COMMON NAME: Spearmint, Common Spearmint, Garden Spearmint, Green Mint, Lamb Mint

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Mentha spicata

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Mediterranean

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: USA, Asia, Britain

HISTORY INFORMATION: The spiked leaves give the plant its name. Spearmint has been used for centuries. The Romans introduced it to Britain where some of the finest mint grows. Mint was used at festive occasions, to scent bath water, and to congratulate triumphant gladiators. In the Middle Ages, it was used to whiten teeth, heal animal and insect bites, prevent milk from curdling, heal mouth sores, and repel rats and mice. It is also used to overcome sexual frigidity in humans as well as animals. In magic, it was used to protect the sleeper.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Spearmint is often rectified or changed. Terpenes can be removed from the oil by redistilling it and this increases the minty scent. Therefore, the oil is called first distillation, second distillation, terpenless, etc. Here your sense of smell can deceive you if you are looking for a whole, untampered oil because the best smelling oils are rectified. There are few native mints to the USA: wild mint (Mentha canadenis) and American pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides). An essential oil was being made from this later plant, but it is now protected and the license to grow it makes it prohibitive. Spearmint and peppermint have naturalized here so well that the USA is the primary supplier of these mints. There are several other species: North African sweetmint (Mentha viridis), Scotch or red mint (M. gracillis), and Russian spearmint (M. verticellata).

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A perennial herb growing to 3ft high with green, lanced-shaped leaves producing lilac flowers in slender spikes.

PARTS PROCESSED: Flowering tops

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled

COLOR RANGE: Light yellow-green

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Ketone. 70% l-carvone,dihydrocarvone,phellandrene,limonene,menthone,menthol,pulegone,cineol

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, antidepressant, antigalactagogue, antipruritic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aperitive, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, decongestant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, insecticide, nervine, refreshing, refrigerant, restorative, reviving, stimulant, stomachic, tonic. Used for acne, dermatitis, congested skin, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, disorders, nausea, vomiting, colds, fever, flu, fatigue, headache, migraine, nervous tension, stress. Used to cool, improve digestion, increase appetite, relieve flatulence, freshen breath and intestines, stimulate and strengthen the nerves, open sinus and breathing passages, uplift moods, refresh, revive, stimulate metabolism, increase physical strength and endurance, improve mental clarity, sharpen memory and the senses, relieve aches, pain, and inflammation.

MENTAL USES: I find inspiration and upliftment in my life. My soul and I are one. My soul is in communication with me.

EMOTIONAL USES: Depressed, frustrated, edgy, extremist TO uplifted, inspired, soothed, calm, balanced.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you are not taking enough time to meditate or be with your spiritual center. It is important to find times of silence or just getting away from the world. Turn off the TV or any other technology that makes noise. Go outside and listen to nature. Spearmint aligns the physical with the soul opening to soul messages. Do not use unless you set up a sacred space as spearmint can eject negative forms from the energy field. A sacred space is created by intention. Be clear about what you want to happen - this is your intention. Then secure your boundaries by declaring you want only that which is for the best and highest good for all involved. Call forth the energies, Christ, your angels, guides, higher self, etc. to be present. Ask them to come and be with you and support the healing. Declare your appreciation and gratitude for their presence. Light a candle. When you feel the space is ready, begin your work with the oils.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candle, mist spray, steam inhalation.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic.