Mints are part of the botanical family Lamiaceae, a family in which we also find rosemary, sage and thyme. One of the characteristics of mint is its easy hybridization. In most cases, it is enough to plant two varieties of mint together for a cross to appear.
In aromatherapy, there are two main categories of mint Essential Oils: essential oils rich in menthol such as Wild Mint ( Mentha arvensis ) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita ), and essential oil rich in carvone such as that of Spearmint ( Mentha spicata ). These two types of mint essential oils have very distinct virtues.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita )
What is she like ?
This 80 cm perennial plant is the result of a cross between two species ; Mentha Aquatica and Mentha Spicata. Characterized by green leaves with toothed edges and small white-pink flowers, peppermint multiplies thanks to the stolons which allow it to quickly invade the area where it is found. It likes cool, clayey and limestone soils in temperate zones. Be careful though, it is not uncommon for two peppermints to have very different “looks”.
Origin
Both peppermint and spearmint are native to India and specifically the province of Uttar Pradesh . It is at this place in the fertile Ganges plain that our producers harvest it in spring.
Why use peppermint?
Peppermint is an essential Essential Oil in the world of essential oils. It has great analgesic, anesthetic, tonic and stimulating properties. This essential oil is excellent in particular for relieving digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, indigestion), reduced concentration and headaches. For tone, nothing could be simpler, just apply a drop of essential oil to the forehead. In addition, it provides a very pleasant refreshing effect . However, it should be avoided in children under six years of age and in pregnant women.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
What is she like ?
Spearmint grows in humid places , it is approximately 80 cm high. Its leaves are blistered, arranged in a cross and have a more or less “curly” appearance. The edge of the leaf blade is toothed. It is on the inside of the blade that we find the hairs that secrete essential oil. The inflorescences appear in terminal spikes of purple-purple color.
Little +
Spearmint essential oil is known for its fabulous chlorophyll bubblegum smell, which is why it is nicknamed “Hollywood mint”.
Why use spearmint?
Spearmint essential oil has properties: digestive, sedative and antifungal . Refreshing, it is used for catarrhal infections of the respiratory tract, blocked noses, acute and chronic bronchitis, wounds and scars or even digestive disorders. On an emotional level, spearmint facilitates a clear mind and a feeling of calm . Studies have shown that the ketones in this essential oil have a relaxing action on the nervous system (by inhibiting certain specific molecular messengers), which helps limit states of anxiety or chronic stress. However, it should be avoided in children under six years of age and in pregnant women.
Mints with very different virtues!
As we have seen through these two descriptions of mints, these essential oils do not have the same properties and will be used for very different purposes. Peppermint is stimulating . It will promote cognitive abilities and is ideal for ensuring optimal concentration. Spearmint is sedative . It will promote calming and is ideal in cases of nervousness.
