Botanical Name Mentha spicata
Plant Part Flower Head
Extraction Method Steam
Origin United States
Description Spearmint is a native of the Mediterranean area. A hardy perennial herb, Spearmint reaches about 1 meter (3 feet) in height. It has characteristic lance-shaped leaves with pink or lilac-colored flowers.
Color Pale Yellow with a slight Green tinge
Common Uses Aromatherapists claim the therapeutic properties of Spearmint essential oil are as a local/topical anesthetic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and restorative. It is also believed to be an uplifting oil great for alleviating fatigue and depression.
Strength of Aroma Medium
Blends well with Although Spearmint blends well with most essential oils, it blends particularly well with Basil, Birch, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Jasmine, Lavender and Rosemary.
Aromatic Scent Spearmint has a fresh minty smell reminiscent of Peppermint. The major difference is that Spearmint oil is sweeter, and not quite as harsh.
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 it’s ability to mimic a local anesthetic.
Cautions May irritate mucous membranes, but generally Spearmint has no definitive cautions.