Have you ever looked at the various types of "mint" tea and wondered why there were so many varieties? Spearmint and peppermint are the most commonly seen herbs, but there are other relatives in the Mentha genus mint family.
Still, mint is mint, right?
Well, not really. There's a difference, and when it comes to things like flavor and health benefits in your tea, it's crucial to differentiate spearmint from peppermint. In this blog, we'll break down the two varieties to help you understand what you're getting — beyond the flavor profile — with each type of mint.
What is Spearmint Tea?
Spearmint comes from the plant Mentha spicata. The herb gets its name from its leaves, which are spear-shaped. Before it was a favorite ingredient in tea, spearmint's mild, sweet flavor made it a household name in cooking recipes, toothpaste, and gum.
Fresh spearmint leaves are used to make a loose-leaf herbal tea without any extra processing or enhancements. Its minty pop has a milder taste compared to its peppermint sibling, so it gives you a subtle, smooth finish that still leaves you with fresh breath.
What is Peppermint Tea?
Looking to intrigue someone with your random tea knowledge? Here's a trivia tidbit for you: the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita) doesn't come about naturally. It's actually a hybrid of the spearmint and water mint plants that blend to form the peppermint leaf most people love to taste in candy canes, gum, and breath mints.
As a loose-leaf tea, the minty taste you get is bold and refreshing. The menthol kick is a sensory wake-up without caffeine, and the intense flavor profile is strong enough to stand on its own, making it a common ingredient in other black, green, and herbal teas.
Flavor Characteristics of Each
Peppermint and spearmint have clashing flavor characteristics that make one a clear winner over the other if you have specific taste needs. For bold, intense foods and beverages with a cooling sensation to finish it off, peppermint is the obvious choice. They're sweet and tasty, but they have more menthol, giving them a spicy touch.
For a more subtle menthol hit and a sweeter flavor, spearmint reigns supreme. Fresh, slightly minty, and leaving behind a distinct herb taste, spearmint is a favorite ingredient in recipes needing a subtle, refreshing, and pleasing menthol profile.
Spearmint vs Peppermint: Do They Have the Same Benefits?
Aside from coming from the same original plant family, spearmint and peppermint have other similarities. Still, they're mostly characterized by the distinct flavor and aroma differences. However, when you're choosing between the two for the menthol benefits, is there really a difference between peppermint and spearmint? Let's compare the two here.
|
Benefit |
Spearmint Tea |
Peppermint Tea |
|
Digestion |
Helps soothe mild indigestion and bloating |
Relieves gas, bloating, cramps, and supports overall digestive comfort |
|
Hormonal Balance |
May help reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalance (linked to PCOS studies) |
Not known for hormone-regulating effects |
|
Stress and Relaxation |
Calming effect on the nervous system |
Relaxing and can reduce tension headaches due to menthol |
|
Respiratory Relief |
Gentle clearing effect; less menthol than peppermint |
High menthol content may ease nasal congestion and sinus discomfort |
|
Antioxidant Properties |
Contains polyphenols that protect cells |
Rich in antioxidants that support immune function |
|
Anti-Inflammatory |
May reduce mild inflammation in tissues |
Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the gut |
|
Common Uses |
Added to meals and drinks, blended into teas, or used in oils for light aromatherapy and allergy relief |
Popular in teas, oils, and recipes for flavour, congestion, headaches, or to freshen the home |
Digestive Health Benefits
For those with stomach issues, spearmint is a great ingredient that helps relieve indigestion and soothe an upset stomach. Because it relaxes your digestive system, bloating, gas, nausea, and other stomach woes are a thing of the past. Spearmint can also help you break down food better.
Peppermint tea works in a similar way, with a stronger cooling effect thanks to its higher menthol content. It helps ease gas, cramping, and general digestive discomfort while leaving you feeling refreshed. Peppermint oil has even been studied for its ability to alleviate symptoms of IBS, though tea offers a gentler version of the same support.
