Spearmint essential oil is a volatile oil that is steam distilled from freshly harvested flowering sprigs. It is a pale yellow to pale olive oil with a warm, slightly green, herbaceous aroma, which is almost similar to peppermint but spicy, sweeter, and lighter.
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When compared to mint, spearmint is to some extent milder, because it is composed of less menthol. It is used extensively for flavoring candy, chewing gum, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Therapeutically, it has many uses, such as fatigue and headache treatment.
Brief History and Basic Information
Spearmint plant is instinctive to the Mediterranean region. It grows to a height of approximately three feet. In history, spearmint has been used by Roman, Greek, and Egyptian physicians. The Romans used to wear mint headdresses in their hair during feasts. It is documented that Hippocrates recognized spearmint for its stimulating and diuretic qualities.
The famous Roman herbalist (Pliny) talked about spearmint in his various portions. In fact, he endorsed it as a restorative to aid digestion and vitalize the body. Powered spearmint leaves were used to alleviate animal and insect bites, and mouth sores. The Indian Americans used the leaves to treat diarrhea, sore throats, fevers, headaches, and indigestion.
Documented Properties of Spearmint Oil
The various recorded properties are: stimulant, reviving, restorative, refrigerant, refreshing, insecticide, hepatic, febrifuge, expectorant, diuretic, digestive, diaphoretic, decongestant, cephalic, carminative, astringent, aphrodisiac, aperitive, antitoxic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and antipruritic, antidepressant, and analgesic.
Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil
- Wounds & Cuts
The essential oil of spearmint is highly effective for treating bites, bruises, cuts, and minor injuries. The oil’s antibacterial activities work against the spread of bacteria and pain. You are advised not to apply undiluted spearmint oil on open wounds. Dilute the oil with a proper amount of carrier oil before topical application.
- Sore Muscles
The antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects of spearmint oil make it the best remedy for sore muscles, muscle cramps, pain, and inflammation. When used as massage oil, it exceptionally stimulates circulation on your skin. A massage of spearmint oil soothes tired joints and muscles.
- Energy
The oil of spearmint is well-known for improving mental clarity as well as raising energy levels. You do not need caffeine to boost your energy and alertness. Inhale directly from the bottle during exercise to reduce fatigue and uplift your mood. Diffuse a few drops of spearmint to enrich the atmosphere of your room with alertness and calmness. Rub a drop of spearmint under your nose to improve your alertness and concentration.
- Congestion Relief
Spearmint oil is effective for alleviating respiratory problems, such as cough, common cold, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and nasal congestion. You can include it as an element in natural chest rubs for quick congestion relief. Dilute 2 to 3 drops of spearmint oil in carrier oil, and use the blend to massage your chest. Prepare a steam inhalant by adding a few drops of the oil to a bowl of steaming water. Then cover your head with a towel in the direction of the steam, and inhale the spearmint-enriched vapor for quick relief.
- Indigestion & irritable Bowel Syndrome
This is one of the most popular benefits of spearmint essential oil. Research suggests that the presence of carvone in spearmint makes it an excellent medication for spasms, especially those of the smooth muscles. It soothes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract, thus preventing muscle spasms. Irritable bowel syndrome causes a number of symptoms, including queasiness, heartburn, constipation, flatulence, bloating, and abdominal cramps. All of those symptoms can be eased by the spearmint essential oil use.
Spearmint Essential Oil Uses
- Soothes itching skin and repels insects.
- Relieves menstrual pain, inflammation, pains, and aches.
- Mood uplifting, reviving, refreshing, and aphrodisiac.
- Increases physical strength as well as endurance.
- Improves mental clarity, sharpens senses, and encourages communication.
- Vapors of spearmint oil open breathing and sinus passages.
- Stimulates and strengthens the nerves.
- Increases appetite, freshens the breath, relieves flatulence, soothes the intestine, and alleviates indigestion.
No traditional spearmint essential oil uses have been recorded. However, the essential oil is used in flavored products.
How to Use the Essential Oil of Spearmint
- Compress:
You can ease a headache by using a compress soaked with 3 drops of spearmint oil.
- Inhalation:
There are several ways through which you can inhale the oil of spearmint, including direct inhalation, steam inhalant, and diffusing in an ultrasonic diffuser.
- Massage:
Prepare massage oil by diluting 2 to 3 drops of spearmint oil in a carrier oil (coconut or sweet almond), and then use the blend to massage the affected areas for quick relief.
- Mouthwash:
Add 1 to 2 drops of the oil to a glass of clean water, and gargle as necessary.
- Bath:
Dilute a few drops of spearmint oil in carrier oil, then pour the entire mixture into a bathtub full of warm water, and enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating bath.
Safety Concerns
Spearmint oil is supposed to be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application, since it can cause sensitization if undiluted. Always conduct a patch test before using spearmint oil or its blends topically. The oil is considered an effective indigestion remedy, but you are advised to consult an aromatherapy expert for recommended doses.
There is no concrete information on the safety of spearmint in pregnancy or lactation, but you are recommended to consult your physician or aromatherapy specialist prior to use
Spearmint Oil Blend Recipes
1. Head Massage Blend Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 drop of spearmint oil
- 1 drop of Roman chamomile essential oil
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4 drops of Helichrysum essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil
Preparation & Application:
In a clean glass bottle, add the carrier oil followed by spearmint, Roman chamomile, peppermint, lavender, and Helichrysum essential oils, and shake to blend. Apply a small amount of the mixture to your chest, back of neck, temples, and face. Breathe deeply as you massage, and avoid the eyes. Remember to do a patch test before topical application.
2. Stomach Flu Relief Blend Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 drop of spearmint oil
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4 drops of ginger essential oil
- 8 drops of vegetable oil
Preparation & Application:
In a clean, dark-colored glass bottle, add the carrier oil followed by spearmint, peppermint, lavender, and ginger essential oils. You can directly inhale or diffuse the blend. Use the blend to massage affected areas, but conduct a patch test prior to topical application.
3. Motion Sickness Blend Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 drops of spearmint essential oil
- 4 drops of carrier oil
Preparation & Application:
In a clean, dark-colored glass bottle, combine the carrier and spearmint oils. Use the mixture to massage the mastoid area behind your ears as needed. Alternatively, you can inhale the blend directly from the bottle. Do a patch test before topical application.
4. Scented, Soothing Spearmint & Chamomile Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of dried spearmint leaves
- 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers
- 2 cups of water
Preparation & Application:
Boil the two cups of water, and then add the spearmint leaves and chamomile flowers. Allow to simmer for fifteen minutes, then strain and sip. The spearmint soothing fragrance and the antispasmodic qualities of chamomile are effective for alleviating nausea.
5. Raw Spearmint Air Freshener
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of spearmint oil
- Baking soda
Preparation & Application:
In a clean ceramic bowl, add the 10 drops of spearmint oil and baking soda, stir to mix. Place the bowl at your desired location, such as your washroom for a refreshing aroma. Add more spearmint oil over time when the fragrance starts to disappear.
In Conclusion
The spearmint essential oil has proven to be a very resourceful natural oil with its energizing minty scent. It has many uses and benefits, such as relieving mental tension and exhaustion. Even though there are a number of safety concerns associated with the oil, it is one of the best mint oils to use.
