Oil properties
It has a similar aroma to that of peppermint oil, but is slightly sweeter and is pale yellow to greenish in color. Spearmint oil is extracted by steam distilling the flowering tops.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of spearmint oil are a-pinene, b-pinene, carvone, 1,8-cineole, linalool, limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene and menthol (0.5% compared to the 40% in peppermint)
Precautions
It is considered a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing oil
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of spearmint oil are antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emmenagogue, insecticide, restorative and stimulant. When your mind is tired and in need of stimulating and upliftment, then spearmint oil is the one for you, and although it has very many properties in common to that of peppermint oil, it contains only small amounts of menthol and is far less harsh on the skin and ideal for use in children. It is very useful to deal with digestive problems including flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and nausea, as it relaxes the stomach muscles and also relieves hiccups.