Mentha spicata, from which Spearmint Essential Oil is distilled, is a native of the Mediterranean, Asia, The Middle East, China and has been naturalised in some 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.
Unlike Peppermint, a cultivar of Spearmint and Water Mint – it contains far less menthol and menthone. It is caled Spearmint simply because of its pointed leaves.
Reported Attributes of Spearmint Essential Oil:-
Traditional and Emotional uses reportedly include:-
Aromatherapists claim the therapeutic properties of Spearmint 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.
Spearmint Essential Oil Blends Well With:-
Although Spearmint blends well with most essential oils, it blends particularly well with Basil, Birch, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Jasmine, Lavender and Rosemary.
History:-
The ancient Greeks used Spearmint 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 its ability to mimic a local anesthetic and, of course, was not successful.
