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Spearmint
Mentha Spicata
Aroma
Lighthearted, fresh and minty — like a stick of Wrigley’s Spearmint chewing gum
Some people treat spearmint as a milder, gentler form of peppermint, but the two oils have very different chemical makeup’s and very different effects.
Physical Healing
Spearmint oil is well known for its beneficial therapeutic properties for asthma, headaches, nausea, and vertigo. One friend swears by it for headache's, others use in a facial soap for oily skin. Spearmint is a proven antibacterial and antifungal so should be useful in inhalation for respiratory infections, and in topical applications for skin infections. (Blend it with other oils and dilute well, to avoid irritation.) Spearmint makes a refreshing change from the more commonly recommended antibacterial oils.
Emotional Healing
Unlike Peppermint oil, Spearmint essential oil is calming, relaxing and uplifting, rather than stimulating. As such, it is a useful oil in treating mental fatigue and depression.
Suggested Uses
Use it to cool off in the summer, add it to iced tea and iced water for its sweet, minty flavor. An inhalation of spearmint alone, or with a drop or two of lime or ginger, is said to be an appetite stimulant. A blend of equal parts peppermint and spearmint makes a delightfully refreshing "in the car" blend.
Use in an aromatherapy vaporizer to freshen your environment. Add 2-3 drops to a bowl of hot water to inhale the fragrant steam. Add about 5 drops to 1oz. of unscented body care product for a fresh smelling, cooling product.
Spearmint is a GRAS approved food additive and is a great spice for desserts, syrups, yoghurt dishes etc. Please note that you will likely need less than a drop per dish. You may want to decrease concentration by blending it with a Carrier Oil, and if not, always measure the drops before adding them to the dish. You can also flavor syrup or honey with Spearmint, and then add it to water or herbal tea for a delightfully fresh minty flavor.
Blends Well With
Lavender, Peppermint, and any citrus oils — Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, and Sweet Orange.
Safety Information
No known toxicity. GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) approved by the FDA as food flavor. Avoid high concentrations in skin care, since it can cause a burning sensation and sensitization. Do not use more than 1-2 drops per 1 oz. of body care. Do not use Peppermint Essential Oil while taking homeopathic remedies.
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