Spearmint
Also known as: spearmint oil is extracted from Mentha spicata (also known as Mentha viridis) of the Labiatae family and is also known as common or garden spearmint and spire, green, lamb, pea and fish mint.
Spearmint essential oil is native to the Mediterranean area, it is a rugged, easy to grow, and has traditionally been planted in pots to sit in front of doorways to repel insects.
Spearmint oil is derived by steam distillation methods, from the flowers of the spearmint plant.
Home Remedies using Spearmint Essential Oil:
Spearmint essential oil doesn’t contain high concentrations of menthol, though it is very similar in effect to peppermint, the lack of menthol makes it much gentler.
Spearmint has been used since ancient times, and was used during that time period by people in the Greek culture to scent bathwater and cure STDs. It has also been traditionally used as a tooth whitener and to heal mouth sores from causes such as gum disease.
Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil:
Spearmint is not as well known or widely known as peppermint oil, but because of its lack of menthol, it is much more palatable and gentle enough for children.
Spearmint essential oil helps sort out flatulence and digestive disorders. It is as effective as peppermint at combating halitosis, and it is a good antispasmodic, emetic, is a good cough suppressant, and calms itchy skin.
Spearmint essential oil is great to prevent the spasms that cause vomiting and diarrhea, it is a great cleanser for sick rooms and may be added to water and used to cleanse wounds, to control bacteria.
Spearmint is used widely in Southern America as an insect repellent, and placed in decorative pots outside doorways to repel flies and mosquitoes.
It is respected as a way to relieve headaches, as a stimulant, and known as being effective at stimulating blood flow to the pelvis and uterus, helping to regulate menstruation.
- In aromatherapy, spearmint essential oil can be used in diffusers, simmer pots, or steam therapy.
- Spearmint oil can be blended with other essential oils for custom blends, or diluted with carrier oil for a unique massage oil. A few drops may be added to a bath for therapeutic soaks or sponging wounds.
- Spearmint essential oil may be added to a cream or lotion base to be applied topically. This is particularly for itching, such as sunburn itch.
Side Effects of Spearmint Essential Oil:
It is considered a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing oil, but the same precautionary measures apply to it as apply to all essential oil.
