Spearmint
Mentha Spicata
Similar to its sister, Peppermint Oil, Spearmint Oil can help with indigestion, general stomach ache as well as nausea. It can be used as a massage oil to soothe inflamed/overworked muscles, an can also be used in cleaning products to add a refreshing scent to any room.
History of Spearmint Oil
Spearmint Oil (Mentha spicata) originates in the Mediterranean. It is also known as Garden Spearmint, Fish Mint, Spire, Green Mint and Pea. The oil was first used by ancient Greeks as an aphrodisiac, scenting bathwaters, treating STD's and curing respiratory diseases and other less detrimental issues such as hiccups and a sore throat.
The herb as well as the oil revitalises and soothes the body, and commercially it is used across multiple products either as a flavouring or a key component due to its benefits. Ointments, pills, syrups, toothpaste, mouthwash and so much more can be made using spearmint. It shouldn’t be confused with peppermint, as spearmint overall has a smoother and less harsh taste. It’s a variety which is usually included in children’s products as it is refreshing rather than peppery/spicy. In aromatherapy it has been used for thousands of years to boost mood, enhance focus as well as deodorising a room.
Finally, Spearmint Oil is easy to access. You can grow it in the comfort of your home, and making the oil (providing you have the equipment) is easy to do in the comfort of your own home.
So, why is Spearmint Oil so popular today?
There are so many reasons as to why the oil is popular, but we’ll talk about our top three reasons to narrow it down for you! Firstly, it’s an incredibly safe herb and oil to use topically, and if you’re ingesting the herb it is considered highly beneficial for your body.
For example, you can make your own mint tea from a few mint leaves that you can grow in your garden - and it tastes even better than a commercially produced tea. Secondly, the essential oil is widely available; this accessibility means that people from all over the world can benefit from the oil. Finally, the benefits - we’ve had to condense a lot of the information because Spearmint Oil really is an absolute jack of all trades - from medicinal properties, to scenting your home, to combating colds, flu and digestive issues - this is an essential for your collection in our opinion!
Extracting Spearmint Oil
Like many other essential oils on the market, Spearmint Oil is extracted using a process called steam distillation. This involves using the leaves and flowering tops of the herb/plant and putting them in a steam distiller.
Steam will then gently lift the essential oil where it will later sit on top of condensed water at the end of the process. This is the most popular and least invasive way of making the essential oil. It is also a process which is used on a commercial scale to produce the highest yield.
Can I make Spearmint Oil at home?
Yes, you can! Providing you have access to enough leaves and flowering tops, and own a steam distiller - you can make this essential oil in the comfort of your own home. If you like to make essential oils on a regular basis, we recommend buying a steam distiller instead of renting one. Just follow the same process as a commercial provider would, and you’ll have the essential oil within a day! However, if you don’t have access to a steam distiller, you can infuse the oil in a carrier oil such as coconut or almond. All you’ll need is a cheesecloth, mint leaves and a carrier oil. Place the leaves in the cheesecloth and secure tightly, and put the bag into the carrier oil. Warm on a low heat for 6-8 hours and you’ll have mint infused carrier oil. It won't be an essential oil, however it’s a great alternative as you’ll still feel some of the benefits overall.
What do you think of Spearmint Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, we love to hear how you’re using them and getting the most out of them. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
Can I make Spearmint Oil at home?
Yes, you can! Providing you have access to enough leaves and flowering tops, and own a steam distiller - you can make this essential oil in the comfort of your own home. If you like to make essential oils on a regular basis, we recommend buying a steam distiller instead of renting one. Just follow the same process as a commercial provider would, and you’ll have the essential oil within a day! However, if you don’t have access to a steam distiller, you can infuse the oil in a carrier oil such as coconut or almond. All you’ll need is a cheesecloth, mint leaves and a carrier oil. Place the leaves in the cheesecloth and secure tightly, and put the bag into the carrier oil. Warm on a low heat for 6-8 hours and you’ll have mint infused carrier oil. It won't be an essential oil, however it’s a great alternative and you’ll still feel some of the benefits overall.
