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Spearmint Essential Oil

Vial depicting Spearmint Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Mentha spicata Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled Color: Clear Consistency: Thin Perfumery Note: Top Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Minty, slightly fruity aroma that is less bright than peppermint.

	Spearmint

Possible Uses: Asthma, exhaustion, fever, flatulence, headache, nausea, scabies, vertigo. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 59-67.]

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, carvone, 1,8-cineole, linalool, limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, menthol. [B. Lawrence, "Spearmint Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, December/January 1977, 31, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 200-1.]

Safety Information: Mucous membrane irritant. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 210.]

Additional Notes: Whenever I'm concerned that Peppermint Essential Oil may overpower a blend or be a bit too stimulating, I turn to Spearmint Essential Oil either as a complete substitute for Peppermint Essential Oil or to blend with Peppermint to tone it down. Spearmint essential oil is a more subtle oil than peppermint, but can be used for similar fragrancing and therapeutic applications. I especially enjoy incorporating spearmint essential oil into blends intended for easing headaches or stress. It's fresh, clean aroma blends well with other oils including peppermint, rosemary, basil, bay laurel, orange and lavender.

Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an oil that you've never used before. Instructions on conducting a skin patch test and more safety information can be found by visiting the Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs. 

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