Spearmint essential oil’s wonderfully refreshing, sweet minty aroma is due to the predominance of one molecule: r-(-)-carvone (or l-carvone), perceivable at the slightest touch of the plant. L-carvone is a benign ketone that bears no potential toxicity, hence Spearmint is often preferred over the intense menthol and menthone-containing Peppermint essential oil, which has more limited use, especially for children. However, aside from the shared minty aroma, Spearmint has some significantly different aromatherapy applications than Peppermint, so it is not always an appropriate replacement.

Cheerful Spearmint essential oil is refreshing and elevating in a diffuser, reminding one of the sweet and carefree days of youth. With a slightly warmer and more complex aroma than Peppermint, it is well suited for uplifting massage blends, belly rubs, and skin preparations. Formulators may enjoy this sweet, green top note in herbaceous blends, especially combined with Jasmine or Lavender.