Spearmint Essential Oil: 10 Health Benefits

Spearmint essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flowering tops of the spearmint plant. The oil has a similar aroma to peppermint. It boasts antiseptic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, restorative and stimulant properties. (1)

Spearmint Essential Oil Health Benefits

1. Speeds Healing

Spearmint essential oil has natural antiseptic properties that help speed healing. The menthol that the oil contains can help heal ulcers and other wounds while preventing them from becoming septic.

2. Relieves Spasms

The menthol content of spearmint essential oil provides relaxing and cooling effects on the nerves and muscles. It can help relax contractions that cause muscle spasms. The oil can also be used to provide relief from coughing and muscle cramps. (2)

3. Works as a Disinfectant

Spearmint oil has natural antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties that work as a disinfectant. The oil can help rid the body of both internal and external infections, such as ulcers, dermatitis and athlete's foot. (3)

4. Acts as a Carminative

The relaxing effects of spearmint essential oil can help gases in the stomach and intestines pass out of the body naturally. The oil can also help provide relief from headache pain, indigestion, cramps and vomiting.

5. Relieves Stress

The cooling and relaxing effects of spearmint essential oil work as a natural remedy to help relieve stress. The oil can also help cure headaches and other ailments related to stress and anxiety. (4)

6. Regulates Menstruation

Spearmint oil can help remedy problems with menstruation, such as early menopause, irregular periods and obstructed menstruation. The oil promotes the secretion of hormones like estrogen, while relieving symptoms associated with menstruation such as nausea, fatigue and cramps.

7. Stimulates the Body

The stimulant properties of spearmint essential oil promotes the secretion of hormones as well as the discharge of enzymes, bile and gastric juices. The oil works to keep the metabolism functioning at a high rate while boosting the immune system and stimulating toxin removal. (5)

8. Restores Health

Spearmint essential oil has natural restorative properties that can help maintain proper functioning in the body. It works by repairing damage done to the body from injuries, wounds and oxidative stress.

9. Repels Insects

Spearmint essential oil works as a natural insecticide to keep away mosquitoes, ants, flies and months. Applying it to the skin can help protect against insect bites and bee stings. It can also be used in fumigants, sprays and repellent creams.

10. Works as a Decongestant

Spearmint essential oil has natural decongestant properties thanks to the menthol it contains. The oil can help treat asthma, congestion and sinusitis as well as relieve fevers. The menthol works by relaxing and clearing the airways to promote better breathing. (6) Caution: There are no known dangers of using spearmint oil, but it should not be taken by pregnant women as a precaution.