Description-
Spearmint oil is gentle oil comparatively peppermint oil as it contains less amount of menthol. Spearmint oil is isolated from perennial herb Menthe spicata, belongs to Labiatae family. Spearmint plant originated from Mediterranean regions and its growth reaches up to 1meter in height and plant has green lanced shaped , sharply serrated leaves and pink colored flowers.
Extraction-
Spearmint oil is extracted from flowers of Menthe spicata plant by steam distillation.
Composition-
Spearmint oil is composed of α-pinene, β-pinene, cavone, cineole, caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, menthol and myrcene.
Blending-
Spearmint well blends with essential oils such as basil, benzoin, eucalyptus, jasmine, lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, and rosemary, substituent in wintergreen and peppermint oil.
Properties-
Spearmint oil appears pale yellow or pale olive colour, fresh or slightly fruity scent, softer than peppermint. It is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing oil.
Uses-
- Spearmint oil is used to add flavor in cadies and toothpaste.
- It is used in aromatherapy as it helps in fatigue, headaches, migraines, nervousness and ever digestive problems.
- It is used in treatment of internal wound, stomach & intestinal infections.
- It is used in perfumes for fragrance used with herbs like jasmine, lavender, bergamot, sandal wood.
- It is used as food ingredients for baked foods, frozen dairy, meats, beverages and chewing gums.
- It is helpful in digestive discomforts as it has carminative property.
- It is used to stimulate blood circulation.
- It is used to provide cooling and relaxing effect on nerves and brain function because spearmint has cephalic substance.
- It is used to help in muscle spasm due to its menthol content.
- Spearmint oil is helpful in menstrual problems such as irregular periods; obstruct menses and early menses as it induce secretion of estrogen.
- It used to relieves from itching, scabs, decongesting the skin and lesions chance of acne.
- It is used in massage oil as it helps in headaches, migraine and stress fatigue.
- It is used as ingredient of tooth powder, gargles and toothpaste.
- It is used for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
- It is used to whiten teeth and heals mouth sores.
- It is used to add to bath water as it helps in relieve fatigue, fever and muscle pain.
- Spearmint oil acts as antiseptic due to its menthol, myrcene and caryophyllene contents as it can protect wounds, ulcers from infection and help to heal faster.
Safety and Precaution-
- Due to inhalation of spearmint oil, it may cause headaches, skin irritation, nausea, light headedness and even emotional problems.
- Avoid using in excessive amount during pregnancy because it may cause damage to uterus.
- Avoid overdose of spearmint as it might increase kidney damage or liver damage.
Specification of Spearmint Oil
Description – Slightly yellowish coloured fluid liquid, odour pleasant And characteristic, minty taste.
Solubility – Soluble in alcohol.
Acidity – Neutral to litmus.
Relative Density – 0.945
Refractive Index – 1.494
Optical rotation – –56.6°
Assay by GC – 85.7% W/W Carvone contents
Storage – In well fitted container in cool and dark place.
