staple of aromatherapy and is used in perfumery to boost fragrances with a hint of sweetness.

Spearmint essential oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the spearmint plant’s leaves, stems, and flowering tops. The oil ranges from clear and colourless to a pale yellow or pale olive, and its fragrance is minty, fresh, herbaceous, and slightly fruity. It is also somewhat less intense than peppermint. 

Spearmint oil boasts an enviable nutritional profile replete with all sorts of vitamins, antioxidants, and other vital nutrients. It is also rich in unique therapeutic compounds like limonene, dihydrocarvone, and cineol.

Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil

• Freshens Breath (Must Be A Food Grade Oil)
• Mood Booster 
• Promotes Focus & Concentration
• Relieves Headaches
• Supports Digestion

Therapeutic Properties of Spearmint Essential Oil

Spearmint oil may be recommended for topical use, diluted in a carrier oil, and applied to the skin to help relieve symptoms such as irritation, inflammation, itchiness, insect bites, and athlete’s foot. It can also be used in massage to soothe aches and pains, including menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. A few drops may be added to a warm bath to reduce cold and flu symptoms, fever, and nasal congestion. Moreover, spearmint oil is excellent in DIY skincare recipes (creams and lotions) to cleanse the skin, unclog pores, and leave the skin feeling cool and refreshed.

In diffused aromatherapy, spearmint oil is calming and promotes relaxation. It's great to help ease symptoms of stress and anxiety, relieve migraine headaches, promote digestive health, reduce bloating and flatulence, expel mucus and suppress coughs. Diffusing spearmint oil is also a great way to encourage focus and concentration, boost immunity, and freshen your home.

Using Aromatherapy Oils

Spearmint oil is popular in aromatherapy and can be used in multiple ways. It is generally very well tolerated in diffusion, diluted in a carrier oil, or added to skincare and household cleaning products.

Spearmint oil, however, should not be used by those on hepatotoxic medications, as it may increase the effects of these medications on the liver. Spearmint oil is also not recommended for those who use sedatives (CNS depressants), as the oil can increase the sedative's effects and cause increased sleepiness and slowed breathing.