Spearmint Oil
Spearmint oil is extracted from the flowering tops of Spearmint plant. This hardy perennial plant grows up to a maximum height of 100 cm and is a member of the Lamiaceae plant family. Spearmint is indigenous to the Mediterranean region, southwest Asia and few other European countries. The lancelike leaves of this plant are bright green in color. Spearmint leaves measure about 5 to 9cm in length and 2 to 3cm in width. These sharply serrated leaves looks like sharp lances or pointed spears. The pink, white or lilac colored flowers have a sweet minty fragrance. These flowers are found growing on thin spikes and measure about 3 mm in length and width. Certain stems of this plant have hair-like bristles. Spearmint plant has a thick and fleshy rhizome that grows in dense underground. This aromatic herb was initially used by the ancient Greeks to add freshness to their bathing water and for treating certain sexually transmitted diseases.
Spearmint oil is extracted from the flowering tops by steam distillation method. China, India and USA are the major producers of Spearmint oil. This oil is generally colorless to pale yellow or yellowish green in color. Spearmint has a comparatively lower amount of menthol than peppermint. It has a sweet, cool, minty, refreshing and a floral aroma. Spearmint oil blends well with Jasmine oil, Eucalyptus oil, Rosemary oil, Basil oil and lavender oil. It is also used for flavoring chewing gums, candies, pharmaceutical products, toothpastes and few other dental products.
Latin name: Mentha Spicata.
Alternative names: Garden Mint, Menthol Mint, Mint, Sage Of Bethlehem, Silver Mint, Spearmint, Green Mint, Lamb Mint, Fish Mint, Spire Mint and Pea Mint.
Spearmint plant grows in the wild in temperate climatic zones that are supported with good shade and humid conditions. The fertile growth of this plant requires good sunlight as it facilitates the production of essential oils. Spearmint oil contains menthol, niacin, magnesium, carbohydrates, myrcene, limonene, a-pinene, carvone, phosphorus, b-pinene, linalool, 1,8-cineole, caryophyllene, fibre, calcium, vitamins A and B3. It has restorative, antiseptic, insecticide, carminative, stimulant, antispasmodic, emenagogue and cephalic properties.
Uses: Spearmint oil is safe and gentle to use for children. This oil is used in the treatment of cough, nausea, constipation, vomiting, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, asthma, sinus, diarrhea, catarrh, flatulence, migraines, fatigue, nervous troubles, stress, bronchitis and headaches. Spearmint oil also has positive effects on womanly problems like amenorrhea, leucorrhea and heavy flow of periods. Certain skin disorders like acne, congested skin and dermatitis are also treated with the healing effects of Spearmint oil.
