Spearmint

Botanical Name

Mentha spicata

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Country of Origin

United States, China, Hungary, Spain, Russia, India, Native to Europe

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Leaves

Color

Colorless to pale yellow

Consistency

Medium

Perfumery Note

Top / Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium

Aromatic Description

Minty and fresh. More subtle than peppermint. Hint of fruitiness

Possible Substitute Oils

Peppermint

Blends Well With

Angelica seed, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cananga, Cardamom, Chamomile Roman, Cypress, Eucalyptus Lemon, Eucalyptus Peppermint, Eucalyptus Radiata, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram (sweet), Niaouli, Nutmeg, Orange (sweet), Petitgrain, Pine, Ravintsara, Rosemary, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Thyme linalol, Tuberose, Ylang Ylang

GRAS status

YES

Spearmint Essential Oil Uses

Anaesthetic (local), antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antifungal, anticonvulsive, antineuralgic, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, expels excess gas, decongestant, aids digestion, febrifuge, hepatic, relieves headache, expectorant, diuretic, reduces fever, nervine (calms and soothes the nerves), supports and protects the liver, stimulating, energizing, reduces anxiety, stomachic, stress management, antidepressant, combats fatigue, tonic.

Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 140-141.
Dr. Scott A. Johnson, Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy (Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Services, 2015), 237-240.

Major Constituents of Spearmint

• (-)-Carvone
• (+)-Limonene
• (Z)-Dihydrocarvone
• 3-Octanol
• Methone
• 1,8-Cineole

See Essential Oil Safety for more complete list of typical constituents.

Source: B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1995), 20. Source cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 427.

Spearmint Essential Oil Safety Information

Tisserand and Young report that Spearmint Essential Oil is a potential mucous membrane irritant. They also caution that there is a low risk of skin sensitization and recommend a dermal maximum of 1.7%. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 427-248.]

Recommended Dilution Range

3%-50%; neat for some conditions

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.