Spearmint Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Mentha spicata

A hardy-branched perennial herb native to southern Europe and now found widespread throughout North America and western Asia, Spearmint is one of the more mild and sweet-smelling members of the mint family. Fast growing and tenacious, the plant produces aromatic, distinctively shaped sharply toothed leaves and pinkish lilac blossoms.

This essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of Spearmint plants organically grown in the United States.This oil has sweet, heady floral and fresh mint top notes, complex herbaceous middle notes over a musty, deeply honeyed, balsamic and molasses-like undertone.

It blends well with an array of aromatic compounds, most notably: Lavender, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Basil, Rosemary and Peppermint.

Spearmint has been used for centuries as a mental stimulant, digestive, decongestant and insect repellent. The ancient Greeks employed it as a mental relaxant and restorative tonic

Anesthetic (local), Antiseptic, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Carminative, Cephalic, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hepatic, Insecticide, Nervine, Stimulant (digestive), Stomachic, Tonic. (See Definitions.)

Psychological:

• Sharpens the senses
• Clarifying and cleansing
• Uplifting
• Combats fatigue

Digestive:

• Calms nausea
• Aids with indigestion

Respiratory System:

• Combats sinusitis
• Clears chest, lung and sinus congestion

Topical:

• Diffuse or add to water or rub on the stomach for digestion. Rub a small amount on the temples to relieve headaches.

Inhalation:

• For bringing alertness, a drop or more can be inhaled directly from a handkerchief, or the oil can be used in a diffuser.
• For an uplifting blend, try a ratio of 4 drops peppermint oil, 4 drops spearmint oil, 7 drops lavindin (or 4 lavender oil and 3 spike lavender oil) and 5 drops lemon oil. This can help bring alertness during study or long hours at work.

Ingestion:

• Place a couple drops on the tongue to improve alertness - may be taken internally in small amounts.

Spearmint oil is considered non-toxic, a non-irritant and non-sensitizing. The more gentle relative of Peppermint, it is suitable for use with children and others who may find the menthol content of Peppermint too strong.

If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult a physician. Spearmint is not recommended to be used on infants less than 30 months old.