Spearmint is a perennial plant native to Southwest Asian and Europe whose exact origins remain a mystery due to its early cultivation in History.
Belonging to the Mentha genus and considered today the oldest member of this group, its elongated pica-shaped leaves give rise to its botanical name, Mentha spicata.
The hybridization of this plant and aquatic mint results in peppermint, one of the most commercially important aromatic herbs due its high menthol concentration.
The fresh aroma of spearmint, softer and sweeter than that of peppermint, in addition to its high resistance, make this aromatic herb one of the favourites for private cultivation and culinary use, being the main element in the preparation of cocktails such as mojito. It is also widely used in Indian cuisine, where it is widely used in sauces, salads and teas…
Although it enjoys great popularity as a condiment, the uses of spearmint go much further. The properties of this plant have benefited humanity for millennia and continue to do so today through the application of its essential oil.
BRIEF HISTORY OF SPEARMINT
Considered the oldest of mints, spearmint has been used for centuries for its digestive benefits. Already in ancient Babylon (1800 BC), written records related this plant to the treatment for several digestive disturbances.
Currently, many researchers support that laevo-carvone, which is naturally present in this aromatic herb, inhibits muscular contractions in the intestinal tract, which could provide a scientific basis for the use that was given to its aromatic herb in the past.
In ancient Greece, spearmint was used for all kinds of applications. It was spread on the floor of houses to refresh the atmosphere with its aroma and to welcome visitors, it aromatised the water in baths and several medicinal properties were attributed to it.
The importance of mints for the Greek was such that they even incorporated a particular version of the origin of this plant into their mythology. it was even incorporated to their mythology.
In it, Hades, the God of the Underworld, falls in love at first sight with the enormously beautiful nymph Minthe. Persephone, Hades’ wife, noticing his interest in the nymph and triggered by jealousy, punishes her by turning her into mint.
If we move forward in time to the Middle Ages, we can find the first documented uses of spearmint as mouthwash. Gilbertus Anglicus, a 13th-century physician, recommended mixing spearmint leaves with wine or even chewing them directly in his Compendium medicinae.
CURRENT USES OF SPEARMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
Obtained from the distillation of its leaves and stems, spearmint essential oil is massively used in sectors such as pharmaceutical and food.
It is among the most used flavourings in chewing gums and it enjoys great popularity in mouthwashes and toothpastes thanks to its fresh and pleasant taste.
It is also used as an aromatising agent in personal care products such as soaps, shampoos and perfumes that seek to surprise with their freshness.
At Destilerías Muñoz Gálvez, we have been working with 100% natural essential oils for longer than 80 years. Thanks to this, we have the necessary expertise to create customised aromatic compositions capable of exceeding the expectations of our customers.
Do you want a fragrance for your product that provides sensations of purity and sweetness characteristic of spearmint essential oil? Contact us using the information available on our contact page.
