The spearmint plant holds a prominent place in human history. Myths about spearmint and the potency of the plant date back 5,000 years in China. One Greek myth about spearmint may be where the name came from in Western civilization. Persephone turned the nymph Minthe into a spearmint plant because she seduced Pluto. Spearmint is just one name for this popular candy, ice cream, tobacco, and liquor flavor. Some of the other names are: Green Mint, Garden Mint, Sage of Bethlehem, Spire Mint, Lamb Mint, Bethlehem Sage, Pea Mint, Mackerel Mint, and Our Lady's Mint.
The essential oil of spearmint has been used for thousands of years to relieve indigestion, colic, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, and flatulence. The pale yellow to green spearmint oil is still used to relieve those issues, but it's also used to repel insects boost the energy level, and alleviate fatigue. Spearmint oil has also been effective in relieving menstrual strain and the pain associated with it.
The fresh minty aroma of this oil helps lift the spirits and it's considered a gentle aromatherapy treatment for children. The therapeutic properties of the spearmint oil are antispasmodic, carminative, emmenagogue, antiseptic, cephalic, insecticide, stimulant and restorative. This minty oil was used in bath water for years, and it gained a reputation for curing sexual transmitted diseases back in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Spearmint is considered a great antiseptic because of the myrcene, menthol, and caryophyllene in the oil. Wounds and ulcers heal faster when spearmint oil is used, and it can also help relax contractions and muscle cramps in the abdominal region; the gases that accumulate in the stomach and intestines are passed in the natural downward action. Headaches, stomachaches, chest pain, and insomnia gradually fade when the oil is used in aromatherapy.
Issues like early menopause and irregular periods can be sorted out with the help of spearmint. It interacts with adrenal glands and balances the flow of estrogen, which helps the body react sexually at the appropriate times, plus it facilitates menstruation. Some women believe spearmint oil can delay menopause, plus it gives them the relief they need when it comes to the symptoms associated with menstruations like, fatigue, nausea, and pain in the lower abdominal region.
Regaining strength after a long illness and recovering from injuries and wounds are other benefits that most people don't think about when spearmint oil is mentioned, but it has the chemical compounds to perform those functions. Spearmint oil is one of those essential oils that we can't live without even though we don't think about it very much.
Michael D. Thompson, an organic perfumer and accredited Master Herbalist, is the founder and director of Florapathics, LLC which manufactures all-natural, organically-derived personal care products that are infused with pure essential oils for aromatherapy.
Visit our aromatherapy blog to read about the benefits and uses of spearmint oil and many other oils.
Florapathics line of over 90 essential oils is used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Florapathics gives FREE shipping in the US for all orders. Visit http://www.florapathics.com/ and view our selection over 400 products including artisan-made luxury soy candles, body care, hair care, facial care, and aromatherapy supplies.
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