Spearmint Essential OilBotanical Nomenclature: Mentha spicata Spearmint essential oil isn't, as some web sites claim, a native of North America. It's actually native to Europe but is widely cultivated here. In fact, the U.S. is currently the largest producer of spearmint essential oil in the world. Regardless of it exact origins, spearmint is immensely important to the food and toiletries industries. Once used to stop milk from curdling, spearmint is widely used today to flavor products from chewing gum and candy to toothpaste and mouthwash. Spearmint oil is generally considered less harsh than its botanical cousin, peppermint, and its lower menthol content makes it a little less harsh on the skin. Spearmint oil is used to scent skin care products that would simply be too harsh if they were made with peppermint. But perhaps it's spearmint's contribution to the culinary arts that makes spearmint such a popular herb. Whether herbs like spearmint were ever really used to cover the taste of less-than-fresh meat or people just enjoyed the tastes, there's no doubt that spearmint has been used for centuries as a major culinary herb. Today we know that spearmint does more than just compliment the taste of meat--this useful little perennial is a rich source of minerals, especially iron and magnesium.
Characteristics of Spearmint OilSpearmint essential oil should be pale yellow--maybe with hints of green--and will have a definite "mint" scent that's cooler and less bracing than that of peppermint.Psychological AromatherapyFor some reason, spearmint has never really enjoyed the popularity of other mints. This is too bad, because spearmint is better suited to many uses than other mints and is easier for many people to tolerate. This is especially true for children who may find oils like peppermint or wintergreen a bit too strong.Generally, though, psychological aromatherapy uses spearmint essential oil for many of the same reasons it uses other mint oils. It's considered an "refreshing" oil that can banish depression and ease mental fatigue.
Traditional Uses for Spearmint OilThe ancient Greeks were among the first to document their use of spearmint; they put spearmint leaves into their bath water. During the Middle Ages, spearmint saw extensive use in oral hygiene. Spearmint has also been used to treat stomach upset, ease pain and stimulate the appetite. Today, Salvatore Battaglia assigns the following therapeutic actions to spearmint oil:
Scientific Studies on Spearmint Essential OilExcessive Facial HairHirsutism, or excessive facial hair, can be a problem for many women. But a 2007 study on spearmint's ability to influence sex hormones found that consuming spearmint tea at specific times during the menstrual cycle could effectively reduce free testosterone and potentially reduce the need for cosmetic hair removal procedures. Spearmint & Oral Health Given spearmint's extensive use in oral care products, few published studies have actually suggested that spearmint does anything more than add a pleasant taste to toothpastes and mouthwashes. Studies supporting spearmint's alleged anti-bacterial actions are sorely lacking. Spearmint Oil & IBS Other mints have shown promise in the fight against irritable bowel syndrome and a 2006 study of the popular herbal remedy Carmint, which is made with spearmint, may increase the effectiveness of both psyllium and the pharmaceutical drug loperamide.
Safety IssuesMost popular aromatherapy texts list spearmint as non-toxic and non-irritating but recent scientific studies have questioned spearmint's long-term safety (especially when used in large doses) for some people, especially women at risk for some types of uterine conditions.Spearmint can also cause contact allergy in people allergic to anethole. A handful of studies have documented cases of allergies in people using spearmint-flavored oral care products. References: Battaglia, S. (2005). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Arzani, A., et al. (2007). Iron and magnesium concentrations of mint accessions (Mentha spp.). Poon, T., et al. (2006). Cheilitis caused by contact allergy to anethole in spearmint flavoured toothpaste. Guney, M., et al. (2006). The effect of Mentha spicata Labiatae on uterine tissue in rats. Vejdani, R., et al. (2006). The efficacy of an herbal medicine, Carmint, on the relief of abdominal pain and bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Leave Spearmint Essential Oil & return to Essential Oil Directory page.
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