Spearmint is another essential oil we tend to use quite a bit here at Vintage Body Spa. Sweeter smelling and less overwhelming than peppermint oil, it’s a good choice when you want mint without the menthol tones. Spearmint oil also blends well with many other essential oils, as evidenced by our products containing a variety of blends (listed below).

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Latin Name: Mentha Spicata

Description: Spearmint is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region that grows approximately three feet high. The leaves are bright green, are sharply serrated and have pink or light purple colored flowers. The oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the herb.

Countries of origin: Although native to the Mediterranean region, it is now common throughout Europe, western Asia and the Middle East. The oil is produced in Europe (Hungary, Spain, and Russia), China and America (Midwest).

Scent: Spearmint has a fresh, minty, aroma.

Properties: Refreshing and comforting, Spearmint oil has been used to promote relaxation and relieve mental fatigue. The oil is also slightly antiseptic. Spearmint oil has also been used for respiratory issues as well as for the digestive system.

Precautions: Spearmint oil is non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating.

Vintage Body Spa products containing Spearmint Oil: Salt Soak in Eucalyptus Spearmint, Daily Moisturizing Lotion in Eucalyptus Spearmint or Mojito (Spearmint & Lime essential oil blend), Butter Bar in Double Mint and Mojito Soap.

What is your favorite use for spearmint oil? What other essential oils do you like to blend with spearmint oil?

I am often asked which Vintage Body Spa products are vegan, so I thought it’d be good to keep a running list here, and update it as new vegan products are added to the line. For those that don’t know, vegan products are made without any animal byproducts (beeswax, honey, milk, etc).

For our vegan customers, rest assured that all vegan products are made on separate equipment, so they do not come into contact with animal byproducts during the course of manufacturing.

Current vegan products include:
* African Black Soap
* Body Polish
* Butter Beans
* Handmade Soap
* Massage Oil
* Rhassoul Clay
* Salt Soak
* Shea Butter Lotion
*Vegan Butter Bar
* Whipped Sugar Scrub

Upcoming vegan products include more handmade soap, vegan lip balm, facial care line and mom/baby product line. Be sure to register for our newsletter here to be the first to know when new products are released! If you’d like another vegan product that you don’t see here, please leave a comment below or contact us and we’ll consider your request.

One of the latest Vintage Body Spa releases is our Salt Soak. I’m sure you’ve heard of bath salts before, but do you know why they’re so good for you, and a great spa product to pamper yourself with?

Dead Sea Salts have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic effects. But why is salt from the Dead Sea so special? The Dead Sea contains ten times the salt content of other sea water. Further, it is a more complex mineral composition. Most salt in normal ocean water is over 90% sodium chloride, compared to about 15% in Dead Sea Salt. The remainder is made up of a rich blend of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride and bromide. These minerals have been shown to increase circulation, prevent fluid retention, and relax muscles.

We’ve added additional ingredients to provide further benefits as well. Epsom salts are high in magnesium and sulfate, and are considered to be a natural stress reliever, as they draw toxins from the body, reduce swelling and relax muscles. Baking soda softens, soothes and gently exfoliates skin. Finally, grapeseed oil is a fantastic lightweight, non-greasy oil that will leave your skin smooth and moisturized.

Simply pour 1/4 cup into warm, running bath water and soak in the tub for 20 minutes. You’ll emerge refreshed with silky smooth skin as well. Our salt soaks also make a perfect first step to a pedicure.

Currently available in 12 oz containers, we’ll soon be releasing 1 pound refills packaged in biodegradeable bags – just another way we’re being gentle on the earth. The first scent to be released was Citrus Blast, perfect for summertime fun or year round for a energizing, revitalizing pick-me-up. It’s an invigorating blend of Litsea Cubeba (May Chang), Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Grapefruit and Peppermint esential oils. This blend wakes me up in the morning and kick-starts my day.

Stay tuned, for we’ll be launching even more essential oil blends in the coming weeks for you to enjoy. Which scents would you most like to see in our salt soaks?