Deep Dive into Spearmint Hydrolat Composition and Therapeutic Actions
NOTE: This is an excerpt from my Spearmint Hydrolat Monograph. The full monograph includes harvesting recommendations, ratios, distillation parameters, and more.
Spearmint Hydrolat in Aromatherapy Literature
Spearmint essential oil (Mentha spicata) is comprehensively described in aromatherapy books, but there is minimal data on its hydrolat (hydrosol). This is really surprising considering its pleasant aroma and commercial availability.
But L. Price and Sh. Price do not disappoint. In their book “Understanding Hydrolats,” they attribute spearmint hydrolat (Mentha spicata) with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, carminative, and soothing properties, also suggesting its tonic effects on the skin. (5).
Thankfully, the search in the online databases provided more information about this wonderfully aromatic water.
Scientific Research Data
Fatemeh Ghavidel et al. (2018) found that Mentha spi
cata hydrosol obtained by hydro-distillation in their laboratory demonstrated (8):
- antimicrobial activity, but 30-60 times weaker than its essential oil.
- mild antibacterial properties, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis).
- weak activity against Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) and
- weak antifungal action against Candida albicans.
GC/MS Reports – What Do They Tell Us?
Can we gain insights into possible therapeutic actions by examining the spearmint hydrolat’s GC/MS reports? It turns out there are quite a few available online.
A GC/MS report lists all identified volatile compounds in an essential oil or hydrolat, along with their exact percentages. By knowing which compounds are present and in what amounts, we can link them to their known properties.
There is one important point when reading a hydrolat’s GC/MS report: hydrolat contains about 99% water and only ~0.004-0.16 % (0.04-1.6 g/L) volatile compounds. The GC/MS report reflects only this small volatile fraction, not the full volume of the hydrolat.
Of course, any plant preparation is MORE than just a mix of chemical constituents. Still, GC/MS analysis is a useful way to study the plant in depth, compare the results with traditional uses, and broaden our overall understanding.
Let’s do just that.
EUROPE. The company “Kvapų namai“ is among the rarest ones that publish GC/MS reports of the hydrolats that they sell. There are three reports of spearmint hydrolat published at the time of writing the article (7). Plants were grown and distilled in Lithuania, Northern Europe. All three samples are dominated by carvone and its derivatives at 61-83%. This suggests a pleasant and characteristic aroma of spearmint, profound antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming, and anxiolytic actions with the primary benefits to the nervous, digestive system and the skin.
The total concentration of aromatic compounds in these Lithuanian hydrolats ranged from 0,03 to 0,08 g/100 ml, with pH values between 4,17 and 6,78.
ASIA. A study from Iran (9), West Asia by Arsanjani et al. (2020) also analysed laboratory-distilled Mentha spicata hydrolat. GC/MS data showed its major constituent was (R)-(-)-carvone (52.2%), together with neo-dihydrocarveol (12.95%), indicating strong antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming, and anxiolytic potential. Additional compounds such as pulegone (17.5%), menthol (3.38%), eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) (2.67%), and piperitenone (2.25%) may contribute cooling qualities and support respiratory function.
The already mentioned 2018 study (8) found Mentha spicata (grown in Iran, West Asia) hydrolat had a slightly different composition. Piperitenone (38.27%) was its major volatile constituent, followed by pulegone (14.75%); and borneol (2,61%) of total volatile content in hydrolat. This indicates „sharper“ aroma, affinity to the respiratory system, and anti-inflammatory action. Carvone at 22.07% gives a characteristic spearmint aroma and antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming, and anxiolytic potential.
Both Asian spearmint hydrolat samples may have better insect repellent action due to higher 1,8-cineol and pulegone content compared to the European ones.
It is worth mentioning that pulegone poses some safety concerns when present in high quantities in essential oils, but this does not apply to hydrolats. The concentration of volatile components is too low to be hazardous.
