It’s found in chewing gum, candies, tea, cosmetics and mouthwashes. With its cool, clean aroma, Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a lot like peppermint, but with a milder, sweeter flavor since it contains less menthol. So what’s with this multi-purpose herb? Read on to learn more.

In this Healthy Insight:

• What It Is
• Ideal For
• What Is in It?
• What Essential Oils Blend Well With Spearmint?
• Recipes Using Spearmint Essential Oil
• Fun Facts About Spearmint
• What’s the Difference Between Peppermint and Spearmint?

What It Is:

A type of mint native to Europe and parts of Asia used for flavoring, scent and herbal remedies. It’s grown for its leaves and essential oils.

Ideal For:

Freshening breath, spearmint tea, soothing sore muscles, clearing sinuses, promoting relaxation, enhancing mood, and bringing mental clarity.

What Is in It?

Spearmint contains naturally occurring trace amounts of manganese, copper, potassium, Vitamin C, B6 and more.

What Essential Oils Blend Well With Spearmint?

Basil, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, pine, rosemary and tea tree oil.

Recipes Using Spearmint Essential Oil:

Relaxation: If you’re feeling down in the dumps, a spearmint blend can lift your spirits, ease tension and energize.  Try this recipe in your diffuser next time life throws you a curve ball.  

• 2 drops Spearmint oil
• 2 drops Eucalyptus oil
• 3 drops Frankincense oil

Spring Refresh: New season, new attitude. When added to your diffuser, this springtime blend rejuvenates your soul.

• 3 drops Grapefruit oil
• 3 drops Lemon oil
• 1 drop Spearmint

Sinus Blend: Breathe easy with this cleansing blend. Add to boiling water, gently inhale steam. Keep your eyes closed.

• 2 drops Eucalyptus oil
• 2 drops Spearmint oil
• 2 drops Tea Tree oil

Inspiration: Feeling blah? Not sure what to do with yourself? Get inspired by blending this in your diffuser.

• 1 drop Frankincense oil
• 4 drops Grapefruit oil
• 3 drops Rosemary oil
• 2 drops Spearmint oil

Peace & Quiet: Enjoy the pure silence with this perfect meditation blend.

• 3 drops Lavender oil
• 3 drops Neroli oil
• 2 drops Spearmint oil

I’m Burned Out! Sharpen your senses and refresh your spirit.

• 2 drops Grapefruit oil
• 2 drops Lavender oil
• 2 drops Spearmint oil
• 2 drops Rosemary oil

Wake Up Blend: Use in the morning or anytime you feel your energy sagging.

• 1 drop Rosemary oil
• 2 drops Lemon oil
• 1 drop Spearmint oil

17 Fun Facts About Spearmint:

• Mint has been found in Egyptian tombs from as far back as 1000 BC.
• Spearmint gets its name from its spear-shaped leaves.
• Early Romans believed eating mint would make you smarter. They also believed the aroma of mint would stop a person from losing their temper, so they carried sprigs with them just in case!
• Ancient Greeks and Romans used mint for baths.
• Mint gets its name from Menthe a Greek mythical character.
• There are over 20 varieties of mint.
• The term “mint” is a general term for the Mentha plant family that includes spearmint, peppermint, orange mint, and more.
• In Mexico, mint is called Yerba Bueno, meaning good herb.
• The United States produces 70% of the world’s peppermint and spearmint.
• For thousands of years mint has symbolized hospitality. The Greeks rubbed it on tables to welcome visitors and in the Middle East, mint tea is offered to guests upon arrival.
• Mint grows best in wet, moist soils.
• The Romans brought mint and mint sauce to England.
• The pilgrims brought mint on the Mayflower.
• Ancient Hebrews scattered mint on the synagogue floors so each footstep would stir its fragrance.

What’s the Difference Between Peppermint and Spearmint?