Spearmint - Mentha Spicata

Thank you for all your emails and calls - several of you have asked for information about more unusual oils - my choice this week is Spearmint.


I love the cool icy aura of spearmint and its clean but complex scent. I see it as a “softer” alternative to peppermint. Peppermint to me is strong masculine oil whereas spearmint has more of an affinity for the female psyche. On a practical level peppermint can be difficult to use in a massage blend or a blend for the burner because its menthol notes and pungency can easily overpower the other ingredients.


The clean and gently uplifting character of spearmint offers a more sophisticated and subtle alternative. I also find that, whereas peppermint, can occasionally over stimulate the mind of someone who is overstressed and perhaps agitated. Spearmint can offer that mental boost without aggravating any mental hyperactivity. As well as being an oil, which “lifts” the spirits and improves focus I also use it to counteract physical fatigue particularly where it is caused by mental stress. I feel that mint is a natural choice where there is any physcological pressure, partly because the name mint is derived from the Latin word "Mente" meaning “ thought” because the Romans used it as a tonic for the brain.

Julies Professional Tip

Use spearmint in equal proportions with a really good citrus oil (lime is my favourite) and just add the tiniest whisper of frankincense for depth and to “ground” the blend.