The Health Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil
Spearmint is a delightful, fresh-smelling herb that can be used in various ways to improve your health. The primary benefits of spearmint oil come from its menthol and carvacrol content. These two components give the oil its robust and refreshing aroma and excellent medicinal properties.
Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of spearmint essential oil and how you can use it to improve your health.
What is Spearmint Essential Oil?
Most people think spearmint is a plant used as a flavoring agent. While it’s true that spearmint is often used in food, it’s also an essential oil.
One of the most common uses of spearmint essential oil is as a flavoring agent. You see it in many chewing gum, candies, and baked goods.
While consuming spearmint in this way is one way to benefit from it, it’s not the best. What’s better is to use spearmint essential oil topically or aromatically since it can be applied directly to the area of concern, and it’s more concentrated. You can access all of the therapeutic properties by using the oil without having to digest it.
Why is spearmint oil beneficial?
Spearmint essential oil is an excellent choice for many common ailments like headaches, digestive issues, cold and flu symptoms, skin problems, and more.
- Headaches
- The menthol content in spearmint oil makes it an excellent pain reliever. When applied to the skin, it can penetrate and help relieve pain in the underlying tissue. You can also mix a few drops of it with carrier oil and apply it to the temples and back of the neck to relieve headaches.
- Digestive issues
- Carvacrol in spearmint oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This can significantly benefit those with poor digestion or gas or bloating.
- Cold and flu symptoms
- If you’re suffering from a cold or flu, spearmint oil can help you get over it more quickly. It’s antibacterial and antiviral and can help to ease symptoms of a cold, like a stuffy nose, coughing, headache, and general malaise.
- Skin problems
- Using spearmint essential oil topically can be beneficial for many skin problems, including eczema and psoriasis. It can also be used to enhance the results of other skincare products.
How to use spearmint essential oil for health benefits?
- Health and beauty rituals. If you’re a person who likes to do rituals to affirm yourself and your health, you might enjoy adding spearmint essential oil to your rituals. You can place a few drops on a diffuser, in some water, or on a candle or incense stick to enjoy the welcoming aroma of this oil.
- Skincare. When using spearmint essential oil topically on the skin, be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut oil so that it’s not too potent for your skin. If you’re using it for inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and other skin diseases, you can mix it with coconut oil and apply it directly to the skin.
- Messages. You can use spearmint essential oil in many different ways during a massage session. You can add a few drops of massage oil or lotion to enhance its fragrance.
- Diffusing. You can also diffuse spearmint oil in your home to enjoy its health benefits.
Other ways to benefit from spearmint essential oil
- Cooking - If you’re a foodie and like to cook, you can use spearmint essential oil in some of your favorite dishes. It’s a great flavoring agent and can add a delightful note to many different types of food.
- Hygiene - Spearmint oil has many beneficial properties, so it can be used in various ways in your hygiene routine.
- Oral hygiene - You can use a few drops of spearmint essential oil in your toothbrush or dental floss to add a refreshing touch to your oral hygiene routine.
- Wound care and infections - You can also use spearmint essential oil to benefit health issues like wounds, infections, and insect bites.
Side effects of using Spearmint Essential Oil
There are few side effects of spearmint essential oil, even if you apply it undiluted to the skin.
It’s generally considered safe to use on your skin, even on areas like your face. If you experience any adverse reactions to using this essential oil, like a rash or skin irritation, then it’s a good idea to stop and determine if there’s something else causing it.
Remember that while the essential oil is generally considered safe to ingest, it’s much more concentrated than tea, so you’d need to use it much less.
Conclusion
The benefits of spearmint essential oil are undeniable. It’s a great essential oil in your home, and you can use it for various things. It’s soothing and refreshing and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s best to use it topically to access all of the benefits it has to offer. You can use it in your home, on your skin, and in your diffuser to enjoy its benefits. It’s a great essential oil to have whenever you need it.