The health benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like anti septic, anti spasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emenagogue, insecticide, restorative and stimulant.
Essential Oil of Spearmint is extracted by steam distillation of flowering tops of 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 matches that of Pepper Mint, which is due to presence of Menthol, its Menthol content is negligible as compared to that of Pepper Mint Oil. Spearmint has been a substitute for peppermint in its unavailability and possesses similar medicinal properties, due to presence of similar compounds in its essential oil. The instances of its use in ancient Greece have been found.
The various medicinal properties it possesses are given as follows;
- Anti Septic: This oil works well as an anti septic for wounds and ulcers, protects them from septic and other infections and helps them heal faster. These anti septic properties are due to presence of components like Menthol, Myrcene and Caryophyllene.
- Anti Spasmodic: This property of Essential Oil of Spearmint comes from its component Menthol, which has a relaxing and cooling effect on the nerves and muscles, which helps relax contraction in case of spasms and thereby gives effective relief from spasmodic coughs, aches, pulling sensation and aches in abdominal region and intestines, muscle pulls or cramps, nervous convulsions and even spasmodic cholera.
- Disinfectant: The anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral properties of Essential Oil of Spearmint make it a disinfectant. It can help get rid of internal infections and external infections. It is particularly effective in protecting internal wounds and ulcers, like those in stomach, food pipe, intestines etc. from infections. In ancient Greece, it was used to treat infectious diseases like Scabies, Dermatitis, Athlete’s Foot, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and other infectious and 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 using its natural downward passage. This gives a relief from a lot of problems such as uneasiness and restlessness, insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, loss of appetite, chest pain, vomiting, cramps and related symptoms.
- Cephalic: This oil has a relaxing and cooling effect on brain, taking stress away from it. It helps to concentrate. Being a Cephalic, it helps cure headaches and other stress related neuro-problems. This oil is supposed to be good for the health of brain too.
- Emenagogue: Problems with menstruations, such as irregular periods, obstructed menses and early menopause etc. can be sorted out with the help of this essential oil. It promotes secretion of hormones like estrogen which facilitate menstruation and ensure good uterine and sexual health. This also keeps away menopause and also gives relief from certain symptoms associated with menstruations like nausea, fatigue, pain in the lower abdominal region etc.
- Insecticide: It is an effective insecticide and keeps away mosquitoes, white ants, ants, flies, moths etc. It can be safely applied on skin to get protection against mosquito bites. The spearmint oil is sometimes used in mosquito repellant creams, mats, fumigants etc.
- 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 repair the damages done to the body and recovery from injuries and wounds. It also helps regain strength after long illness.
- Stimulant: This essential oil stimulates secretion of hormones, discharge of enzymes, gastric juices and bile and stimulates nerves, brain and blood circulation. This keeps the metabolism activated and functioning properly and also boosts immune system (stimulating blood circulation boosts immunity).
- Other Benefits: The Essential Oil of Spearmint helps cure asthma and congestion, being a decongestant; gives relief from fever, flatulence, constipation, sinusitis, acne, gum and teeth problems, migraine, stress and depression. Being far lower in menthol content, it can be safely given to the children.
Few Words of Caution: No threats. But being an emenagogue, it should not be taken by pregnant ladies.
Blending: Basil, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary and Jasmine essential oils form good blends with Essential Oil of Spearmint.
This article was contributed by Aparup Mukherjee
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