SPEARMINT OIL

SPEARMINT OIL

The health benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emenagogue, insecticide, restorative and stimulant substance.

The Essential Oil of Spearmint is extracted by steam distillation of flowering tops of the spearmint plant, whose scientific name is Mentha Spicata. The main components of this oil are Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Carvone, Cineole, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Limonene, Menthol and Myrcene.

Although its aroma is similar to that of peppermint, due to the presence of menthol, its menthol content is negligible as compared to that of peppermint oil. Spearmint oil has been a substitute for peppermint when it is unavailable, and possesses similar medicinal properties, due to the presence of similar compounds in its essential oil. Instances of its use in ancient Greece have even been found in historical records.

Health Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil

The various medicinal properties of spearmint essential oil can be found below.

Antiseptic: This oil works well as an antiseptic for wounds and ulcers, protecting them from becoming septic or developing other infections, while also helping them to heal faster. These antiseptic properties are due to the presence of components like Menthol, Myrcene and Caryophyllene.

Antispasmodic: This property of Essential Oil of Spearmint comes from its menthol content, which has a relaxing and cooling effect on the nerves and muscles, and helps to relax contractions in the case of spasms.  Therefore, it is frequently prescribed to provide effective relief from spasmodic coughs, aches, pulling sensations and aches in the abdominal region and intestines. This includes it ability to soothe muscle strains or cramps, nervous convulsions, and even spasmodic cholera.

Disinfectant: The antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties of Essential Oil of Spearmint make it a disinfectant. It can help get rid of both internal and external infections. It is particularly effective in protecting internal wounds and ulcers, like those in the stomach, food pipe, and intestines, from infections. In ancient Greece, it was used to treat infectious diseases like Scabies, Dermatitis, Athlete’s Foot, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and other infectious or transmittable diseases.

Carminative: The relaxing properties of Essential Oil of Spearmint induce relaxation in the intestines and muscles of the abdominal region, thereby helping the gases formed in stomach and intestines to pass out of the body naturally. This provides relief from many health concerns, including uneasiness and restlessness, insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, loss of appetite, chest pain, vomiting, cramps and other related symptoms.

Cephalic: This oil has a relaxing and cooling effect on the brain, which removes stress on our cognitive center. It helps people to concentrate, and since it is a cephalic substance, it helps to cure headaches and other stress related neural problems. This oil is supposed to be good for the overall health and protection of the brain as well.

Emenagogue: Problems with menstruation, such as irregular periods, obstructed menses and early menopause can be solved with the help of this essential oil. It promotes the secretion of hormones like estrogen, which facilitates menstruation and ensures good uterine and sexual health. This also delays the onset of menopause and relieves certain symptoms associated with menstruation like nausea, fatigue, and pain in the lower abdominal region.

Stimulant: This essential oil stimulates the secretion of hormones and the discharge of enzymes, gastric juices and bile, while also stimulating nerves and brain function, and promoting good blood circulation. This keeps the metabolic activity at a high rate and also boosts the strength of the immune system because stimulating blood circulation boosts immunity and toxin removal.

Restorative: The function of a restorative is to restore health and maintain proper functioning of all the organ systems operating in the body. A restorative also helps to repair the damage done to the body and aid in the recovery from injuries and wounds. It also helps people to regain strength after long bouts of illness.

Insecticide: Spearmint essential oil is an effective insecticide and keeps away mosquitoes, white ants, ants, flies, and moths. It can also be safely applied on the skin for protection against mosquito bites. Spearmint essential oil is sometimes used in mosquito repellant creams, mats, and fumigants.

Other Benefits

The Essential Oil of Spearmint can help treat asthma and congestion due to its decongestant properties. It also relieves fevers, excess flatulence, constipation, sinusitis, acne, gum and teeth problems, migraines, stress and depression. Being far lower in menthol content, it can be safely given to children to relieve their various ailments.