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A LIst of Essential Oils
Spearmint essential oil information
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.
Although not as popular as peppermint oil, this essential oil is far gentler to use with children and has great benefits on the digestive system and relieves flatulence, constipation, vomiting and nausea, as well as the respiratory tract to relieve cough, bronchitis, asthma, catarrh and sinus. On the skin it calms itching and has a stimulant action on the mind.
Oil Properties
It has a similar aroma to that of peppermint oil, but is slightly sweeter and is pale yellow to greenish in color.
Origin of Spearmint Oil
It is a native of the Mediterranean area, and is a hardy perennial herb that reaches about 1 meter (3 feet) in height and has bright green lance-shaped, sharply serrated leaves and pink or lilac-colored flowers.
Unlike peppermint, spearmint does not contain high amounts of menthol. The ancient Greeks used it to scent their bath water and it had a reputation for curing sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea. During the medieval times it was used to heal sore gums and also to whiten teeth.
Extraction
Spearmint oil is extracted by steam distilling the flowering tops.
Chemical Composition
The main chemical components of spearmint oil are a-pinene, b-pinene, carvone, 1,8-cineole, linalool, limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene and menthol (0.5% compared to the 40% in peppermint)
Precautions
It is considered a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing oil
Therapeutic Properties
The therapeutic properties of spearmint oil are antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emmenagogue, insecticide, restorative and stimulant.
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Uses
When your mind is tired and in need of stimulating and upliftment, then spearmint oil is the one for you, and although it has very many properties in common to that of peppermint oil, it contains only small amounts of menthol and is far less harsh on the skin and ideal for use in children.
It is very useful to deal with digestive problems including flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and nausea, as it relaxes the stomach muscles and also relieves hiccups.
Furthermore, it helps with headaches, migraines, nervous strain, fatigue and stress, as well as for the respiratory tract; helping with asthma, bronchitis, catarrh and sinusitis. On the skin it can relieve the itching of pruritus and helps with acne, dermatitis, congested skin and sore gums.
For female health it can help to stem the flow of heavy periods and leucorrhoea and releases urine retention.
Summary
Spearmint oil can be effective for the digestive system, for the respiratory tract, for a tired mind and for skin problems.
□ Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, spearmint oil can be used for vomiting, colic, flatulence, headaches, migraines, nervous conditions, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and catarrh.
□ Blended massage oil or in the bath
Used as a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, spearmint oil helps with headaches, migraines, stress, fatigue, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and nervous conditions and to
relieve itching.
□ Cream or lotion
When spearmint oil is used in a cream or lotion it can help for itching - specially in cases of pruritus or when scabs have formed, decongesting the skin and to a lesser degree acne
as well.
Spearmint oil blends well with
Although most essential oils blend well together, Spearmint oil blends particularly well with Basil, Eucalyptus,Lavender, Rosemary and Jasmine.
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