Put your feet up and sip on a cup of revitalising spearmint tea while you learn more about this herbal toolbox.
Spearmint, scientifically known as Mentha Spicata and referred to as garden spearmint, green mint, or even lamb mint, has been cherished since early civilizations for its myriad uses and benefits, most especially for its fresh and tingly taste! From the ancient Greeks who used it to increase strength and virility to the Romans who believed in its power to sharpen focus, spearmint has been revered for centuries.
Serving after-dinner mints traces its origins to the practice of chewing mint to aid digestion which was common in the early Mediterranean cultures.
Spearmint Uses and Benefits:
The main chemical constituents of spearmint essential oil contribute to its diverse properties, including:
- Analgesic
- Anti-Bacterial
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Spasmodic
Furthermore, when it comes to skincare formulations and toiletries spearmint is used in various products ranging from oils, gels, lotions, and soaps to toothpaste.
Let's explore some of its primary uses:
Spearmint And Oral Care
In the realm of toiletries, spearmint's antimicrobial properties make it an ideal ingredient for oral care products, ensuring fresh breath and combating bacteria, which can be particularly beneficial for those with hormonal imbalances affecting oral health.
Fluctuations in hormones can affect the blood flow to the gums and alter the body's response to plaque accumulation. These hormonal shifts may result in gingivitis and periodontal disease, characterised by infection and inflammation of the gums and the bone that provides support to the teeth.
Spearmint And Skin Care
When used topically and blended with a carrier oil, spearmint essential oil's antioxidant nature may reduce wrinkles and skin imperfections caused by hormonal fluctuations, making it ideal for skincare formulations.
Its antibacterial and skin-tightening properties also make it a suitable ingredient for skin cleansers and toners.
Spearmint Aromatherapy and Tea Therapy
But spearmint's benefits extend beyond skin and oral care; it's also a potent tool in aromatherapy and tea therapy. Whether inhaled through diffusers, freshening your home as a pot-pourri or sipped as tea, spearmint can alleviate stress, anxiety, and headaches while boosting concentration and memory. It's found to be particularly useful for those experiencing hormonal imbalances.
Moreover, studies have shown that herbal teas like spearmint may possess anti-androgenic properties, making them beneficial in treating hormonal acne and promoting clearer skin.
