Spearmint a native of the Mediterranean area. The ancient Greeks used it to
scent their bath water. It had a reputation for curing sexually transmitted
diseases like gonorrhea and during the medieval times, spearmint was used to
heal sore gums and also to whiten teeth.
Description of Spearmint essential
oil:
Spearmint is a hardy perennial herb that reaches about 1 meter (3 feet) in
height. It has bright green lance-shaped, sharply serrated leaves and pink
or lilac-colored flowers. The astringent properties of spearmint oil also
make it a great addition to a facial acne toner or facial steam as it helps
to fight oily skin.
Appearance : Thin liquid
Aroma : Minty, slightly fruity aroma that is less bright
than peppermint.
Color : Pale yellow to greenish
Chemical constituents: Spearmint oil has various chemical
compounds that include pinene, carvone, cineole, linalool, limonene,
myrcene, caryophyllene, menthol.
Extraction: It is extracted by the steam distillation of
the flowering tops.
Aromatherapy uses:
Spearmint oil can be effective for the digestive system, for the
respiratory tract, for a tired mind and for skin problems. The therapeutic
properties of Spearmint oil are: local anesthetic, antispasmodic,
astringent, carminative, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant,
stimulant and restorative. Spearmint is a proven antibacterial and
antifungal and extremely useful in inhalation for respiratory infections,
and in topical applications for skin infections.
Pharmaceutical uses:
Spearmint is helpful for the respiratory system. It is anti-inflammatory
and active in expelling catarrh. It is good for both chronic and acute
bronchitis. It has a calming effect also on the digestive system. It may
mitigate some of the effects of travel and sea sickness. Spearmint impacts
effectively on cystitis, general nervous upset and skin healing. It may work
to stem heavy flow and leucorrhea. It stimulates a tired mind and helps with
headaches, migraines, nervous strain, fatigue, stress acne, dermatitis,
congested skin and sore gums.
Flavorings:
Spearmint is commonly used in enhancing flavor for the food ingredients due
to its pleasant aroma. It is widely used for making chutney and for
preparing other culinary dishes like vinegar, jellies, iced drinks and
lemonades.
Spearmint Tea
The refreshingly cool, minty flavor of the infusion blend tea, with its
citrus undertone can assist with the discomfort & symptoms associated
with allergy season. If it is taken along with freeze-dried nettle capsules
, organic fennel seed and a pinch of organic stevia could lead to relief
from allergy. A soothing tea is brewed from spearmint leaves and even an
alcoholic beverage prepared from them act as an antidote for poison.
Spearmint oil is used in U.S.A. for flavoring chewing gums, tooth pastes,
confectionaries and other preparations.
Mint oil is used in lozenges and condiments for its cooling and soothing
vapor that help in break up of congestion while lifting spirts. It is also
used to energize the mind and body. The properties of Spearmint, closely
resemble those of peppermint, but its effects are less powerful, making it
better suited for use in children, its taste is pleasant and less strong
also.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
Spearmint essential oil is used in lotion, massage oil and aromatherapy
diffuser for its antiseptic properties. It can be used in the form of:
Burners and vaporizers : In vapor therapy, spearmint oil
can be used for vomiting, colic, flatulence, headaches, migraines, nervous
conditions, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and catarrh.
Blended massage oil or in the bath : It is used as a
blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, spearmint oil helps with
headaches, migraines, stress, fatigue, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and
nervous conditions and to relieve itching.
Cream and lotions
spearmint oil is used in a cream or lotion as it can help for decongesting
the skin and to a lesser degree acne as well. It is also an extremely useful
facial soap for oily skin.
Spearmint act as an insect repellents, emollients, astringents and ant
repellents .
Spearmint is an excellent industrial solvent as it is non-toxic to human
beings and animals and environmentally safe for cleaning up petroleum waste
such as grease, oil and tar.
Spearmint increases and sharpens mental powers. It provides protection
while asleep when stuffed with a pillow or mattress with spearmint.
