Spearmint

Spearmint is a true multi-purpose essential oil and continues to be used to alleviate ailments such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, skin problems, respiratory problems and cold symptoms. Spearmint is commonly used in the flavouring industry, especially in sweets, gum, oral hygiene products & toothpaste.

Spearmint oils history.

Spearmints name is derived from the fact that the leaves are pointed & spear shaped, and the oil is obtained from the bright green Mentha spicata herb. It has many aliases, being known variously as Green, Spire, Lamb, Pea and Fish mint as well as Garden spearmint. It is mostly known for its minty breath freshening qualities and is used in oral hygiene products, including sweets and gum, leaving its trademark tingly sensation that leaves the mouth feeling clean.  It is one of the oldest mints and for centuries has been used for digestive issues, settling nausea, indigestion and bloating and especially as a digestive aid after eating. The Spearmint herb is also common in Ayurvedic medicine for the same purpose in addition to calming headaches & soothing skin problems.

This plant originated in the Mediterranean region, and was widely used in Greece to scent bath water, treat sexually transmitted diseases and was also used as an aphrodisiac. Spearmint was introduced to Britain through the Romans by the 5th Century and became the favourite of physicians and herbalists for its medicinal properties and spicy herbaceous fragrance. It was ideal for relieving nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues, including the common cold. Less likely than its stronger cousin, peppermint oil, to cause irritations it was consequently often prescribed to people with sensitive skin, children and the elderly, and was nicknamed “The Gentler Mint Oil.”

Uses of Spearmint oil.

The uses of Spearmint Essential Oil are numerous, ranging from cosmetics and fragrances to medicinal. It is used in many forms such as sprays, soaps, gels, oils, shampoos, lotions and even candle making.

Aromatherapy uses.

• Spearmint Oil’s fragrance is inhaled and scent receptors in the brain process the smell as soothing, enabling the body and brain to settle & relax.
• Using Spearmint Oil in the diffuser can reduce cough symptoms by loosening phlegm and improving respiration, can help relieve headaches, and help relieve flatulence associated with digestion.
• When inhaled, it can calm feelings of anxiety & stress and can boost concentration while studying by reducing feelings of anxiety.

Topical uses

• Spearmint Oil can relieve skin irritations caused by insect bites, itchiness, and other fungal skin conditions such as Athlete’s Foot.
• When diluted with carrier oils such as Olive, Almond, Grapeseed, or Evening Primrose oils, it can be applied by massage to relieve pains & aches including abdominal & menstrual pain as well as muscle spasms.
• Use a few drops in bath water to help reduce inflammation, fever, fatigue and nasal congestion.
• Add a few drops to moisturising lotions, to help unclog pores and leave the skin feeling cool and refreshed.

In the home

• To make a natural effective antiseptic home cleaning paste, combine Spearmint Essential Oil with liquid Castile soap, baking soda and warm water before applying to surfaces such as sinks, bathtubs and kitchen counter-tops. Leave the paste to sit on the surfaces for a few minutes, scrub with a sponge then rinse off with water.
• For an anti-insect spray, add a few drops of Spearmint Oil diluted in a spritzer bottle with water and spray around the house, especially around windows and doors, and inside cupboards, to ward off ants and other insects.
• Drip a few drops onto cotton pads, and leave where mice like to congregate, mice do not like the mint oils.
• And for a clean floor combine Spearmint Essential Oil, vinegar and water. Spritz and wipe.

Spearmint oil is best known …

• As an antiseptic, it cleans wounds and ulcers and speeds up wound healing
• For tooth & gum health
• For easing flatulence, indigestion, nausea, heartburn & bloating
• For calming neuralgia, nervous migraine & nervous fatigue
• For easing lumbago & muscular ache
• As an effective insecticide, especially to mosquitoes

SPEARMINT OIL

Botanical name: Mentha spicata

Origin: Found in India, Middle East, China & Europe

Aroma characteristics: Sharp, pungent and slightly spicy crisp herbaceous aroma.

Therapeutic properties

• Analgesic, • anti-bacterial, • anti-depressant, • anti-fungal, • anti-inflammatory, • anti-oxidant, • anti-septic,

• anti-spasmodic, • antiseptic, • carminative, • cephalic, • decongestant, • disinfectant, • expectorant, • restorative,

• stimulant, • tonic.

Therapeutic uses

• Asthma
• Exhaustion
• Fever
• Flatulence
• Headache
• Nausea
• Scabies
• Vertigo

All the essential oils highlighted in this column are available at The Emporium of the Enchanted Forest (inside the VaVa Yoga Studio), and you can explore our Apothecary and discuss any questions you may have with me, Ashlí

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