What do you think of Spearmint Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, we love to hear how you’re using them and getting the most out of them. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
Spearmint Oil Varieties
Spearmint Oil Varieties
Spearmint Oil originates in the Mediterranean, and was first used by ancient Greeks as a medicine, aphrodisiac and perfume. It was used to treat a number of health problems, such as STDs, respiratory diseases, gut health, eliminating nausea, indigestion and bloating. It was also used to treat stomach ulcers. The herb as well as the oil revitalises and soothes the body, and commercially it’s used across multiple products: ointments, pills, syrups, toothpaste, mouthwash and so much more can be made using spearmint. Its beneficial properties champion many other essential oils on the market, and the accessibility of spearmint makes it a popular choice for those who are looking for a multi-use oil which can deliver continuously without breaking the bank.
There are many varieties of mint (around 600); for example you have spearmint and peppermint as an example, but for the purpose of this blog we are going to focus on the variations of Spearmint Oil specifically.
So, which variety of Spearmint Oil should I use?
Although it isn’t clear which variations there are of Spearmint Oil, we already know that there are over 600 varieties of mint overall in the world, so there’s definitely a lot to choose from! Our advice would be to read up before purchasing Spearmint Oil, as different distributors of the oil may have different benefits. Finally, a lot of the time it is down to personal preference - and where mint oil’s overall aren’t very expensive, you could try out a few different types should you wish to experiment! One final piece of advice is to always make sure that you’re buying essential or ‘absolute’ oil, as if it isn’t stated on the bottle - you may be buying an oil mixed with carrier oils or alcohols which could damage the overall quality of the essential oil.
What do you think of Spearmint Oil? Is there a particular variety that you like? What has your experience been like with Spearmint Oil? Feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of our team today.
For example, Indian spearmint specifically works to relieve headaches, boost digestion and increase focus. When searching for a spearmint oil you should look at the description provided as it should state exactly what it’s best used for.
So, which variety of Spearmint Oil should I use?
We already know that there are over 600 varieties of mint overall in the world, so there’s definitely a lot to choose from! Our advice would be to read up before purchasing Spearmint Oil, as different distributors of the oil may have different benefits. Finally, a lot of the time it is down to personal preference - and as mint oil’s overall aren’t very expensive, you could try out a few different types should you wish to experiment! One final piece of advice is to always make sure that you’re buying essential or ‘absolute’ oil, as if it isn’t stated on the bottle - you may be buying an oil mixed with carrier oils or alcohols which could damage the overall quality of the essential oil.
What do you think of Spearmint Oil? Is there a particular variety that you like? What has your experience been like with Spearmint Oil? Feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of our team today.
Benefits of Spearmint Oil
Spearmint Oil is a popular and widely commercialised essential oil which has been used for thousands of years. First discovered by the ancient Greeks, they used the herb and the oil as an aphrodisiac, STD treatment as well as curing respiratory diseases as well as minor issues such as hiccups and a sore throat. It has also been used extensively for digestive problems, too. The herb and oil soothes the body, and commercially it is found in many industries and products, namely toothpaste, breath mints and mouthwash. Spearmint is a variety of mint which is commonly found in children’s health products as the taste is sweeter and less spicy.
So, what are the benefits of using Spearmint Oil?
Reduces skin imperfections
When used topically, Spearmint Oil can help to reduce skin imperfections either caused by breakouts, sun damage or age. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as dark spots - giving you a clearer complexion overall.
Soothes muscle and joint pain
Spearmint Oil can work to combat mild pain - just mix with a carrier oil and massage into the desired area. Try mixing it with petroleum jelly to create a balm/ointment
instead of an oil or lotion next time you massage.
Clears the respiratory system
Whether inhaling it straight out of the bottle, or adding a few drops into hot water and steaming your face - both ways are effective methods of clearing your respiratory system.
Deodorises
Spearmint Oil is a natural deodoriser, and can work well to eliminate bad smells quickly. Add a few drops into an electric diffuser or an oil burner and use it in your bathroom or kitchen for a few minutes - thank us later!
Anti-inflammatory
Spearmint Oil is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory, as it soothes the skin and alleviates any swelling. The makeup of Spearmint Oil makes it perfectly placed to deal with inflammation caused by exercise, day to day life or something slightly more serious - although we always recommend you seek medical advise if you suffer from a disorder which causes constant inflammation.