AFRICA. Nadia Zekri et al (2014) (6) researched the difference in composition of essential oils and hydrolats obtained from three varieties of mints grown in Morocco (North Africa). Mentha spicata hydrolat had 1,8-cineol (22,85%) as the major component, followed by camphor (13,53%), while both of them were absent from the essential oil. Carvone was at only 0,24% in hydrosol, while it was the major component in EO. The composition revealed that the chemical profile of essential oil and hydrolat was quite different. But only 58% of hydrolat compounds were identified, while 42% remained unknown.
In any way, hydrolat from Morocco stands out among all the discussed hydrolats due to the absence of carvone and its derivatives. Those are the compounds responsible for the characteristic spearmint aroma. Instead, it is dominated by 1,8-cineole, camphor, and α-pinene. That suggests its benefits to the respiratory system and its stimulatory potential for the CNS, rather than calming effects.
Unfortunately, none of these research studies specify the total amount (g/ml or mg/l) of volatile compounds in hydrolat.
Comparative Composition of Spearmint Hydrolates and Therapeutic Actions by Country (TABLE)
(Only the top-5 compounds of each hydrolat are included in this table)
| Compound | Chemical Group | Lithuania (7) | Morocco 2014 (6) | Iran
2018 (8) |
Iran
2020 (9) |
Main Therapeutic Actions | ||
| 2021 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||
| Carvone | Monoterpene ketone | 1.02% | 78.93% | 22.07% | 52.2% | Antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming, anxiolytic, hepatoprotective (11), immunomodulator (17), wasp repellent (20) | ||
| Dihydrocarvone (cis/trans) | Monoterpene ketone | 82.62% | 1.37% | 61.44% | Derivative of carvone | |||
| Piperitone | Monoterpene ketone | 3.21% | 4.14% | 2.03% | Relieves bronchospasm and inflammation (14), antibacterial (Enterobacteriaceae family) (19) | |||
| Piperitenone | Monoterpene ketone | 38.27% | 2,25% | Anti-inflammatory and related pain-relieving actions are attributed, but the evidence is weak (21) | ||||
| Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole) | Monoterpene oxide | 5.51% | 0.54% | 22.85% | 9,69% | 2.67% | Respiratory support, anti-inflammatory, cooling, antibacterial (11), mosquito repellent (18) | |
| Linalool | Monoterpene alcohol | 0.53% | 2.45% | Sedative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anxiolytic (11) | ||||
| Pulegone | Monoterpene ketone | 14.75% | 17.5% | Antibacterial, antifungal (candida), anti-inflammatory (11), wasp repellent (20) | ||||
| Borneol | Monoterpene alcohol | 3.14% | 2.61% | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antispasmodic, sedative, wound healing (11) | ||||
| Camphor | Monoterpene ketone | 13.53% | Antibacterial, antifungal (dermatophytes), CNS stimulant, cough suppressant (11) | |||||
| Neo-Dihydrocarveol | Monoterpene alcohol | 12.95% | Derivative of carvone | |||||
| Menthol | Monoterpene alcohol | 3.38% | Cooling, analgesic, antispasmodic, antipruritic, antitussive (11) | |||||
| Caryophyllene oxide | Sesquiterpene oxide | 5.29% | Analgesic, anticancer (12) | |||||
| Cadinol (α-) | Sesquiterpene alcohol | 0.53% | 4.03% | anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory (13) | ||||
| Carvacrol | Phenolic monoterpenoid | 3.56% | Airborne antimicrobial, antioxidant, anxiolytic, neuroprotective (11) | |||||
| α-Pinene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 5.88% | Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, anxiolytic (11) | |||||
Typical main constituents of essential oil: carvone 58-72%, limonene 14-18 %, 1.8-cineole 1,4-1,6% (15,16).
Typical main constituents of hydrolat: carvone and its derivatives 22-84%, 1.8-cineole 0,5-10%, and no limonene or only trace amounts (eg, at 0,24%) (7,8,9).
Desired components: l-carvone and its derivatives, which are responsible for the characteristic aroma.
