Spearmint
Other Name(s)
Mentha spicata, Garden Spearmint, Green Mint, Fish Mint, Our Lady's Mint, Spire
Did you know?
Mint (family Lamiaceae) has been used since early civilizations. Spearmint gets its name from the distinctive spear-like shape of its leaves. It is the oldest plant of the Mint family and is known as “the gentler mint oil” because it is milder than peppermint oil.
Greek athletes rubbed the crushed leaves onto their skin to increase strength and virility. While the Romans encouraged students to wear mint wreaths to sharpen their focus.
Serving after-dinner mints has its origins in Mediterranean cultures chewing mint to aid in digestion.
Author John Gerard in his book, The Herball (1597) recommends spearmint for everything from a stomachache to contraception. It is still used today to ease abdominal cramps and freshen breath. As H. Jackson Brown Jr. said, “If someone offers you a breath mint, accept it.”
Uses
Spearmint is a herbal toolbox used in anything from oils, gels, lotions, soaps, toothpaste, sprays, cleaning products, teas, and candles. It is also a popular culinary herb.
Toiletries and cosmetic
Spearmint's antimicrobial and fresh-tasting qualities make it a popular choice for oral care. It freshens breath, combats bacteria, and is often used in a natural toothpaste or mouthwash formulation.
Used topically, the antioxidant nature of Spearmint essential oil may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections.
Due to its anti-bacterial and skin-tightening properties, spearmint is believed to make an ideal skin cleanser and toner.
Aromatherapy
- The cooling sensation, spearmint oil can help to relieve redness and itching associated with dryness and skin irritations.
- A few drops can be diluted in bath water to reduce fever, fatigue, inflammation, and nasal congestion.
- When diluted with carrier oils such as almond, grapeseed, sunflower, or evening primrose oils, it can be applied in a massage to relieve aches and pains, such as menstrual and abdominal cramps and muscle spasms.
- Diffusing spearmint oil can relieve headaches and reduce cough symptoms by loosening phlegm and enhancing respiration.
- When inhaled or sipped as tea, its restorative properties can ease stress and anxiety.
- Diffusing spearmint oil while studying can boost concentration and memory.
Cleaning
- Spearmint essential oil can be combined with baking soda, liquid castile soap, and warm water to make an effective cleaning paste for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Mix spearmint essential oil with vinegar and water for a floor-cleaning solution that is safe on wood and tiles.
- Spearmint diluted in water makes an effective bug repellent for spraying around windows and doors.
Remedies and formulations:
- Essentially Natural: Link to Remedies and Formulations
- Essentially Natural: Link to Potpourri Article
- Essentially Natural: Link to All-Purpose Cleaner Article
- Essentially Natural: Link to DIY Air Fresheners Article
Properties
The main chemical constituents of spearmint essential oil are Carvone, Limonene, 1, 8-cineole, and β-Myrcene. These are considered to be:
analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, carminative, diuretic, anti-biotic, sedative and emmenagogue.
This product is certified: Vegan and Food Grade.
INCI: Mentha spicata
Products containing spearmint
https://essentiallynatural.co.za/products/dried-spearmint?_pos=1&_sid=5666c97a1&_ss=r
https://essentiallynatural.co.za/products/en-spearmint-essential-oil?_pos=2&_sid=5666c97a1&_ss=r
https://essentiallynatural.co.za/products/dried-spearmint-leaf-powder?_pos=4&_sid=5666c97a1&_ss=r
https://essentiallynatural.co.za/products/umuthi-spearmint-essential-oil?_pos=7&_sid=5666c97a1&_ss=r
https://essentiallynatural.co.za/products/spearmint-eo?_pos=8&_sid=5666c97a1&_ss=r
https://essentiallynatural.co.za/products/ivory-roll-on-deodorant?_pos=13&_sid=5666c97a1&_ss=r
Caution
- Pregnant and nursing women and those taking prescription drugs are advised to consult a medical professional before using spearmint oil.
- Prior to using spearmint oil, a skin test is recommended, as it can cause skin sensitivities. It should never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin.
- People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should not use mint as it may trigger GERD symptoms.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964830514000109
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23843810/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29314866/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18593637/t
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/spearmint#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9