However, those with GERD should avoid peppermint products, as they can make acid reflux and indigestion worse.
Peppermint Tea and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Among herbal teas, peppermint stands out for IBS relief. Its menthol helps relax the muscles of the intestines, easing cramps, bloating, and gas. While spearmint offers gentler digestive comfort, peppermint tea is the one most often suggested to reduce IBS symptoms naturally.
Hormonal Imbalance
When it comes to hormones, spearmint is the star of the show. Studies link it to reduced symptoms of PCOS, especially helping with excessive hair growth, by lowering testosterone and influencing follicle-stimulating hormones while boosting luteinizing hormone.
Peppermint doesn’t carry the same research for hormone balance, but it can still play a supportive role. Its refreshing compounds may help reduce food cravings, and spearmint extract is sometimes explored as a natural way to balance hormones.
Respiratory Relief
Mint teas have long been a go-to for breathing comfort. Peppermint, with its higher menthol content, is especially effective at soothing the airways, easing congestion, and calming coughs. It’s often recommended when you’re feeling stuffed up or struggling with sinus pressure.
Spearmint is gentler but still provides light relief, making it a good choice for those who find peppermint too strong. It can help open the chest and refresh the senses without the intense cooling effect of peppermint.
Both peppermint and spearmint teas are often used alongside peppermint oil inhalations for sinus infections, since menthol helps open airways.
Stress Relief
Want less stress? Try a little mint in your tea.
Peppermint loose-leaf tea can soothe away your worries, calming anxiety and fostering relaxation while also invigorating your mind. The mentha spicata plant is linked to headache relief, too. Blended with a touch of dark chocolate for its flavonoids, this soothing drink not only tastes good but also carries compounds linked to lowering the risk of heart disease.
If the cooling sensation of mint isn't your favorite thing, spearmint offers similar benefits to peppermint but without the strong menthol kick. Spearmint provides a natural relaxing effect and can lower blood pressure through antioxidants and menthol. You'll get a refreshing boost of mental clarity to get you through your day and past the stresses weighing you down.
Antioxidant Properties
Both peppermint and spearmint are rich in antioxidants that defend the body against free radicals. Spearmint is packed with polyphenols, which help protect cells and support overall health. Peppermint also contains antioxidants like vitamin C and rosmarinic acid, which may strengthen immune defences and reduce oxidative stress.
Regularly sipping these teas can contribute to skin health, energy, and long-term well-being by supporting the body’s natural protection systems.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Mint plants are known for calming inflammation, though each has its own strengths. Spearmint can reduce mild tissue inflammation and soothe irritation, making it a gentle choice for everyday use. Peppermint has stronger anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the digestive tract, where it may ease cramps, spasms, and general discomfort.
For those dealing with bloating, muscle tension, or even joint pain or stiffness, mint tea offers a natural way to bring comfort without harsh side effects.
Common Uses for Spearmint and Peppermint
Spearmint and peppermint are everyday staples that go far beyond tea. People often use them as essential oils for sinus relief and headaches, to add flavour to meals and drinks, including savory dishes where their sweetness can brighten heavier flavours. Both also blend easily with herbs and spices — pair them with turmeric for joint comfort or eucalyptus for a soothing, aromatic drink.
Dried spearmint leaf for sale online is often added to savory dishes, herbal blends, or used on its own for a refreshing cup of tea.
Peppermint and Spearmint: A Natural Way to Support Health
Spearmint and peppermint leaves are both healthy, tasty, and leave you with that icy menthol finish. Whether you choose peppermint for its bold menthol or spearmint for its sweeter touch, finding spearmint leaf for sale is easy if you’d like to enjoy its benefits at home.
Choosing between the two often comes down to how you'll use them. With so many amazing loose-leaf tea blends, like Nelson's Tea Watermelon Mint Tea and Peppermint White Chocolate, narrowing down your favorite will be challenging, but what a fun experiment to dive into!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