The most obvious difference between spearmint EO and HY is the absence of limonene in hydrolat. This comes as no surprise, as limonene is a nonpolar molecule; therefore, it is insoluble in water. While this compound shares many similar actions with the other major components, gastroprotective (15) and skin penetration enhancer (11) actions are mostly attributed to limonene. Hence, these actions may be less pronounced in hydrolat than in essential oil.
Overall, spearmint hydrolat therapeutic actions based on its composition are: antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming, and anxiolytic, with the primary benefits to the nervous, digestive system, and the skin. Also may be beneficial as an incest repellent.
Reach out to spearmint hydrolat whenever you need its cooling, calming properties with a fresh, uplifting aroma.
These findings collectively highlight that plant origin alone does not determine hydrolat chemistry. Many variables – including climate, soil conditions, cultivation techniques, harvest timing, and distillation parameters – can influence the composition of hydrolats, even when plants are grown within the same geographic region.
Suggested Practical Uses
- Spray as a facial toner or aftershave for a soothing, cooling effect.
- Combine with ghasul clay to make a gentle facial cleanser.
- Combine with white, green or other clays for a facial mask, as a wound or injury healing poultice.
- Hair rinse – for shiny and pleasantly smelling hair.
- Pour 1-2 tsp. to drinking water, tea or a mocktail for digestive support, calming, balancing the emotions or simply to enhance the flavour.
- Use in a diffuser for calming, balancing the emotions, and mental clarity.
- Try it as an aerial spray to reset the mood, promote positivity.
- Water portion in insect repellent sprays.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this publication. The use of any information provided in this document is solely at your own risk. The authors and publishers of this document are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures described hereafter.
Here is a short video from my spearmint distillation.
References
-
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spearmint
- https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/164464/42395980
- https://www.richters.com/questions-and-answers/04-20080328-1
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38007725/
- L.Price, Sh.Price. Understanding Hydrolats: the Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy. A Guide for Health Professionals. 2004.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332555161_Phytochemical_screening_and_chemical_composition_of_essential_oils_and_hydrosols_of_Mentha_species_from_Morocco
- https://aromata.lt/en/shop/1366/spearmint-hydrolat
- Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018, Vol. 4(3), pp. 161–176. Retrieves: https://tips.sums.ac.ir/article_42263_24bc07e1b7e605e86f6754d2395f154c.pdf
- https://journals.lww.com/jrps/fulltext/2020/09010/comparative_chemical_evaluation_of_commercially.8.aspx
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Reyyan-Yergin-Oezkan/publication/350804562_Effect_of_Essential_Oils_and_Hydrosols_from_Some_Selected_Lamiaceae_Species_on_Redroot_Pigweed_Amaranthus_retroflexus_L/links/60917e47458515d315f7430e/Effect-of-Essential-Oils-and-Hydrosols-from-Some-Selected-Lamiaceae-Species-on-Redroot-Pigweed-Amaranthus-retroflexus-L.pdf
- Jennifer Peace Rhind (2020). Essential Oils (Fully Revised and Updated 3rd Edition): A Comprehensive Handbook for Aromatic Therapy.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/caryophyllene-oxide
- https://www.benchchem.com/pdf/Unraveling_the_Bioactivity_of_Alpha_Cadinolpdf
- https://foodb.ca/compounds/FDB013573#biological_effects_and_interations
- S.Battaglia (2018). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. vol. I. Foundations & Materia Medica, 3rd edition, vol. I, Black Pepper Creative. Australia.
- P.Holmes (2019). Aromatica. A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, vol. I. London, UK: Singing Dragon.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/figure/10.1081/IPH-120020476?scroll=top&needAccess=true
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0030-1270723#d478454621e1923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15597306/
- https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ps.3411
- https://www.benchchem.com/pdf/Elucidation_of_Piperitenone_s_Anti_Inflammatory_Action_A_Review_of_Current_Evidence.pdf
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