Spearmint Essential Oil

Derived from the Mentha spicata plant, spearmint oil offers a refreshing, minty scent. Its
antiseptic properties make it ideal for cleansing the skin and regulating excess oil
production, making it particularly useful for acne-prone or oily skin types. Additionally,
spearmint oil has a cooling effect that soothes irritation and promotes clear skin. In hair
care, it stimulates the scalp and fosters healthy hair growth.

Benefits: Aromatic, Soothing, Calming and relaxing.

Category: Essential oil

Application: Skin, body and hair care products

INCI:   Mentha viridis  (Spearmint) Leaf Oil

Appearance: colorless to pale yellow.

Uses: Spearmint oil is widely used in the food and flavoring industry. It is also a popular essential oil used for aromatherapy purposes, personal care products, massage oils and diffusers. Spearmint oil can add a refreshing and desirable scent and flavor to many end-products. Essential oils are very strong and typically best used when mixed with other creams, lotions or oils.

• Compared to Peppermint Oil, which contains a higher level of Menthol that often makes it too strong for some users and sometimes causes side effects such as skin irritations, Spearmint’s scent is softer and its effects are milder. For this reason, it has earned the nickname “The Gentler Mint Oil.” Spearmint is the ideal Mint-related option for children, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin. The sweet, invigorating scent of Spearmint has a balancing and uplifting effect, which makes it beneficial for enhancing focus, positivity, and optimism and for deodorizing unpleasant scents.
• The main chemical constituents of Spearmint Essential Oil are: Carvone, Limonene, 1, 8-cineole, and β-Myrcene.

Carvone is believed to exhibit the following activity:

• Relaxant
• Expectorant
• Carminative
• Diuretic

Limonene is believed to exhibit the following activity:

• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-fungal
• Stimulant

1, 8-cineole is believed to exhibit the following activity:

• Analgesic
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-spasmodic
• Anti-viral

β-Myrcene is believed to exhibit the following activity:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Anti-biotic
• Sedative
• Used topically and cosmetically, the antioxidant quality of Spearmint Essential Oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections, such as discoloration. It is believed to help reveal a new layer of skin, thus increasing skin’s resilience and elasticity. With anti-bacterial properties, Spearmint is believed to make an ideal skin cleanser. By imparting a cooling sensation, Spearmint Oil can help to relieve itching associated with dryness and skin irritations.
• Used in aromatherapy, Spearmint Oil is said to help reduce nasal congestion caused by the excessive buildup of phlegm and mucus in the nose and throat, thereby promoting easier breathing.
• Used therapeutically, Spearmint Oil’s anti-inflammatory quality is known to cool red, swollen, and itching skin to help reduce the sensations of inflammation. It helps to cleanse the pores and tighten the skin, which may potentially promote the speedy healing of minor abrasions. Spearmint Oil has traditionally been used to support digestive functions. As an emmenagogue, it is also sometimes used to address menstrual issues, such as irregular or missed periods.
• As illustrated, Spearmint Essential Oil is reputed to have many therapeutic properties. The following highlights its many benefits and the kinds of activity it is believed to show:
• COSMETIC: Stimulant, Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiseptic.
• ODOROUS: Anti-spasmodic, Carminative, Cephalic, Emmenagogue, Stimulant, Restorative, Expectorant, Anti-depressant, Decongestant.
• MEDICINAL: Anti-septic, Anti-spasmodic, Disinfectant, Carminative, Cephalic, Emmenagogue, Stimulant, Restorative, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial, Decongestant, Anti-oxidant.
• Used topically, Spearmint Oil can relieve skin irritations such as itchiness, insect bites, and skin condition such as Athlete’s Foot. 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, including menstrual and abdominal pain as well as muscle spasms. A few drops can be diluted in bath water to reduce fever, fatigue, inflammation, and nasal congestion. In moisturizers such as lotions, Spearmint Essential Oil can unclog skin and promote its cleansing while leaving skin feeling cool and refreshed.
• Used in aromatherapy, Spearmint Oil’s fragrance is inhaled and scent receptors in the brain’s emotional powerhouse process the smell as calming, allowing the brain and body to relax. Diffusing Spearmint Oil can relieve headaches, reduce cough symptoms by loosening phlegm and enhancing respiration, and it can relieve flatulence when experiencing discomfort associated with digestion. When inhaled, it can ease feelings of stress and nervousness. Diffusing Spearmint Oil while studying can boost concentration and reduce feelings of anxiety.

For a natural yet effective antiseptic home cleaning paste, Spearmint Essential Oil can be combined with baking soda, liquid castile soap, and warm water before being applied to surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and bathtubs. After allowing the paste to sit on the surface for a few minutes, it can be scrubbed with a sponge then rinsed off with water. Spraying Spearmint Oil diluted in the water around the house, especially around windows and doors, will repel ants and flies. For a floor cleaning solution that is safe for wood, concrete, or tiles, Spearmint Essential Oil can be combined with vinegar and water.