Flowering spearmint – Mentha spicata
Ah beautiful spearmint! It always comes off second best compared to peppermint, but it has a wonderfully sweet and soft nature. It is part of the very big Lamiacae family (which is actually called the Mint Family). This family of plants contains all the herbs; lavender, marjoram, thyme, oregano, patchouli, peppermint sage, clary sage, melissa and many more. This family contains many plants that have been used in healing for thousands of years and became popular again in medieval times.
I was first introduced to spearmint as a kid. With this
The classic Wrigley’s Spearmint sticks
Not only was the flavour amazing but this gum came in sticks, not pellets. I thought this was the best thing ever, and can still feel the cool flat, slightly powdery finish on the gum.
But I digress.
Back to the plant and oil.
If you think that spearmint and peppermint have similar qualities you’d be right. Spearmint just has a more friendly scent as it’s milder and appeals to kids too. Peppermint can be a bit spicy for some people, so that’s where spearmint is great. So how can you use it in aromatherapy recipes?
Just use any mist bottle you can find it doesn’t have to be glamourous to get the job done
1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist
In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil
(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol -like vodka- at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t – very annoying!)
“Happy Kids Happy Life”
Spritz around the little ones to lighten up the vibe –
Spearmint 10 drops
Orange 10 drops
Geranium 5 drops
“I Think I Ate Too Much”
Spearmint 8 drops
Lemon 12 drops
Lime 5 drops
“Light and Happy”
Refresh your aura –
Spearmint 8 drops
Bergamot 8 drops
Rosewood 5 drops
Frankincense 4 drops
“New Workspace Energy”
Change the feeling in your creative space for the better –
Spearmint 6 drops
Mandarin 12 drops
Lavender 5 drops
Patchouli 2 drops
Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends
2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume
In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!
“Faeries Live in My Garden”
Spearmint 1 drop
Roman chamomile 3% 3 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba
“The Only Way is Up”
You CAN be a positive about the future –
Spearmint 1 drop
Lemongrass 1 drop
Rose Geranium 1 drop
“Today WILL be Easy!”
Spearmint 1 drop
Neroli 3% 3 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba
Add essential oils to keep your hair in great condition
3. Hair Mask
Warm 3 teaspoons of oil (either olive or jojoba) and add 7 to 8 drops of essential oil. Massage into your hair from the ends up. Wrap your hair in a towel (or some plastic wrap then a towel). Leave for 1 hour, or overnight, then wash and condition as usual. This is the same ratio for a body oil blend and for more info see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”.
Spearmint 2 drops
Lavender 4 drops
Rosemary 1 drop
A bath can be so luxurious! pic via http://www.housetohome.co.uk
4. Soak in a bath
I don’t often recommend adding too many essential oils to a bath as they are difficult to disperse and can cause minor skin irritations when combined with the heat of the water. If you do like to use them in a bath, try 4 -6 drops in total and add the drops to another medium like sea salt, coconut milk, other milks or a water dispersible agent.
“Evening Treat”
Spearmint 2 drops
Ylang Ylang 2 drops
“Morning Zinger”
Spearmint 2 drops
Juniper 1 drop
Cypress 1 drop
Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.
suzannerbanks 