SPEARMINT

Latin name: Mentha spicata
Country of origin: USA
Part of the plant: Flowering tops (fresh)
Obtained by: Steam distilled
Main biochemical components*: Carvone, limonene, trans-carvylacetate
Properties: Antispasmodic, antiseptic, stimulant, analgesic, insecticide, uplifting.

Why Use

Physical uses: Respiratory congestion, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds, flu, fevers, infections, muscle aches, muscle spasms, stiff joints, indigestion, nausea, headaches, menstrual cramps.

Skin care uses: Oily skin, blemishes, congested skin, minor skin infections, body odor, itching, small wounds.

Psychological uses: Mental fatigue, mild depression.

Subtle uses: Energizes, uplifts, and rejuvenates.

Notes: Use Spearmint in a 1-5% dilution. Avoid during pregnancy and nursing.

How You Can Use

After Shower: After showering, while your skin is still wet, put 1-3 drops of essential oil in the palm of one of your hands and rub your hands together. Quickly and evenly spread the essential oil over your legs, arms, and torso. Avoid sensitive skin areas. For maximum skin hydration and to seal in moisture, apply cream, lotion, or body oil directly to damp skin.

Bath, Foot: Mix 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes. Breathe in the aroma and massage your feet.

Chest Rub: Mix 5-15 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion, apply to your upper chest and upper back.

Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring and apply to the area in need for approximately 1-5 minutes. Dip, wring and apply 3 more times.

Diffusion: Follow the diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with a therapeutic aroma.
Easy alternatives when you don’t have a diffuser:
Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on several cotton balls or tissues; place nearby or tuck into the grate of fan or air vent in your home or car.

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again.
(Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

Inhalation, Hot Water: Add 1-2 drops of essential oil to a small bowl of hot water. Keeping your eyes tightly closed, lean over the bowl and breathe in deeply yet gently, pause then exhale. Continue for 30 seconds. Inhale through your nose for respiratory or sinus conditions and through your mouth for throat issues or coughs. Repeat as desired.

Massage: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

Room Mist: Mix 30-60 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

Skin Mist: Mix 10-40 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

Spot Application: Mix 1-4 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera and apply to the area in need.