Spearmint oil is extracted from Mentha spicata from the Labiatae family and also known as common or garden spearmint and spire, green, lamb, pea and fish mint. Spearmint oil is extracted by steam distilling the flowering tops.
Spearmint oil has a similar aroma to Peppermint oil, but is slightly sweeter and is pale yellow to greenish in color. It is native to the Mediterranean area, and is a hardy perennial herb that reaches about 1 meter (3 feet) in height. It has bright green lance-shaped, sharply serrated leaves and pink or lilac-colored flowers.
Unlike Peppermint, Spearmint does not contain Menthol. The ancient Greeks used it to scent their bath water. It had a reputation for curing sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and during the medieval times, Spearmint was used to heal sore gums and also to whiten teeth. Spearmint has similar properties as peppermint, but its effects are said to be less powerful. It has invigorating, cooling and stimulating properties, which makes it a nice ingredient in foot care preparations, body oils, bath products, steams, scrubs, soaps, lotions, powders, lip balms, lotion bars and body butters. Spearmint has also been known to relieve headaches, stress, fatigue and muscle aches.
Spearmint oil can be effective for the digestive system, for the respiratory tract, for a tired mind and for skin problems. The therapeutic properties of Spearmint oil are: local anesthetic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and restorative.
Spearmint oil could be helpful to combat digestive problems like vomiting, flatulence, constipation, colic and dyspepsia. It stimulates a tired mind and helps with headaches, migraines, nervous strain, fatigue and stress. For the respiratory tract Spearmint oil could help with asthma, bronchitis, catarrh and sinusitis. It can relieve the itching of pruritus; and helps with acne, dermatitis, congested skin and sore gums.
Spearmint oil blends well with Basil, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary and Sweet orange
