10 Surprising Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil

by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated -

The health benefits of spearmint essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emmenagogue, restorative, and a stimulant substance.

The spearmint essential oil 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.

Menthol has an aroma similar to peppermint. However, unlike in peppermint, spearmint leaves have a negligible menthol content. Spearmint oil can be used as 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. [1]

Speeds Wound Healing

This oil works well as an antiseptic for wounds and ulcers as it prevents them from becoming septic while also helping them to heal faster. These antiseptic properties are due to the presence of components like menthol, myrcene, and caryophyllene.

Relieves Spasms

A small bottle of spearmint oil with leaves on a wooden table

Spearmint Essential Oil is multi-purpose and it continues to be used to soothe ailments such as skin problems. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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 its 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. 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 spearmint oil may relax the intestines and muscles of the abdominal region, thereby allowing the gases formed in the stomach and the intestines to pass out of the body naturally. This provides relief from many health concerns, including uneasiness and restlessness, insomnia, headaches, stomach aches, indigestion, loss of appetite, chest pain, vomiting, cramps, and other related symptoms.

Relieves Stress

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.

Regulates Menstruation

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. [2]

Stimulant

This essential oil stimulates the secretion of hormones and the discharge of enzymes, gastric juices, and bile. It also stimulates nerves and brain function and promotes 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 to the skin for protection against mosquito bites. Spearmint essential oil is sometimes used in mosquito repellent 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.

Spearmint Essential Oil Uses

You can use spearmint essential oil for many things from indigestion to uplifting your mood. Below we have mentioned some of the easiest ways to use it.

  • You can use spearmint oil in the diffuser. This will help elevate your mood and also boost concentration.
  • Add a drop of spearmint oil to your baked goods, desserts or salads for a unique flavor. This also aids in digestion.
  • You can find cosmetics or medicinal products having spearmint essential oil as their primary ingredient for skin care.

Word of Caution: There are no reported dangers of using this essential oil, but as an emmenagogue, it should not be taken by pregnant women.

Blending: Basil, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary, and Jasmine essential oils form good blends with the essential oil of Spearmint.

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About the Author

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

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