Mentha spicata nana, a North African relative of spearmint and from which Nana Mint Essential Oil is distilled, is a native of North Africa, specifically abundant in Morocco  and has been naturalised in some other parts of northern and western Africa and North and South America.  It is a  hardy perennial herb and reaches about 1 metre (3 feet) in height. It has characteristic lance-shaped leaves with pink or lilac-coloured flowers. It is sometimes known as Mentha viridis nana.

Unlike Peppermint, a cultivar of Spearmint and Water Mint – it contains far less menthol and menthone.  It is the mint famous for Tuareg Tea and other North African Mint teas.

Reported Attributes of Nana Mint Essential Oil:-

Traditional and Emotional uses reportedly include:-

Aromatherapists claim the therapeutic properties of NananMint essential oil are: as a local/topical anesthetic, antispasmodic, astringent, decongestant, stimulant and restorative. It is also credited with being an uplifting oil great for alleviating fatigue and depression. It is reputed, as a fumigant, to be an excellent insect repellent.

Nana Mint Essential Oil Blends Well With:-

Although it blends well with most essential oils, it blends particularly well with Basil, Birch, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Jasmine, Lavender and Rosemary.

History:-

The ancient Greeks used Mint to scent their bath water. It also had a reputation for curing sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, and for whitening teeth and healing sore gums. This might be credited to it’s ability to mimic a local anesthetic and, of course, was not successful.