Spearmint

Although not as popular as peppermint oil, this essential oil is far gentler to use with children and has great benefits on the digestive system and relieves flatulence, constipation, vomiting and nausea, as well as the respiratory tract to relieve cough, bronchitis, asthma, catarrh and sinus. On the skin it calms itching and has a stimulant action on the mind.

It is a native of the Mediterranean area, and is a hardy perennial herb that reaches about 1 meter (3 feet) in height and has bright green lance-shaped, sharply serrated leaves and pink or lilac-coloured flowers.

Unlike peppermint, spearmint does not contain high amounts of menthol. The ancient Greeks used it to scent their bath water and it had a reputation for curing sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea. During the medieval times it was used to heal sore gums and also to whiten teeth.

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

When your mind is tired and in need of stimulation and a bit of a lift, 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, diarrhoea 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.

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

Blends well with

Basil, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary and Jasmine.

Precautions

None. It is considered a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing oil

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