Chemical composition

The main chemical components of spearmint oil are a-pinene, b-pinene, carvone, 1,8-cineole, linalool, limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene and menthol (0.5% compared to the 40% in peppermint)

Therapeutic Properties

The therapeutic properties of spearmint oil are antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emmenagogue, insecticide, restorative and stimulant.

Uses 

When your mind is tired and in need of stimulating and upliftment, then spearmint oil is the one for you, and although it has very many properties in common to that of peppermint oil, it contains only small amounts of menthol and is far less harsh on the skin and ideal for use in children.

It is very useful to deal with digestive problems including flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and nausea, as it relaxes the stomach muscles and also relieves hiccups.

Furthermore, it helps with headaches, migraines, nervous strain, fatigue and stress, as well as for the respiratory tract; helping with asthma, bronchitis, catarrh and sinusitis. On the skin it can relieve the itching of pruritus and helps with acne, dermatitis, congested skin and sore gums.

For female health it can help to stem the flow of heavy periods and leucorrhoea and releases urine retention.

Summary

Spearmint oil can be effective for the digestive system, for the respiratory tract, for a tired mind and for skin problems.

• Burners and vaporizers
  • In vapor therapy, spearmint oil can be used for vomiting, colic, flatulence, headaches, migraines, nervous conditions, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and catarrh.
• Blended massage oil or in the bath
  • Used as a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, spearmint oil helps with headaches, migraines, stress, fatigue, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and nervous conditions and to relieve itching.
• Cream or lotion
  • When spearmint oil is used in a cream or lotion it can help for itching - specially in cases of pruritus or when scabs have formed, decongesting the skin and to a lesser degree acne as well.

Spearmint oil blends well with

Although most essential oils blend well together, Spearmint oil blends particularly well with Basil, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary and Jasmine.

Precautions

It is considered a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing oil