Spearmint Mentha spicata

Extraction Method:

Steam Distilled - exp Aug 2022

Part of Plant: 

Flower Head

Country of Origin: 

India

Growing Method:

Cultivated

Description:

Spearmint is a native of the Mediterranean area.  A hardy perennial herb, Spearmint reaches about 1 meter (3 feet) in height.  It has characteristic lance-shaped leaves with pink or lilac-coloured flowers.

Colour: 

Pale Yellow with a slight Green tinge

Aromatic Description: 

Spearmint has a fresh minty smell reminiscent of Peppermint.  The major difference is that Spearmint oil is sweeter, and not quite as harsh.

Strength of Aroma:

Medium

Blends well with:

Although Spearmint blends well with most essential oils, it blends particularly well with Basil, Birch, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Jasmine, Lavender and Rosemary.

Aromatic Note:

Top

Consistency:

Thin

Common Uses: 

Aromatherapists claim the therapeutic properties of Spearmint essential oil are: as a local/topical anaesthetic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and restorative.  

It is also believed to be an uplifting oil great for alleviating fatigue and depression. 

It is slightly weaker in action to peppermint, though it too is used as a stimulant. Spearmint brings back childhood joy and pleasant memories. Great oil for children.

Therapeutic Actions: 

Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emmenagogue, insecticide, restorative, stimulant.

Works with the following Body Systems:

Digestive, Nervous, Respiratory, Skin care

Best form of Application:

To skin - Massage, compress, bath, liniment, skin care

Inhalation – direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser, steam inhalation.

Shelf life: 

Users can expect a shelf life of 6 Months to 1 Year with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight).

Cautions: 

May irritate mucous membranes, but generally Spearmint has no definitive cautions.

History:

The ancient Greeks used Spearmint to scent their bath water.  It also had a reputation for curing sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea, and for whitening teeth and healing sore gums.  This might be credited to it’s ability to mimic a local anaesthetic.