Spearmint Essential Oil and Its Health Benefits

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 

1.Research shows that spearmint oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can help protect gums and promote overall oral health.You can even chew on fresh spearmint leaves to support your oral health.For an easy DIY mouthwash,use a dropper to add two drops of spearmint essential oil to 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.You can also use Primal Life Organics gum serum,made with certified organic spearmint oil,and black spearmint toothpaste packed with cleansing colloidal silver, mineral-rich clays, and organic spearmint oil.

2.May Reduce Hormonal Acne

The antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,and antioxidant properties of spearmint oil don't just offer oral health benefits-they may also be able to improve skin conditions such as acne.Spearmint has anti-androgenic effects,which means it can reduce the production of testosterone.Too much testosterone leads to excessive sebum (oil) production,which often triggers acne.While more studies are needed to explicitly evaluate its effect on acne,spearmint’s ability to block testosterone makes it a potentially powerful alternative to drugs that treat hormonal acne.

3.Helps With Digestive Issues

Thanks to the presence of carvone,spearmint can help with many digestive issues from indigestion and bloating to gas and cramps.Studies show that carvone induces antispasmodic effects to reduce muscle contractions in the digestive tract.In one eight-week study,volunteers with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found symptom relief when they took a supplement that contained a combination of spearmint,lemon balm,and coriander.

4.Can Improve Mood

Spearmint oil's stimulating scent is at both a pick-me-up and a stress reliever.A 2017 comprehensive review determined that aromatherapy is effective at alleviating depressive symptoms, especially when used with massage.For your own DIY aromatherapy massage oil blend,add 2-3 drops of spearmint oil to the carrier oil of your choice.

5.May Reduce Stress

Along with its mood-boosting aromatherapeutic effects,spearmint may decrease anxiety and improve sleep when consumed orally.In a 2018 study,scientists found administering rats aqueous extracts of spearmint and broadleaf plantain caused anti-anxiety and sedative effects.Further research is required,but the antioxidant compounds of spearmint are considered responsible for these beneficial outcomes.

6.May Reduce Unwanted Facial Hair

Because of its testosterone-inhibiting qualities,spearmint can help diminish facial hair.Hirsutism is a condition caused by too much testosterone,and it results in excessive hair growth on the face, chest,and back.In 2010, one study found women who drank spearmint tea twice a day had significantly lowered testosterone levels and less facial hair.Likewise, a 2017 study (conducted on rats) found spearmint essential oil restricted the production of testosterone.

7.Can Improve Memory

There are some promising studies that link spearmint with better memory function. A 2016 study found extracts from spearmint and rosemary improved learning and memory in mice. In a 2018 study, men and women with age-related memory impairment took two spearmint extract capsules daily for 90 days. Those who took the 900 milligrams-per-day capsules had 15% better working memory and spatial working memory accuracy.