Spearmint, First Cutting, Rectified

Pure Therapeutic, Spearmint (First Cutting) essential oil, also known as Common Spearmint

The first spring cutting of the tender spearmint leaves produce a fresher, greener, sweeter essential oil than cuttings later in the summer. This essential oil is rectified (distilled twice) to create a truly unique product.  Limited availability.

Botanical name :   Mentha spicata or Mentha viridis

Extraction method / Source :    Steam Distilled / Fresh spring leaves

Aroma :   Sweet, fresh, herbaceous

Note classification :    Top, Middle      Odor Intensity : 5

Key constituents :   Carvone, limonene, beta-pinene, linalool             (Current Certificate of Analysis available upon request)

Shelf Life:     3  years  or longer, if stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.

Plant description :    Botanical family :  Laminaceae     Spearmint is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region.  It grows to a height of about 1-3 feet and has  highly fragrant shiny green leaves and white or lilac flowers.

Regions of Production :   USA

Growing Practices :    Grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Properties :   Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emmenagogue, insecticide, restorative, stimulant.                Please refer to the Glossary for terms which may be new to you.

Uses / Benefits :  Cooling, refreshing, stimulating, and aids digestion.  The vapors of Spearmint oil help open breathing passages and are helpful for managing asthma, bronchitis, and sinus conditions.  Spearmint oil helps ease muscle pain, headaches and menstrual discomfort, and soothes itchy skin.  Natural insect repellent.  Ideal for natural perfume making.

Modes of Administration :    Topical :   massage, compress, bath, salves and balms      Inhalation: direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer

Fragrant influences:  Uplifting, helps reduce mental strain, fatigue and depression. Stimulates the mind and improves mental clarity.

Safety :   Non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing. (Battaglia, 2003) 

Blends well with :    Allspice, Anise, Basil, Black Pepper, Cabreuva, Cajeput, Caraway, Cardamom, Cassia, Cedarwood, Clove, Coriander, Cumin, Cypress, Dill, Fennel, Ginger, Gingergrass, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Vetiver

History / Fun Facts : Historically, spearmint has had many interesting uses. In medieval times it was used to help heal sore gums, whiten teeth and promote good oral hygeine. It has also been widely used as a local anesthetic, digestive aid and antiseptic. In Britain, spearmint was used to keep milk from curdling.

References :

Althea Press, Essential Oils : Natural Remedies, 2015.  Althea Press, Berkeley, CA.

Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Second Edition, 2003. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal, 2002. Prentice Hall Press, New York, NY.

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy : A Holistic Guide to Natural Healing with Essential Oils, 2015.  Floramed Publishing, The Woodlands, TX.

United States Food and Drug Administration, HHS, 182.1  Substances That Are Generally Recognized as Safe, 182.20 Essential oils, Oleoresins (solvent-free), and natural extractives (including distillates), http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/CFR-2012-title21-vol3-sec182 (January 28, 2016)

Notice : This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease, and should not take the place of evaluation by a qualified health professional. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Precautions : Pure essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Do not use them undiluted, or in the eyes or mucus membranes. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a proper carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before applying to a large area. Do not take them internally except under the direction of a qualified professional trained in Aromatherapy. Always familiarize yourself with the safety, contraindications and proper preparation of each essential oil before use. Note that when using essential oils for children and the elderly, very low concentrations should be used. Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.