Please note that the benefits of Spearmint Oil will vary from person to person, and what works for you may not work for someone else. If you are looking to integrate essential oils into your day to day life, or as a replacement for medication, always consult with your doctor first. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid using essential oils unless you have been given approval by your doctor.
Uses of Spearmint Oil
Spearmint Oil is a widely popular essential oil which has been used for thousands of years across aromatherapy, skincare, massage as well as in many medicinal and non-medicinal products. It is one of the most commercialised flavours in the world, and Spearmint Oil can be found in toothpastes, skincare products, mouthwash as well as children’s medicines. In fact, spearmint is the main variety of mint used in children’s medicines as it isn’t as harsh. It has a sweeter, less peppery taste overall. It’s an essential oil which is accessible and can be made in the comfort of your own home, as it’s made using a process called steam distillation. Overall it’s a popular oil, so keep reading if you want to know what you can use it for!
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, Spearmint Oil works well on its own or blended with other essential oils to create calming and energising blends - clearing the mind, body and soul. It complements a number of other essential oils but is mostly known for the energising, refreshing feeling it gives people.
Massage
When combined with a carrier oil, you can create a nourishing and soothing massage oil which can either be used to refresh and calm the skin, or it can be used on sore muscles after exercise as a natural pain reliever.
Skincare and haircare
Spearmint Oil is great when mixed into your skincare or haircare routine. It can stimulate your hair follicles when used in a hair mask, and it can reduce fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration on the skin. Use in a carrier oil or lotion and integrate into your morning and evening routine to see the best results. If you struggle with acne-prone or sensitive skin, check with your dermatologist before adding an essential oil into your routine.
Mouthwash
It's a natural mouthwash! - Add a few drops into Coconut Oil and use the oil-pulling technique to eliminate bad breath.
Household cleaner
Mix with hot water and vinegar and you have an amazing all-purpose cleaner! Use in your bathroom and kitchen as a natural alternative to a chemical cleaner.
Home fragrance
Add into an electric diffuser or oil burner to leave your home smelling fresh - it’s particularly useful in a bathroom to get rid of bad smells.
Soap
Making your own soap? Add a few drops of Spearmint Oil to give it a refreshing lift.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our knowledge with you so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether you’re a beginner just entering this amazing world, or you’re a seasoned fanatic - our website has all the information you’ll need. From history, to benefits, to blends - we’ve created a directory for everybody to learn. In this blog we’re going to talk about Spearmint Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Jojoba Oil
This blend is perfect for facial skincare treatments, as Jojoba Oil mimics the skin’s natural oils - which means you’ll be less prone to breakouts or a build up of oil on the skin. Use this blend every other day for optimum results - and consult with a dermatologist if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
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Coconut Oil
Creamy and nourishing, this is a great blend for two reasons. Firstly, you can use it as a natural mouthwash as Coconut Oil can be used to rid you of bad breath and naturally whiten your teeth. It can also be used as a blend for muscle pain as it can be massaged into the skin. It’ll moisturise the area whilst also tackling any pain.
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Almond Oil
Sweet and light, we love this blend as it can work as a slightly lighter massage oil if you don’t like using Coconut Oil.
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Eucalyptus Oil
Cooling and medicinal, this blend is excellent to clear your respiratory system or be mixed into petroleum jelly to make a chest rub. You can either inhale this blend on its own or mix it into hot water and steam your face a few times a day if you are suffering from a cold.
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Rosemary Oil
Herbaceous and complex, this is an excellent blend for muscular and joint pain, and can also be used to clear the airways (although our preference is eucalyptus for this).
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Cedarwood Oil
Woody and refreshing, this blend is excellent for muscle and joint pain, but also works beautifully in homemade candles and soaps. Add a couple of drops of Lavender Oil into the soap mixture and you have a soothing blend which will leave you smelling gorgeous!
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Lavender Oil
We love this blend either in candles, soaps, or a few drops of each in your bath. It’ll clear your respiratory system, calm your body and get you ready for a restful night's sleep! It’s one of our favourite sleep blends because it’s so effective. Try putting it in an electric diffuser.
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