Extracted from a plant known as “Garden mint” is an essential oil known as Spearmint Oil. This oil is obtained from a plant belonging to the “mint” family as well as to the “Mentha spicata” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is derived from the flowering tops of the plant using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, due to the presence of menthol this oil comprises of a “peppermint” like aroma. This oil is also used commonly as a substitute to “peppermint” oil when not available.
A. Chemical constituents of Spearmint Oil:
This oil is basically extracted from a plant belonging to the “mint” family as well as to “Mentha spicata” species in the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil consists of organic compounds such as Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Carvone, Cineole, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Limonene, Menthol and Myrcene.
B. The uses and benefits of Spearmint Oil:
There are a number of benefits that one can obtain by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antiseptic:
This oil serves as an “antiseptic” when used and thereby helps in treating wounds by destroying disease causing microbes.
2. Antispasmodic:
This oil when used also serves as an “antispasmodic” by inhibiting muscle spasms formation within the body system.
3. Carminative:
This oil also serves as a “carminative”, and when used resolves the issue of gas formation i.e. flatulence within the gastrointestinal system.
4. Emenagogue:
This oil when used helps resolving issues such as irregular periods, obstructed menses etc thereby serving as an emenagogue.
5. Stimulant:
This oil serves as a “stimulant” when used by promoting the secretion hormones and enzymes in the body, and thereby helps maintain a high metabolic activity rate.
C. The adverse effects of Spearmint Oil:
There is one major adverse effect that may occur on using this essential oil. It is as follows:
- This oil when used can severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
